Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Wound Care in the General Population of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background:-For trauma patients recovering at home, wound management presents a major difficulty. It is imperative to comprehend patients' perspectives, dispositions, and proficiency with wound care to enhance results. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions, attitudes, and levels of knowledge regarding wound care of the Saudi population. The study also identified key variables that impact patients’ perceptions. Methods:-For data collection an online, self-administered questionnaire was used and disseminated through social media platforms. In addition to demographic data, the questionnaire consisted of 28 questions designed to assess general public knowledge, attitudes, and wound care practices. The SPSS software was employed for the data analysis. Results:-A total of 950 individuals have participated in the study, 54.1% were aged 18 to 25, and 50.8% were female. Most were unmarried (56.9%), with 44.9% being students. Previous wound care experience was reported by 57.9%, primarily involving burns (44.9%) and cuts (29.8%). The hand (48.1%) was the most affected body area. A significant majority (64.7%) of participants sought immediate medical care when injured. The primary sources of wound care information were the Ministry of Health hotline (39.8%), the internet (33.2%), and relatives/friends (30%). While most participants recognized the importance of proper nutrition and hygiene for wound healing, substantial discrepancies were observed regarding the efficacy of various home remedies and wound management practices. For instance, a significant portion believed that specific practices, such as applying honey or salted water, positively impacted healing, while others disagreed. Conclusion:-The study underscores the need for education, awareness initiatives, and easily accessible information channels to promote evidence-based wound care practices, thereby improving health outcomes.