CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction

This chapter includes different historical aspects related to home based first aid care, starting from the background of the study, followed with the problem statement, objectives research questions the justification of the study, the significance and the scope of the study.

1.1 Background of study

Unintentional injuries constitute a major global public health problem and are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, particularly among children. Globally, injuries such as falls, burns, cuts, choking, poisoning, and drowning account for a significant proportion of childhood deaths and long-term disabilities. According to the World Health Organization, unintentional injuries cause millions of deaths annually, with children under five years being one of the most vulnerable groups (WHO, 2021). Many of these injuries occur within the home environment, where children spend most of their time and are exposed to multiple hazards. The immediate actions taken after an injury often determine the outcome, making first aid a critical component of injury prevention and management.

First aid refers to the immediate and temporary care provided to an injured or suddenly ill person before professional medical treatment is available. Effective first aid can prevent deterioration of a condition, reduce complications, and in some cases save lives (WHO, 2020). Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in home-based first aid because they are usually the first responders when injuries occur at home. Their knowledge, attitudes, and practices directly influence how injuries are managed and how quickly appropriate care is provided. Where parents lack correct first aid knowledge or apply inappropriate practices, injuries that could have been minor may result in severe complications or death.

Globally, studies conducted between 2020 and 2024 indicate that while awareness of first aid among parents is generally moderate, correct knowledge and appropriate practice remain inadequate. Research conducted in several middle- and high-income countries shows that parents often have misconceptions about managing common home injuries such as burns, choking, and fractures (Al-Qahtani et al., 2021; Alshammari et al., 2022). Many parents rely on informal knowledge acquired through social networks or media rather than evidence-based first aid guidelines. These gaps in knowledge and practice highlight the need for structured first aid education targeted at parents and caregivers.

Recent global evidence further demonstrates that formal first aid training significantly improves caregivers’ confidence, decision-making, and practical skills in emergency situations. A systematic review by Bánfai-Csonka et al. (2023) found that caregivers who received structured first aid training were more likely to provide appropriate initial care and seek timely medical assistance compared to those without training. The review emphasized that first aid education should be community-based and context-specific to ensure relevance and effectiveness. This is particularly important in settings where access to emergency medical services is limited or delayed.

In low- and middle-income countries, the burden of unintentional injuries is disproportionately high. The World Health Organization reports that over 90% of global injury-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, largely due to poor injury prevention strategies and limited access to emergency care (WHO, 2022). In these settings, home-based first aid becomes even more critical because professional medical services may be unavailable, distant, or unaffordable. Parents are often forced to rely on their own knowledge and skills to manage emergencies, making the assessment of their first aid knowledge and practices a public health priority.

In Africa, unintentional injuries represent a significant but often under-recognized health challenge. Studies across sub-Saharan Africa show that childhood injuries commonly occur at home and are associated with unsafe household environments, poor supervision, and limited caregiver knowledge (Hyder et al., 2021). The absence of organized pre-hospital emergency systems in many African countries means that injured children often do not receive prompt professional care. Instead, family members and community members provide the initial response, underscoring the importance of first aid knowledge at the household level.

Research conducted in African settings reveals that first aid knowledge among caregivers is generally low, and harmful traditional practices are sometimes used in emergency situations. For example, studies in Ghana, Nigeria, and Ethiopia have reported inappropriate home management of burns, poisoning, and convulsions, including the use of herbal remedies or delayed hospital referral (Ameh et al., 2020; Olatunya et al., 2022). These practices are often driven by cultural beliefs, lack of education, and limited access to health information. Such findings highlight the need for evidence-based assessment and education tailored to African communities.

Community-based studies in Africa also show that caregiver education level, previous exposure to first aid training, and access to health information are strong predictors of correct first aid practice. A cross-sectional study in Nigeria found that mothers who had received any form of first aid training were significantly more likely to manage home injuries appropriately compared to those without training (Olatunya et al., 2022). However, the same study noted that only a small proportion of caregivers had ever received formal first aid education, indicating a substantial gap in community preparedness for home emergencies.

In Cameroon, unintentional injuries are an important public health concern, particularly among children. National health reports and hospital-based studies indicate that injuries contribute significantly to pediatric admissions and emergency visits (Ministry of Public Health Cameroon, 2021). Common home-related injuries reported in Cameroonian health facilities include burns, falls, cuts, and poisoning. Despite this burden, emergency medical services and pre-hospital care systems remain underdeveloped, especially in rural and semi-urban communities. As a result, parents and caregivers often manage injuries at home before seeking professional care.

Available research in Cameroon suggests that first aid knowledge among the general population is limited. Studies among drivers, teachers, and community members show low levels of correct first aid knowledge and practice, despite generally positive attitudes toward first aid (Awa & Wren, 2021; Ndziessi et al., 2022). Although these studies did not focus specifically on parents, their findings suggest that first aid literacy in the general population is inadequate. Given that parents are primary caregivers for children, it is reasonable to assume that similar gaps may exist among parents in home settings.

Furthermore, health education programs on first aid in Cameroon are often sporadic and concentrated in urban areas. Rural and peri-urban communities frequently have limited access to structured training programs, relying instead on informal knowledge passed through families or communities. This situation increases the risk of incorrect home-based first aid practices and delays in seeking appropriate medical care. The Cameroon Red Cross and other organizations have initiated first aid awareness campaigns, but coverage remains limited and uneven across regions (IFRC, 2022).

Motowoh community, like many communities in Cameroon, faces challenges related to healthcare access, health education, and emergency response. Parents in this community are likely to be the first and sometimes the only caregivers available when home injuries occur. However, there is little empirical evidence on their level of knowledge and how they actually practice first aid during emergencies. Without such data, it is difficult to design effective interventions that address the specific needs and realities of the community.

Assessing the knowledge and practice of home-based first aid care among parents in Motowoh community is therefore essential. Such assessment will provide insight into common misconceptions, harmful practices, and areas where parents demonstrate adequate understanding. It will also help identify factors influencing first aid practices, such as education level, previous training, and access to health information. This information is crucial for developing targeted health education programs and policies aimed at reducing preventable injuries and improving child health outcomes.

1.2 Statement of problem

In the Motowoh community, like many semi-urban and rural communities in Cameroon, children are frequently exposed to unintentional injuries within the home environment, including falls, burns, cuts, choking, and poisoning. These injuries often occur during routine daily activities and usually require immediate first aid care before professional medical attention can be accessed. However, access to nearby health facilities and emergency services in Motowoh is limited, meaning that parents are often the first and most important responders when home injuries occur. The effectiveness of their response largely depends on their knowledge and practical skills in home-based first aid.

Evidence from Cameroon indicates that first aid knowledge among the general population is generally low. Studies conducted among adults in different communities have shown inadequate knowledge and poor practice of basic first aid measures, despite positive attitudes toward its importance (Awa & Wren, 2021). Hospital and community-based studies in Cameroon further reveal that a significant proportion of childhood injuries are managed at home before reaching health facilities, sometimes using inappropriate or unsafe practices, which can worsen outcomes and increase the risk of complications (Ministry of Public Health Cameroon, 2021; Cole et al., 2022). These findings suggest that parents in communities like Motowoh may be providing first aid without sufficient knowledge or skills.

Despite the burden of home-related injuries and the critical role parents play in emergency response, there is no documented empirical evidence on the level of knowledge and practice of home-based first aid care among parents in Motowoh community. This lack of localized data makes it difficult for health authorities and community health workers to design targeted first aid education and injury prevention programs. Therefore, the problem this study seeks to address is the unknown and potentially inadequate knowledge and practice of home-based first aid among parents in Motowoh community, which may contribute to preventable injury complications and poor child health outcomes.

1.3 Research Objectives

1.3.1 Main Research Objective

The main objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and practice of home-based first aid care among parents in Motowoh community.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of the study are to:

1. Assess the level of knowledge of parents regarding home-based first aid care in Motowoh community.
2. Examine the first aid practices of parents when managing common home injuries in Motowoh community.
3. Identify the common types of home-based injuries among children in Motowoh community.
4. Determine the factors influencing parents’ knowledge and practice of home-based first aid care in Motowoh community.

1.4 Specific Research Questions

1. What is the level of knowledge of parents regarding home-based first aid care in Motowoh community?
2. How do parents in Motowoh community practice first aid during home injury situations?
3. What are the common types of home-based injuries among children in Motowoh community?
4. What factors influence parents’ knowledge and practice of home-based first aid care in Motowoh community?