Family awareness regarding the first aid measures for snake bites and scorpion stings in El-Minia governorate

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to assess family awareness about the signs and symptoms of snake bites and scorpion stings also identify the first aid measures used in treatment. It was carried out in three districts of El- Minia Governorate and one village from each of the three districts. For El- Minia district, the city El- Minia and Zouhra village. From Maghagha district. Maghagha city and El-Abbasya. For Deirmawas district, the city of Deirmawas and Tanouf village. The study subjects were the family head, male or female. From families residing in the previous mentioned settings their total number was 594 [male and females]. A structured interview sheet was developed to collect the data needed for the study. It contained socio-demographic data as residence, age, sex, level of education, occupation, income, housing condition as building material, floor, waste disposal, and crowding index. The sheet covered knowledge about signs and symptoms. Also the sheet covered the family actions in dealing with snakebites and scorpion stings, and the first aid measured used. Data was collected during the period from the beginning of March 2007 to the end of December 2007. The study revealed that [69.9%] were males, [50.9%] had urban residence while [85.9%] of houses were building concrete. The study illustrates that [59.8%] of the respondents had satisfactory knowledge about scorpion sting signs. While [42.4%] had satisfactory knowledge about snake bites signs. Also the result shows that [96.3%] seek health care settings services. As for the first aid measures used, [41.4%] did not know about any type of it. The most common first aid measure used was tying the location [25.9%]. The use of herbal treatments was minimal. The study recommended that health education for the public about [prevention, signs, symptoms, first aid and action] for snake and scorpion poisoning through pamphlets, posters, communication media such as radio, TV. Newspapers, magazines and others. Training programs for physicians and nurses in primary healthcare centers and rural health units for treatment, prevention of snake bite and scorpion stings to reduce their dangers