Understanding of First Aid for Ocular Trauma Among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study | [Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences • 2025]

Author(s):

1. Mujeeb Ur Rehman Parrey: Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

2. Sultan Shayish Alanazi: College of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

3. Saja Radhi Alanazi: College of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

4. Maram Alenazi: Department of Ophthalmology, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

5. Hanaa El-Sayed Bayomy: Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract:

Background: Ocular trauma is a leading cause of vision impairment, yet medical students often lack comprehensive training in ocular first aid. This study evaluates the knowledge and preparedness of medical students regarding ocular trauma causes, symptoms, and first aid practices. Purpose: To assess medical students' awareness of ocular trauma, identify knowledge gaps, and evaluate their preparedness to manage ocular emergencies. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 455 medical students from various academic years. Participants were asked about their awareness of ocular trauma causes, symptoms requiring immediate medical attention, and first aid practices. Data were analysed to identify trends and knowledge gaps. Results: The sample had nearly equal gender distribution (50.55% males, 49.45% females), with most students aged 18-22 years (60%) and in their fourth or internship year (56.49%). Awareness was high for chemical exposure (56.70%) and foreign bodies (53.41%) but lower for road traffic accidents (29.89%) and sports injuries (24.61%). While 65.27% recognized vision loss as urgent, fewer identified eye movement limitation (32.09%) and pupil changes (36.70%). Only 21.54% had specific ocular first aid training, and 45.94% felt unprepared. Misconceptions were common, such as removing embedded objects (22.42%). Workshops (63.3%) and hands-on simulations were preferred for improving preparedness. Conclusion: The study reveals significant gaps in medical students' knowledge and preparedness regarding ocular trauma management. Misconceptions and insufficient training highlight the need for improved ocular trauma education, including targeted curriculum revisions and hands-on training to enhance student confidence and preparedness.

Page(s): 163-168

DOI: 10.47310/jpms2025140622

Published: Journal: Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences, Volume: 14, Issue: 6, Year: 2025

Keywords:

foreign body , Medical curriculum , Vision loss , First aid in ocular trauma , chemical exposure , blunt ocular trauma , training in first aid

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