First Aid Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and its Associated Factors among Kindergarten Teachers in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia, 2024 (Mixed Method Approach)

Background Kindergarten children are mostly exposed to accidents that require first-aid care. However, teachers lack the confidence to provide first-aid care. Various studies revealed that Most Kindergarten teachers' first aid knowledge, attitudes, and practice were limited. Therefore, this study contributed to identifying the gap in first aid knowledge, attitude, and practice of kindergarten Teachers in Jimma Town. Objectives This study aimed to assess First Aid Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and Associated Factors among Kindergarten Teachers in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia, 2024 Methods A cross-sectional study based in an institutional setting, supported by qualitative research, was carried out from April 19 to May 19, 2024. The study involved 325 kindergarten teachers selected from Jimma town through a stratified random sampling technique. Data collection employed a structured pretested self-administered questionnaire alongside in-depth interviews with key informants, utilizing purposive sampling for the qualitative component. A binary logistic regression model was conducted to evaluate the relationship between dependent and independent variables. On bivariate analysis, Variables associated with a p-value < 0.25 were selected as candidates for multivariable analysis. Then, on multivariable analysis, Statistical significance was determined using a p-value ≤ 0.05. Furthermore, Qualitative data were transcribed, translated, and analyzed thematically, with themes coded and categorized using manual open-code qualitative analysis. Results From total sample 325, 319 respondents participated with a 98.2% response rate, about 144 (45.1%) with a 95% CI (39.6, 50.8%), 247(77.4%) with 95% CI (72.4, 81.9%) and 104(32.6%) (With a 95% CI: (27.5, 38%), of participants had good knowledge, positive attitudes and good practice of first aid, respectively. Having Service year [AOR = 2.296, 95% CI (1.054, 5.003)], first aid training [AOR 5.786, 95%CI (3.224, 10.381)], and information on first aid [AOR = 2.666, 95%CI (1.182, 6.014)] were significantly associated with knowledge of first aid. Service year [AOR = 3.873, 95%CI (1.491, 10.059)], first-aid training [AOR = 2.457, 95%CI (1.130, 5.345)], the experience of situations needing first-aid [AOR = 2.431, 95%CI (1.197, 4.936)] were significantly associated with an attitude of first-aid. Previous First-aid training [AOR = 2.369, 95%CI (1.388, 4.043)] and experience with situations that need first-aid [AOR = 2.643, 95%CI (1.132, 6.169)] were significantly associated with the first-aid practice. The Key Informants said: “ To improve first aid care in kindergartens, availability of training, materials, and information like first aid guidelines and posters was crucial.” Conclusion and Recommendation : In our study, the knowledge and practice of first aid among kindergarten teachers were found to be limited. In spite, the majority of the respondents had a positive attitude towards it. Therefore, it is essential to focus on providing training and information on first aid, particularly for teachers in kindergarten settings.