Effect of Mobile App-supported Burn Prevention Training on First Aid Knowledge and Burn Development in Families in Post-earthquake Container Homes

This study examines the impact of a mobile app intervention on burn first aid knowledge and burn development in families living in post-earthquake container homes. This prospective, 2-arm, randomized controlled study involved 60 family members living in container homes in Adiyaman, Turkey, following the Kahramanmaraş earthquake. Participants initially attended a basic burn training session. The intervention group used a mobile app for burn first aid training over 2 months, while the control group received no additional training. Before the study, all participants completed Introductory Characteristics Form and Burn First Aid Questionnaire. Burn development was monitored weekly via phone, and the post-test questionnaire was administered to the intervention group after 2 months. The intervention group showed significantly higher burn first aid knowledge than the control group after 2 months ( P <.05). Although not statistically significant, the control group had a higher incidence of burns. Scalding from boiling water was the most common cause of burns among family members. Our findings suggest that mobile applications can improve burn-related knowledge and reduce burn incidents in families living in post-earthquake container homes. We recommend the wider use of customized mobile apps for burn prevention, especially for families adjusting to postdisaster housing.