Knowledge and Practices of Mothers Regarding First Aid in Domestic Accidents: A Cross-Sectional Study in Sfax, Tunisia

• mahmoud ladhar

  service de reanimation pediatrique chu hedi chaker sfax , Hopital Universitaire Hedi Chaker

• Zouhour Hadrich

  Faculty of Medicine of Sfax

• farah bouattour

• Chahd Ben Alaya

• yosri smeoui

  faculty of medecine of sfax

• badria moalla

• faiza Safi

  Faculty of Medicine of Sfax

Background: Domestic accidents are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Mothers, as primary caregivers, play a critical role in preventing and managing these injuries through appropriate first-aid practices. However, their level of knowledge and preparedness remains poorly documented in Tunisia.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of mothers regarding first aid in domestic accidents among children in Sfax, Tunisia.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 mothers attending the pediatric and pediatric intensive care units at Hadi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax during 2025. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire composed of 35 items evaluating knowledge and practical skills in six domains: fractures, burns, choking, wounds, poisoning, and electrocution. Scores were categorized as poor, moderate, or good. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.

Results: Most participants were aged between 31 and 40 years old (42%) and lived in urban areas (58%). Overall, 56% of mothers demonstrated an average level of first-aid knowledge, while only 22% achieved a good level. Knowledge gaps were most evident in the management of burns (65% poor knowledge) and poisoning (70% poor knowledge). Mothers with higher educational levels and previous first-aid training scored significantly better (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The study highlights insufficient first-aid knowledge and practices among Tunisian mothers, especially in handling burns, poisoning, and choking. Integrating community-based education and structured first-aid training programs for mothers is crucial to reducing childhood morbidity and mortality related to domestic accidents.

1. Zouhour Hadrich, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax

   intensive care unit pediatrician 

2. farah bouattour

   nurse

3. Chahd Ben Alaya

   nurse

4. yosri smeoui, faculty of medecine of sfax

   intensive care unite pediatrician

5. faiza Safi, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax

   head cehf of pediatric intensive care unite

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