Parental knowledge and practices related to foreign body aspiration in children in Jazan, Saudi Arabia

Objective: This study aimed to assess parental awareness and practices related to foreign body aspiration (FBA) in children in Jazan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 402 parents in Jazan. An online survey was used to collect data on participants' demographics, knowledge, and practices regarding FBA. The sample included both males and females aged 18 years and above. Results: The study revealed that 32.8% of participants had good knowledge about FBA, while 67.2% demonstrated poor knowledge. Social media (30.1%) and the internet (18.7%) were the primary sources of information. Educational level was significantly associated with knowledge levels (p-value = 0.016), with individuals holding a bachelor's degree showing higher knowledge (n = 72, 54.5%). However, other factors such as age, gender, and monthly income did not significantly influence knowledge. Regarding practices, 48.8% exhibited good practices, while 51.2% showed poor practices. Significant associations were noticed between practice levels and factors such as age, gender, educational level, and the number of children (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicated a substantial gap in knowledge and practices regarding FBA among parents in Jazan. Higher education and fewer children were linked to better knowledge and practices. The study underscores the need for targeted educational interventions to enhance parental awareness and improve first aid practices, ultimately reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with FBA.