First aid knowledge and practices for burn injuries in Turkey: A cross-sectional study

Timely and appropriate first aid is critical in reducing burn severity and improving outcomes; however, traditional and non-evidence-based practices remain common. This study aimed to assess burn first aid knowledge and practices among individuals with prior burn experience in Turkey and to identify factors associated with traditional practice use.

This cross-sectional study included 506 adults with a history of burn injury. Data were collected using an online structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, burn first aid knowledge, practices, and information sources. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with traditional practice use.

Although 79.6% of participants reported having received first aid training, only 44.7% considered their burn first aid knowledge sufficient. Traditional interventions were used by 51.0% of participants, most commonly oil-based substances (37.5%), Aloe vera (31.6%), and yogurt or milk (21.3%). While 63.8% correctly identified cooling the burn under running water for 20 min as an appropriate measure, only 41.1% reported applying it. Being a healthcare professional (OR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.14-3.14) and not having received first aid training (OR=1.85, 95% CI: 1.15-2.97) were independently associated with traditional practice use.

Despite relatively high knowledge levels, inappropriate traditional practices remain prevalent, including among healthcare professionals. Burn first aid interventions should focus on behavior change and address culturally embedded practices rather than knowledge acquisition alone.