A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMMON FIRST AID MANAGEMENT TRAINING PROGRAM ON KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN IN SELECTED SCHOOLS OF MEERUT

Abstract

Introduction: First aid is the immediate care provided to an injured or suddenly ill person before professional medical help arrives. School children frequently encounter emergencies such as minor cuts, nose bleeding (epistaxis)and superficial burns. Adequate first aid knowledge and practice can reduce complications and improve outcomes. Objective: to assess the effectiveness of Common First Aid Management Training Program on knowledge and practice among school children in selected schools of Meerut. Methodology: A quantitative true-experimental pre-test and post-test control group design was adopted. 60 children (30experimental, 30 control group) aged 9–14 years were selected using simple random sampling from selected schools of Meerut. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire and observational practice checklist. The intervention consisted of a Common First Aid Management Training Program including lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and return demonstrations. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. Result: The training program significantly improved the knowledge and practice of school children regarding common first aid management. Post-test scores were higher than pre-test scores among participants who received the intervention, indicating the effectiveness of the training program. 70% of the participants had average knowledge, while 30% had poor knowledge regarding common first aid management. No participant demonstrated good or excellent knowledge. Statistical analysis showed no significant association between knowledge level and age (χ² = 3.8, p = 0.15), gender (χ² = 2.86, p = 0.09), class/grade (χ² = 0.94, p = 0.63), religion (χ² = 3.33, p = 0.34), father’s education (χ² = 6.19, p = 0.10), mother’s education (χ² = 2.33, p = 0.51), and type of family (χ² = 0.24, p = 0.62). Association could not be computed for type of school and area of residence because all participants belonged to the same category for these variables. Conclusion: The Common First Aid Management Training Program was effective in improving knowledge and practice regarding first aid management among school children. Incorporating regular first aid training into school health programs can enhance emergency preparedness and safety.