Public Attitude and Knowledge in the Makkah Region Regarding Providing First Aid before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic

Aims: To evaluate attitude toward and knowledge of first aid of the public in Makkah region, Saudi Arabia, considering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on changing perceptions.

Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine, between June 2020 and November 2021.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study targeted the whole accessible population in Makkah region. All those aged 18 or older living in the region were invited to participate in the survey. Data collection was through an online pre-structured questionnaire from July 15th to August 12th, 2021. It covered sociodemographic data, knowledge, and attitude regarding first aid, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results: A total of 1,368 participants met the inclusion criteria. Ages ranged from 18 to 70 years. A total of 1,132 (82.7%) participants had poor knowledge, and 1,028 (75.1%) reported they would help in providing first aid.

Conclusion: Despite high motivation and readiness to attain knowledge of first aid, public knowledge was very low. Attitudes were very good, but practice was restricted by some barriers.