Knowledge and misconceptions regarding choking and first-aid procedures among the general population in the West Bank, Palestine: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

To assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding choking first aid among the general population in the West Bank. A descriptive cross-sectional study. West Bank, Palestine (web-based survey). 454 Palestinian adults aged 18 years and above. General knowledge concerning signs of choking, misconceptions and proper first-aid manoeuvres (such as the Heimlich manoeuvre and back blows) was assessed. Analysis was performed using SPSS V.26. A cumulative total of 454 participants took the online survey. Although 55.7% of the participants defined choking accurately, there was still room for improvement in the actual management of this condition. Fewer participants (46.7%) could recognise the picture of the Heimlich manoeuvre and only 14.8% could state the appropriate management for vulnerable groups such as pregnant patients. Harmful misunderstandings existed, with 26% of participants endorsing the blind finger sweep and 32.8% offering water to a choking victim. Multivariable analysis revealed that higher knowledge scores were independently predicted by having a medical background (p=0.007) and previous formal training in first aid (p=0.019). The general public in this region has shown moderately good theoretical knowledge about choking but lacks competence in practical first aid training and has a remarkably low level of safe practices. There is an urgent need for organised community-based training programmes for first aid in an attempt to bring down morbidity and mortality from choking.