Assessment of knowledge about first aid among primary school teachers in Karbala city / Iraq

First aid (FA) refers to providing first care for an illness or injury by a non-specialized but trained person until access to medical treatment is available. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the institutions in primary schools in Karbala about first aid, as well as to evaluate the first aid knowledge levels, first aid practices, and first aid attitudes of school teachers. A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study design was used in this study. Various questionnaires were used to assess participants' information, including assessment of institutions regarding first aid. Of the 220 schools in the research population, 20 schools were included in the sample. The data collection process began in January 2023 and ended in Karbala until June 2023. A total of 200 teachers, aged between 27-66, participated in the study, 110 male and 90 female. It was determined that 85% of the participants were married, 74% were graduates of teachers' houses, and 35% had more than 20 years of experience. 45% of the teachers stated that they did not know about first aid and about first aid. When the answers to the questions about the institution directed to the participants were examined, it was found that 98% of the institutions had materials for first aid, 90% did not have scientific books on first aid, and 55% did not have safety standards. 46% of the participants answered "I don't know" to questions about basic first aid knowledge. Regarding the questions about the basic first aid practices of the participants, 54% gave the answer that they never applied, and 67.1% of the questions about the first aid attitude answered: "I disagree." It has been determined that there is a strong correlation between teachers' attitudes and their knowledge and practices. Conclusion: This research has determined that the schools in Karbala have low physical conditions and access to correct information about first aid. It was determined that the knowledge, practices, and attitudes of the teachers participating in this study about first aid needed to be more sufficient. The lack of first aid knowledge may be the main reason for the inadequacy of practice and attitude. The availability of first aid materials in almost all institutions due to legal standards made us think that creating institutions safe and equipped with other legal regulations is possible. In order to minimize the morbidity and illness associated with school injuries, programs to improve teachers' first-aid knowledge, attitudes, and practices are necessary. Keywords: First aid, Knowledge, School teachers