Objective: This study aimed to assess public knowledge of burn injuries and first aid in Saudi Arabia, identifying misconceptions, and examined factors associated with knowledge levels.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted across all regions of Saudi Arabia from March to December 2024. A validated, pretested questionnaire was distributed online. The survey collected demographic data and assessed participants’ knowledge of burn classification and first aid practices.
Results: A total of 960 participants were included, with slightly more women (51.5%) than men. Fewer than half (47.6%) had received prior burn first aid information, mainly from social media (37.3%). Only 34.1% correctly identified the three layers of human skin. Misconceptions regarding burn severity and first aid were common. Age, education, region, and prior first aid information were significantly associated with higher knowledge (p-value < 0.05), while gender, work status, income, and marital status were not.
Conclusion: Public knowledge of burns and first aid in Saudi Arabia was low, with common misconceptions and reliance on ineffective practices. Targeted educational initiatives, particularly through digital platforms, are needed to improve awareness and promote evidence-based first-aid practices, enhancing burn management and patient outcomes.
Key words: Burn injuries, first aid knowledge, public awareness, Saudi Arabia, emergency care
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