Assessment of Knowledge Regarding Burn Management Among Undergraduate Nursing Students in Selected Nursing Institutes of Karachi

Abstract

Background: Burns are regarded as a serious condition in medical history affecting every individual. Nursing students' knowledge and practical abilities are crucial to the quality of burn care.  Objective: The objective of the study was to assess knowledge of the undergraduate nursing students regarding burn management. Methods: Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted at nursing institutes of Karachi after approval from the RC, and IRB. The calculated sample size was 231, calculated while using an OpenEpi version 3.0. An adopted validated questionnaire was used. Non –probability convenience sampling technique was used to conduct the data from undergraduate nursing students (studying in 2nd year, 3^rd year and 4^th year) of Generic BSN Program while all post RN and 1^st year generic BS nursing students were excluded. Results: Among all participants, most were male (84.4%), aged 21–25 years (64.5%), and third-year students (71.4%). Overall, 39.0% had good knowledge, while 31.1% and 29.9% demonstrated average and poor knowledge, respectively. Although knowledge was high for several burn first-aid practices, notable gaps remained in immediate burn management and home first-aid measures. Conclusion: The study showed that most participants had moderate to good knowledge of burn management, with a considerable proportion still demonstrating average to poor understanding. Important gaps were identified in immediate burn care and first-aid practices, indicating the need for targeted training and educational programs