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Factors Associated with Mothers’ Knowledge and Practices Regarding First Aid for Burns in Children Aged 0–6 Years
Nesrullah Ayşin1, Yusuf Dilbilir2, Gizem Gizli Tan3, Necmi Türkmen4, Veysel Can5, Mehmet Bulduk5, Jiyan Tan Ayşin6, Samet Koltaş11Hakkari University, School Of Health Services, Department Of Medical Services And Techniques, Emergency Medical Services Program, 65030, Hakkari, Turkey2Hakkari University, School Of Health Services, Department Of Medical Services And Techniques, Environmental Health Program, 65030, Hakkari, Turkey
3Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Faculty Of Medicine, Department Of Emergency Medicine, 65090 Tusba, Van, Turkey
4Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van School Of Health Services, Department Of Medical Services And Techniques, Van, Türkiye,
5Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Faculty Of Health Sciences, Department Of Child Health And Disease Nursing, Van, Türkiye
6Sbu. Van Education And Research Hospital, Department Of Obstetrics And Gynecology Van, Türkiye
INTRODUCTION: Burn injuries in early childhood remain a significant public health concern, and appropriate first aid by caregivers is crucial in reducing complications. This study aimed to determine mothers’ knowledge and practices regarding burn first aid and to identify associated factors.
METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2024 and January 2025 with 320 mothers of children aged 0–6 years attending outpatient clinics. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a Demographic Information Form and a researcher-developed Burn First Aid Knowledge and Practices Assessment Form. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for analysis.
RESULTS: The mean age of mothers was 30.61±6.50 years. Of the participants, 42.2% reported a previous burn incident in their child, most commonly among children aged 0–3 years (66.7%) and males (59.3%). Scald burns were the most frequent type (58.7%). The majority of mothers (83.8%) had not received prior first aid training, although 85.9% expressed willingness to receive it. Most mothers (88.4%) considered their knowledge insufficient, and 92.2% wanted further education. Both appropriate and harmful traditional practices were reported. Educational level and employment status were significantly associated with perceived adequacy of burn first aid knowledge (p<0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Mothers’ knowledge and practices regarding burn first aid were inadequate, despite a high willingness to learn. Targeted, community-based educational interventions led by nurses are essential to improve caregivers’ competencies and reduce harmful practices.
Keywords: Burn, Child, First Aid, Nurse, Traditional Practices
Manuscript Language: English