ABSTRACT
Objectives: This study intended to assess the level of awareness and attitude toward otitis externa (OE) and specific limitations that counter the attempts to uplift the understanding and notion related to OE among the general population of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study using a questionnaire was done via Google Forms between May 2023 and July 2023. The scoring method was used to determine the participant's awareness or attitude; participants who scored >50% were considered aware or to have a good attitude. Results: Approximately 52.2% had a good attitude toward the OE, and majority were willing to visit healthcare professionals (81%) to provide care and receive proper education during office visits (80.1%). Of all the participants, 69%, 33.4%, and 30.8% suggested that a lack of awareness, cost, and health insurance, respectively, might prevent patients from seeking a healthcare professional. Only 10.9% of participants demonstrated good awareness (score >13) of outer ear inflammation. Conclusion: The findings indicate a poor level of awareness regarding OE, and a positive attitude toward seeking healthcare, with the majority recommending professional visits and relying on healthcare professionals for information.
ABSTRACT
Burn prevention programs can effectively reduce morbidity and mortality rates. In this article, we present the findings of our investigation of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Saudi Arabian population regarding electrical burns. Our study was a cross-sectional online survey that used a five-part questionnaire to assess the participant's demographic information, knowledge of electrical burns, attitudes toward electrical injuries, and practices related to electrical burns and their prevention. Overall, 2314 individuals responded to the survey (males: 41.2%; females: 58.8%). A total of 839 participants (36%) had a personal or family history of electrical burns. Approximately ≥90% of the responses to questions on electrical burn-related knowledge were correct; relatively less responses to questions on the extent of tissue damage from electrical burns and arcs were correct (74% and 29%, respectively). Only 54% of the respondents knew that applying first aid to the burn-affected areas at home could lead to a better outcome; 27% and 19% did not know the correct answer and thought that this would not lead to a better outcome, respectively. The most common source of information was school or college (38.9%), followed by social media (20.8%) and internet websites (16.3%). Enhancing community awareness and practices related to electrical burns is a cost-effective and straightforward strategy to prevent the morbidity and mortality associated with electrical injuries.
