Caregiver Awareness and Preparedness Regarding Pediatric Foreign Body Aspiration and Emergency Response in Poland: a cross-sectional observational study

Background Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a critical pediatric emergency that can lead to severe respiratory complications or death if not addressed promptly. Methods This cross-sectional study evaluated parental knowledge of FBA risks, symptoms, prevention strategies, and appropriate first aid actions among 333 parents of children aged 7 years or younger in Poland. Results The survey revealed substantial knowledge gaps, particularly in recognizing the signs of an ineffective cough, an effective cough, and the appropriate response for an infant with an ineffective cough, with 41.7%, 40.8%, and 19.8% of respondents, respectively, providing “no” answers. Additionally, 25.5% of parents were unaware that children under the age of 2 are at the highest risk for FBA. Medical education and structured training were associated with better knowledge, whereas male respondents and urban dwellers showed greater knowledge gaps compared to female respondents and those living in rural area. Logistic regression analysis identified several predictors of knowledge deficits, including male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 4.094; p = 0.005), residence in large cities (OR = 4.018; p = 0.011), and first aid training received through driving schools (OR = 1.926; p = 0.033). Conclusions These findings underscore the critical need for targeted educational programs and public health interventions to enhance both parental awareness and preparedness, and to reduce pediatric morbidity and mortality associated with FBA. Recommendations include mandatory age-specific training at key life stages, such as during pregnancy, the early postnatal period, and the transition to childcare, and the integration of clinician-led instruction into routine pediatric checkups.