The knowledge level of students at Halic University on spinal cord injuries

Abstract

Objective: The administration of the appropriate first-aid for possible spinal cord injuries is critically important with respect to the limitation of damages to the spinal cord and prevention of the temporary or permanent disabilities. The present study has been performed to outline the knowledge level of students at a private university on spinal injuries.
Methods: The survey has been conducted and the data were collected by the investigators between September 24, 2007 and January 04, 2008 in Halic University, after obtaining the approval of the University Rectorate.
Results: One thounsand one hundred and four participants included in the study. The mean age of the students was 20.39 ±2.10. Of all the students included, 85.2% of them knew the causes of spinal injuries, 91.9% knew the phone number to call in cases of emergency, and 82% were aware of the consequences of a wrong first-aid intervention. However, 86% of students were found to have no knowledge on how to provide first aid. Students in health-related departments were determined to demonstrate a higher rate of correct answers compared to the other students regarding questions involving the underlying causes of spinal injuries and conditions requiring the removal of the injured person from a vehicle (p<0.01, p<0.001).
Conclusions: The knowledge levels of students on spinal injuries and interventions were found to be inadequate and students studying in health-related departments were determined to have a higher knowledge level compared to those in other departments. Instruction of demonstrative first-aid classes for students in other departments beside the health sciences would be beneficial.