AWARENESS AND FIRST AID PRACTICES REGARDING EPISTAXIS AMONG THE GENERAL POPULATION IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN SOUTH INDIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objectives: Epistaxis is a common otorhinolaryngological emergency that is usually benign but may lead to improper management due to lack of awareness. The main objective of this study is to assess awareness, knowledge of causes, first aid practices, health-seeking behaviour, and associated demographic factors among the general population.Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 385 participants using a structured, pre-validated questionnaire. Data on socio-demographic variables, awareness, knowledge, first aid practices, and health-seeking behaviour were collected. Awareness levels were categorised as poor, moderate, and good. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test, with p