Assessment of Preparedness for Sport Injuries by Primary School Teachers: A Nation-Wide Survey in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess the level of readiness among primary school teachers to handle sports injuries in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A structured questionnaire was applied to collect information on teachers, training, knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers in managing common sports injuries. Descriptive analysis was performed for demographics and baseline information. Pearson's Chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test were used to assess the determinants of first-aid attitude. Multiple logistic regression was also used to evaluate the determinants of first-aid knowledge.

Results: A total number of 535 teachers participated in this study. Most teachers (64.3%) reported an occurrence of sports injury once per month. Only 373 (67.72%) perceived the first aid kit to be readily accessible. The majority (95.89%) of teachers reported familiarity with conducting first aid and 87.38% expressed interest and willingness to learn. Social media was the primary resource of first aid knowledge (57.94%). Logistic regression showed that male sex (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.95; p-value = 0.036) and experiencing sports injuries once per month (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.84; p-value = 0.024) were associated with negative attitude toward first aid. However, having 10-20 years of experience (OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.09, 5.62; p-value = 0.031) or more than 20 years of experience was associated with more positive attitude toward first aid (OR: 6.47, 95% CI: 2.18, 19.8; p-value ≤ 0.001). Furthermore, accessing first aid information from digital media and healthcare professionals compared to books was significantly associated with increased knowledge about first aid. Easy accessibility to first aid was also significantly associated with increased knowledge about first aid.

Conclusion: While many teachers feel prepared, the primary source of their first aid knowledge is unattributed social media content rather than certified training. Certified first aid training programs are needed to help in ensuring the quality emergency management of sports injuries.

Keywords: first aid; injury prevention; knowledge; school; trauma.