PREVALENCE OF PHYSICAL HAZARDS AND KNOWLEDGE OF FIRST AID CARE AMONG PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN IBADAN NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Physical hazards (PHs) in the school environment compromise health of primary school children worldwide. Many of the harmful effects of PHs can be managed through First Aid (FA) by teachers. In Nigeria, there is death of information on prevalence of PHs in schools and teacher’s knowledge of FA care in public primary schools(PPS). This study was therefore designed to assess the prevalence of PH and knowledge of FA care among PPS teachers in Ibadan North Local Government Area. The study was a cross-sectional survey. A four-stage random sampling technique was used to select 456 teachers from 30 out of 74 PPS. Data were collected through the conduct of 8 Key informant Interviews, (KII) among consenting teachers. Thereafter, KII responses were used to develop an observational checklist and a semi-structured questionnaire. The observational checklist included a 26-point scale for measuring prevalence of PHs (associated with structures, facilities and school environment) with scores of ≤13 being moderately hazardous and >13 being highly hazardous; and a 14- point scale for measuring availability of FA box rated 1 - 7 as poor and >7 - 14 as good. The questionnaire included a 20-point knowledge scale on FA, pattern of occurrence of PHs and a 24-point scale for measuring FA care provided by teachers. Knowledge score of 0 - 10 and > 10 -20 were rated poor and good respectively while FA care scores were rated ≤12 as inappropriate and >12 as appropriate. Data were analyzed using thematic approach descriptive statistics and chi square test at p=0.05. Respondents’ mean age was 47.3 ± 6.7 years and 87.9% were females. Some (16.7%) of the schools were moderately hazardous and 83.3% were highly hazardous. The forms of PHs in schools included sharp object (93.3%), leaking roof (90.0%), fields with potholes/stones (90.0%), broken windows (86.7%)and broken chairs/desk (80.0%). Injuries experienced by pupils included falls (50.9%) and cut/laceration (46.9%), of which 70.8% of all injuries occurred during break period. Majority (80.7%) disclosed that lack of training on FA care and inadequate FA facilities influenced the availability of FA care provided. FA boxes were present in all the schools however, 86.7% were poor, the mean knowledge score of respondents on FA was 15.6±2.2 and 84.9% had good knowledge of FA. Inappropriate FA care for emergency was reported by 41.2% of teachers and this

included cleaning of fresh wounds with hydrogen peroxide (57.7%), removing foreign objects from the eyes by air blowing (42.5%) and pouring cold water on pupils during convulsion (31.6%). Provision of FA was not significantly associated with knowledge of FA care. Physical hazards were prevalent in public primary schools in Ibadan North Local Government Area. Most teachers were knowledgeable about first aid care, however their provision of First aid was inappropriate and facilities for first aid were poor. School health policy should i.e aimed at improving the physical environment, provision of standard first aid facilities and periodic training of teachers.