Arlene R. Fernandez
Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center
Title: A Survey on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices towards Epistaxis of patients at a Tertiary Government Hospital
Biography
Biography: Arlene R. Fernandez
Abstract
Epistaxis is the most common otolaryngologic emergency. Fortunately, almost 90% may be controlled by applying first aid measures. Although the prevalence of epistaxis is high, the public has limited knowledge on first aid intervention. This is a perspective descriptive study which aims to measure the level of knowledge, attitude, practices of patients and their caregiver seen by the Department of Otorhinolaryngology in a Tertiary Government Hospital in Manila. A total of 163 respondents were interviewed. Results showed that their knowledge of the cause and correct management of epistaxis is low. Only 7.4% answered the correct combination for first aid management which includes nose pinching and leaning forward. On knowledge of prevention avoiding hot weather was the highest which was parallel to the respondents’ perception of the major cause of the epistaxis. The attitude of respondents towards epistaxis were high, 89% answered that it is necessary to stop epistaxis by applying intervention. Lastly, for their practice on the management of epistaxis, the combination of pinching the nose on the ala part and head downward were correctly answered by only 6.7%. This study revealed the low knowledge and practices of patients and caregivers towards epistaxis. The attitude towards epistaxis of the respondents is high which demonstrates they are keen to learn and may have a good reception to educational material that may be presented to them to increase their awareness towards epistaxis. This may help to decrease the number of medical consults and to lessen the morbidity of incorrect management of epistaxis.