Parental awareness and knowledge of first aid for children in Saudi Arabia: a multiregional cross-sectional study

BackgroundFirst aid (FA) knowledge is crucial for parents to effectively respond to pediatric emergencies, and it can potentially save lives and reduce injury severity. Despite the high rates of childhood accidents such as burns, choking, and drowning, limited data exist on parental awareness of FA in Saudi Arabia across various situations. The aim of this study was to assess parental knowledge and awareness regarding FA for children in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis cross-sectional study using a self-administered electronic questionnaire was conducted via social networking sites between March and April 2024. The questionnaire was developed from a literature review and validated by experts. A total of 1,421 parents aged ≥18 years and residing in Saudi Arabia participated. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe participants were predominantly women (59.3%), Saudi nationals (85.1%), married (90.6%), and university graduates (68.3%). While 73.6% believed they had good FA knowledge, only 25.6% had attended a formal FA course. With regard to knowledge gaps, 44.12% parents incorrectly believed that they should encourage a choking child aged <1 year to cough, while 61.44% incorrectly believed that ice should be applied to burns; only 51.02% parents knew that cool water should be run over burns. Logistic regression analysis showed that non-Saudi nationality and previous FA experience were significant predictors of willingness to attend FA courses (p = 0.045 and p = 0.012, respectively). Barriers to FA knowledge included underestimation of the problem (39.3%) and lack of information from healthcare personnel (28.1%). Preferred methods for gaining FA knowledge were inclusion of FA in educational curricula (59.7%) and programs in primary healthcare centers (19.5%).ConclusionThere are significant gaps in parental knowledge regarding FA for children in Saudi Arabia. These gaps need to be addressed through structured educational programs and accessible resources in order to enhance preparedness for pediatric emergencies among parents. Recommendations include implementation of FA training programs, integration of FA into school curricula, development of educational materials in Arabic, and promotion of mandatory FA training during prenatal and postnatal care visits

A rare complication of acute lower limb ischemia post coronavirus disease 2019 infection in a healthy pediatric patient: case report

Abstract Background Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel respiratory disease that first emerged in 2019. Patients infected with this disease present with a myriad of symptoms. Limb ischemia and hypercoagulability are complications identified in adults. COVID-19-related vasculitis is a known but seldom reported complication in pediatric patients, and the treatment approach is still not well established. Case presentation We report the case of a healthy four-year-old female with a history of COVID-19 who developed acute lower limb ischemia. This was initially treated as a case of acute snake envenomation by administering snake antivenom with no improvement. She eventually developed lower limb acrocyanosis with an inability to ambulate. The patient was started on interleukin-6 receptor inhibitors (tocilizumab), anticoagulants, and pulse steroid therapy. The patient had complete resolution with the loss of only one toe. Conclusion Identification of thromboembolic complications in pediatric patients with no comorbidities and a history of COVID-19 can be difficult. Early recognition and treatment have a major impact on morbidity and can increase the likelihood of limb salvage

Late presentation of midgut malrotation with obstruction in a 5-year-old female: A case report

Midgut malrotations are rarely diagnosed beyond infancy. Delays in recognition and diagnosis can result in death. Here, we report the case of a 5-year-old girl who presented with a 1-year history of intermittent abdominal pain and vomiting. An abdominal computed tomography scan with contrast confirmed the diagnosis of midgut malrotation with obstruction; therefore, the Ladd procedure was performed, and the child was discharged uneventfully. Clinicians must maintain a high level of suspicion because this diagnosis is unusual in this age group

Naphthalene mothball ingestion without hemolysis in a five-year-old female: a case report

Background: Naphthalene poisoning from mothball exposure is a prevalent cause of toxicity in children worldwide. Naphthalene poisoning can lead to hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinemia, and hepatic and renal damage. Studies regarding naphthalene ingestion not associated with complications do not exist. Case Report: We report a novel case of unwitnessed naphthalene mothball ingestion in a 5-year-old child who did not exhibit any complications, such as hemolysis or methemoglobinemia, and was discharged safely with no sequelae. Conclusion: Awareness of the dangers of naphthalene poisoning is important to prevent poisoning and death. [SJEMed 2024; 5(3.000): 261-263

Unmasking the uncommon symptoms of delayed facial nerve palsy following head trauma in a child: A case report

Facial nerve paralysis is a relatively rare neurological condition in children, often associated with head trauma. Delayed facial nerve palsy (dFNP) after trauma is an uncommon phenomenon that poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. A 6-year-old boy sustained a head injury in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a temporal bone fracture. Ten days later, he presented with progressive right-sided facial weakness, diagnosed as post-traumatic dFNP. Imaging revealed a minimally displaced right temporal bone fracture, a ruptured arachnoid cyst, and a frontal contusion. He was treated with a tapering oral corticosteroid regimen, eye lubrication, and physical therapy. Surgical decompression was performed due to persistent symptoms. At follow-up, the patient had complete symptom resolution. This case highlights the importance of recognizing dFNP as a delayed complication of pediatric head trauma. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management improve outcomes. Clinicians should educate families about the possibility of delayed symptom onset to avoid misdiagnosis

Willingness, beliefs, and barriers regarding the COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia: a multiregional cross-sectional study

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide, and the vaccine remains the ultimate cornerstone to overcoming its long-term impact. Vaccine hesitancy might obstruct the effort to achieve herd immunity and eradicate the virus. We assessed Saudi Arabian individuals’ willingness, beliefs, and barriers regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and their adherence to preventive measures during and after the pandemic. Methods A self-administered electronic validated questionnaire was distributed among the five major regions in Saudi Arabia between November and December 2020. The questionnaire addressed the sociodemographic data, beliefs, potential barriers, parents’ acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination for their children, and adherence to protective measures during and after the pandemic. Results Of 8,056 participants, 4,218 (52.4%) of a non-representative sample were willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Being a young adult, male, having less than a high school degree, being a smoker, having a chronic disease, and having a history of seasonal influenza vaccine uptake were positive predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Hesitant participants reported concerns about vaccine side effects and safety as the main barriers to accepting the COVID-19 vaccine. Some refusers (26.1%) declared that they would reconsider vaccination only if the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine were reported by more studies. Conclusions Our study revealed a promising willingness to accept the vaccine among the population, with positive beliefs and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. However, a considerable proportion of the population was reluctant to accept the vaccine. Thus, publicly providing information about vaccine safety and implementing health education programs is crucial for increasing the public’s confidence in the vaccine. </jats:sec

Clinical Characteristics, Laboratory Findings, Management, and Outcome of Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Children at a Tertiary Care Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study

BackgroundNumerous studies worldwide have reported COVID-19 in children; however, the clinical symptoms and consequences of COVID-19 in children have only been reported in a few studies in Saudi and gulf region. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the clinical features and outcomes of COVID-19 infection in children and the therapeutic interventions used.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 96 patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection aged ≤14 years who were admitted to a tertiary governmental care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between March 2020 and November 2020. Data on children with COVID-19, including demographics, comorbidities, symptoms, imaging and laboratory results, therapies, and clinical outcomes, were analyzed.ResultsOf 96 children admitted with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, 63.8% were aged ≤ 3 years, 52.1% were male, 56.2% had an unknown source of infection, and 51% had no comorbidities. Most cases had severe infection (71.88%) as they required oxygen, 10.42% of whom were critical. The most common symptoms were respiratory-related (98%), and the common physical sign was fever (49%). High D-dimer (90.7%) and C-reactive protein (72.09%) levels were found in most cases. Oxygen (71.88%) was the most commonly used treatment. Most patients were discharged home and fully recovered (97.92%). We reported two deaths (2.08%).ConclusionsOur findings showed that the majority of the admitted children with COVID-19 were ≤3 years of age (52.1%) and infected with an unknown source (56.2%). Moreover, the majority of the cases had severe COVID-19 infection as they required oxygen (71.88%), although they had favorable outcomes. However, some cases were critical and resulted in death. Future studies will be crucial to better understand the disease spectrum and potential therapeutic options for COVID-19 in children.</jats:sec