Assessment of Teachers’ First Aid Knowledge and Injury Management in Public and Private Primary Schools in oyo State Nigeria

Assessment of Teachers’ First Aid Knowledge and Injury Management in Public and Private Primary Schools in Oyo State Nigeria

Akinnubi Caroline F¹, Akinola Oluwatoyin B², Salaam Abass A³

¹Department of Kinesiology Health Education and Recreation Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife Nigeria

²Department of Educational Management Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife Nigeria.

³Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education Emmanuel Alayande University of Education Oyo Nigeria

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.907000252

Received: 06 July 2025; Accepted: 14 July 2025; Published: 12 August 2025

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to specifically investigated the availability of first aid, teachers’ level of knowledge and skilled in first aid administration, and common injuries that require emergency administration of first aid in public and private primary schools. The population for the study comprised teachers from all public and private primary schools in Oyo State. The sample size consisted of 480 teachers selected from the 32 schools selected using simple random sampling technique. This instrument used was self-constructed questionnaire. The test-re-test method was used to determine the reliability which yielded correlation coefficient of 0.98, very consistent and significant at 0.05 level. Collected data was analysed using frequency counts, percentages with inferential statistics of t-test. Findings revealed that first aid equipment were significantly available with 92.4% among the private primary schools. The private primary school teachers were more knowledgeable and skilled in the administration of first aid with 76.8%. So many common injuries were common in the public primary schools than in the private primary schools. Finally, there was a significant difference in the teachers’ administration of first aid treatment between private and public primary schools in south-western Nigeria with the t-critic = 1.323, t-cal = 1.613, P>0.05 alpha level of significance.   The study concluded that the private secondary teachers were knowledgeable about first aid and the management. It was recommended that the authorities of both the public and private schools should provide first aid box with adequate materials/equipment and the three tiers of the government should be involved.

KeyWords: Teachers, First Aid Knowledge, Injury Management, Public and Private, Primary Schools

INTRODUCTION

The goals of primary education extend beyond imparting academic knowledge, aiming to foster critical thinking, creativity, and the development of essential life skills, respect for elders, empathy, and responsibility are integrated into the learning experience. A child or pupil’s environment is a significant factor in learning and development. A child learns better in a conducive environment. An environment that is conducive both at home and in the school facilitates effective learning for children (Edsand et al., 2020).

In Nigeria, primary schools are divided into two categories: public and private. The public primary schools are owned by government while the private primary schools are owned by an individual or individuals. More time is spent at school than at home by pupils. Therefore, a safe and secure environment is necessary for kids to learn and grow in a fruitful way (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef, 2019).  In the primary school, pupils play recklessly and indiscriminately while learning and even outside the classroom. An unexpected injury on the playground, a sudden illness during class do occur, but essential preparedness for more unforeseen events during emergency is important in schools. Within the primary schools, the safety and well-being of pupils, staff, and visitors are paramount. The life-saving care or first aid is an assessment and intervention that can be implemented by a person nearby immediately with minimal or without medical equipment. (Ganfure et al., 2018).

The school, where the majority of Nigeria’s children, from age five-seventeen spend about eight hours of their time make up about 23% of the entire population of the Nation (Ademokun et al., 2014). Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary (2015) defined a school as an establishment where one goes to get learning. A successful education programme involves quality of output of the students hence, the importance of safety and emergency for injuries (Fisher et al., 2011). According to Pathak et al., (2018), despite the level of maturity and playfulness, children are susceptible to inadvertent injuries that pose them a greater risk than adults. Children pass a substantial quantity of their time at schools. Occasionally, bumps and bruises, like tiny battle scars, manifest when playtime antics or spirited games in th school compound unexpectedly (Pathak et al., 2018).

The World Health Organisation (WHO, 2022) stressed that first aid is of utmost importance because it can save lives and prevent further injury or harm. In emergency situations, immediate medical attention may not always be readily available, having knowledge of first aid is very crucial in providing initial care and stabilizing the condition of the injured persons. Therefore, first aid administration in primary schools is necessity in order to enhance the smooth learning of the school-aged children. In 2021, the WHO and the UNESCO collaborated to release global standards and guidelines for health promotion in schools which effectively promote pupils’ health and well-being and foster an environment conducive to holistic development (WHO, 2022).

Injuries can also take place during school sporting events while engaging in extracurricular activities. The administration of first aid in primary schools is a vital aspect of ensuring the safety and well-being of both the pupils and teachers in which staff members who are trained in first aid can quickly respond to accidents or injuries that may occur during school hours, providing immediate assistance until professional medical help arrives. (De Lima, et al 2015). The World Health Organization (2021), stressed that first aid administration is very crucial as it is the pre-treatment and immediate response to injuries or sudden illnesses, providing essential care until professional medical assistance can be obtained. The purpose of first aid administration is to preserve life, alleviate suffering, reduce risk of further illness or injury and promote recovery in order to promote pupils’ well-being, concentration and enhance academic effectiveness.

With increased awareness about potential risks associated with negligent actions while operating vehicles combined with stronger legal repercussions for offenders, we may be able to start making progress towards reducing these tragic events before they happen again down line (Ursez et al., 2020). These injuries generally consist of sprains, crushes, and similar incidents brought on by high physiological training and competition load, as well as repetitive mechanical loads and impacts during training or competitions. This kind of injury might recur frequently and also result in more serious circumstances that push the individual to give up sports entirely (Jangra, 2019). According to WHO (2014), over 95% of burn-related fatalities take place in low and middle-income nations, making burns a serious public health concern. Burn injuries from fires are directly responsible for millions of lives each year. In every burn victim who dies, many others experience lifelong disabilities and disfigurements. Living with the stigma and rejection that are all too frequently associated with disability and what it means for some (Krug, 2008).

Burns are potentially lethal wounds that can cause a variety of negative consequences, such as impairment to one’s bodily functions and mental state. A burn is a type of tissue injury that can be caused by heat, cold, electricity, chemicals, friction, radiation, or any combination of these. Heat from hot liquids, solids, or flames is the primary cause of most burn injuries. Burns can also come from self-inflicted wounds or acts of interpersonal hostility (WHO, 2014). Oluwakemi et al., (2014) discovered in their study that while 90% of schools had first aid kits, only two schools (10%) had sick bays or other medical services. A school nurse, an environmental health officer, and a community health officer were only available for usage in one (5%) of the schools. Only one school (5%) had a school health committee, whereas six schools (29%) had first aid training.

According to Bose et al. (2014), only 15% of private schools and 5% of public schools in Jos North LGA met the minimal acceptable score for school health services. In research, the availability of first aid supplies were present in institutions of education, but were insufficient (Uzoechina 2014). In a study conducted by Nduka (2021), it was observed that 207 (51.8%) respondents had better knowledge of first aids against 193 (48.3%) with poor knowledge. But 154 (38.5%) respondents had first aid training as against 246 (61.5%) respondents with no training. The author further stated that significant respondents 324 (81.0%) had access to first aid materials but 76 (19.0%) respondents could not access the first aid materials. Eighty-one percent of the teachers surveyed for the study had access to first aid kits. However, further investigations, revealed that first aid kits lacked the necessary supplies. Bandages, methylated spirit, paracetamol, and genital violet were the main items in first aid kits since they help treat bleeding (Nduka 2021).

Statement of the Problem

Generally, primary school pupils are susceptible to injuries. They can make avoidable mistakes that can result in various degrees of injuries and emergencies requiring first aid treatment. However, the extent to which first aid equipment are available, extent of the teachers’ competence, skills and the challenges they have in administering first aid have not been empirically established in this study area; hence this study.

Objectives of the Study

• Determine the availability of common first aid equipment in public and private primary schools in Oyo State Nigeria;
• Examine the teachers’ level of knowledge and skilled in first aid administration in public and private primary schools in Oyo State Nigeria;
• Ascertain the common injuries that require emergency administration of first aid in public and private primary schools in Oyo State Nigeria.

Research Hypothesis

There will be no significant difference in the level of teachers’ administration of first aid treatment between private and public primary schools in south-western Nigeria

METHODOLOGY

The study adopted a descriptive research design. The population for the study comprised all public and private primary schools in Oyo State. The sample size consisted of 480 teachers for this study. Four local government area were selected, and eight schools in each local government were selected (four schools each from public and private) using simple random sampling techniques to make a total of 32 schools with 320 teachers in public schools and 160 teachers from each private school were selected respectively using simple random sampling technique making a total of 480 respondents.

This study used a self-constructed instrument with two sections; A and B. Section A was the demographic data and section B elicited information on the research objectives. The instruments were validated using both face and content validity and reliability was examined with a pilot study using the test-re-test method. The questionnaires were administered on 20 respondents who were not part of the studied area at two different times with an interval of two weeks using Cronbach Coefficient alpha method which yielded correlation coefficient of 0.98, consistent and significant at 0.05 level. The questionnaire was administered to the respondents with the help of 10 trained research assistants. The respondents were asked to supply truthful evidence to achieve a reliable result. Data were analyzed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics of (SPSS) Statistical Package for Social Sciences of t-test analysis.

Demographic Data of The Respondents

Here’s your data converted into a clean table format:

I can also prepare this in a two-level merged table with category headers spanning multiple rows, so it looks more like a formal research paper table. Would you like me to do that?

Research Questions

Research Question 1: What is the available first aid equipment among public and private primary schools’ Teachers in Oyo State Nigeria?

NOTE:- The percentages are written in parentheses

Table 2 above showed that all items stated in the first aid equipment were significantly available among the private primary schools than the public primary schools in Oyo State Nigeria. It was also observed on the table that the public schools did not have much first aid equipment. This may be that the authorities in the private schools made it very necessary to provide this materials/equipment for the up-keep of the students.

Research Question 2: What is the level of teachers’ knowledge and skilled in first aid administration in public and private primary schools in Oyo State Nigeria?

Table 3: Responses on the teachers’ level of knowledge/skilled in first aid administration in public and private primary schools in the study area 

NOTE:- The percentages are written in parentheses

From the table 3 above, it was observed that the private primary school teachers were more knowledgeable and skilled in the administration of first aid than the public primary schools teachers in the study area with the percentages earmarked on the table.

Research Question 3: What are some of common injuries that require emergency administration of first aid in public and private primary schools in Oyo State Nigeria?

Table 4:- Analysis of some of common injuries that require emergency administration of first aid in public and private primary schools in Oyo State Nigeria.

From table 4 above, it was observed that in private primary schools, the respondents (teachers) identified with strains, sprains, and fall injuries were the common injuries that require emergency administration of first aid among primary school pupils. While in the public primary schools, it was seen that so many common injuries that required emergency administration of first aid were so significant among pupils.

Hence, it could be seen that the pupils in the public primary schools were so prone to common injuries than those in the private primary schools.

Research Hypothesis

Research Hypothesis 1: There will be no significant difference in the teachers’ administration of first aid treatment between private and public primary schools in Oyo State Nigeria

Table 5: t- test table analysis of significant difference in the teachers’ administration of first aid treatment between private and public primary schools in the study area.

t-cal = 1.613, t-critic = 1.323, P > 0.05

The table 5 showed the results of the t-test analysis to determine the significant difference significant difference in the teachers’ administration of first aid treatment between private and public primary schools in the study area.  The table showed that the t-critic = 1.323, t-cal = 1.613, P>0.05 alpha level of significance. The null hypothesis was hereby rejected. Therefore, there was a significant difference in the teachers’ administration of first aid treatment between private and public primary schools in Oyo State Nigeria.

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

Based on the findings, from the responses of the respondents, First aid equipment were significantly available among the private primary schools. This study is similar to the finding of Oluwakemi et al., (2014) who discovered in their study that 90% of schools studied had first aid kits.

In the public primary schools of the study area, there was very little first aid equipment. This is in line with the finding of Nduka, (2021), who revealed that first aid kits in schools researched in lacked the necessary supplies. Bandages, methylated spirit, paracetamol, and genital violet were the main items in first aid kits.

It was observed that the private primary school teachers were more knowledgeable and skilled in the administration of first aid.. This is similar to the study conducted by Nduka (2021), who stated that 207 (51.8%) respondents had better knowledge of first aids.

The private primary schools respondents (teachers) specified that strains, sprains, and fall injuries were the common injuries among the pupils that require emergency administration of first aid. This is in agreement with Jangra, (2019), who said that injuries generally consist of sprains, crushes, and similar which can recur frequently and also result in more serious circumstances that push the individual to be up and doing (Jangra, 2019).

In the public primary schools, so many common injuries were identified that require emergency administration of first aid were so significant among pupils except strains, allergic reactions and fainting. Therefore, it could be seen that the pupils in the public primary schools were more prone to common injuries…

Finally, another finding revealed that there was a significant difference in the teachers’ administration of first aid treatment between private and public primary schools in Oyo State Nigeria.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings, the following conclusions were drawn: –

First aid equipment stated in the table was significantly available among the private primary schools than the public primary schools and the private primary school teachers were more knowledgeable and skilled in the administration of first aid than the public primary schools teachers in the study area.

In private primary schools, teachers’ respondents stated that strains, sprains, and fall injuries were the common injuries that require emergency administration of first aid among primary school pupils. While in the public primary schools, so many common injuries that require emergency administration of first aid were so significant among pupils and were so prone to common injuries than those in the private primary schools.

Finally, there was a significant difference in the teachers’ administration of first aid treatment between private and public primary schools in the study.

This may be that the authorities in the private schools made it very necessary to provide this materials/equipment for the up-keep of the students.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The following recommendations were made:-

• The authorities of both the public and private schools should provide first aid box with adequate materials/equipment for the maintenance of the students.
• Schools should conduct regular auditing of their first aid equipment to ensure it is up-to-date to meet ultimate standards.
• -Teachers both in the public and private primary schools should go for regular training on first aid procedures for a wide range of potential emergencies and to ensure that everyone is prepared to act speedily and efficiently.
• Furthermore, the schools authority in public and private primary schools should establish clear, written policies regarding first aid procedures to ensure consistency and avoid any hesitation during
• emergencies and should organizer regular training sessions ensuring
• The three tiers of the government should be involved in the welfare of the school children through education (awareness) and making sure that teachers are trained and first aid materials are available in the school.

Proposed Follow-up Study

There could also be qualitative (interview) study for the teachers and the students so that there could be in-depth knowledge and learning  from the teachers and even the students thus the teachers will be able to speak their mind and the students will be able to express themselves.

REFERENCES

1. Ademokun, O.M., Osungbade, K.O., & Obembe, T.A. (2014). A Qualitative Study on Status of Implementation of School Health Programme in South Western Nigeria: Implications for Healthy Living of School Age Children in Developing Countries.” American Journal of Educational Research, 2(11), 1076-1087. http://doi:10.12691/education-2-11-12.
2. Bose O. Toma, Tinuade Oyebode, Gabriel I.O. Toma & Emmanuel Agaba, (2014) School Health Services in primary schools in Jos, Nigeria Open Science Journal of Clinical Medicine; 2(3): 83-88
3. De Lima Rodrigues K, de Lima Ant~ao JYF, Sobreira GLS, et al. Teacher’s knowledge about first aid in the school environment: strategies to develop skills. Int Arc Med Sect Glob Health Health Pol. 2015; 8:1e9. https://doi.org/10.3823/1808.
4. Edsand, H.-E. & Broich, T. (2020). The impact of environmental education on environmental and renewable energy technology awareness: empirical evidence from Colombia. International Journal of Science. & Mathematical Education, 18, 611-634.
5. Fisher C., Hunt P., Kann L., Kolbe L., Patterson B., Wechsler H.,(2011) Building a Healthier Future through School Health Programmes accessed on 30th October 2011 at www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/publication/pdf.
6. Ganfure, G., Ameya, G., & Tamirat, A.,( 2018). First aid knowledge, attitude, practice, and associated factors among kindergarten teachers of Lideta sub-city Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. PLoS One.13:e0194263. https://doi.org/10.1371/pone.0194263.
7. Jangra, A. (2019). Sports injuries and prevention. Academic Journal of Sports and Physical Education, 1(1): 13-18.
8. Krug, E. A. (2008) WHO plan for burn prevention and care, Geneva, Switzerland World Health Organisation. (May 2012) Media centre, fact sheet, burns. Retrieved June 8, 2016 from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs365/en/. Accessed 27 Sept 2016
9. Oluwakemi, M. Ademokun, Kayode O. Osungbade1, Taiwo, A and. Obembe(2014).Qualitative Study on Status of Implementation of School Health Programme in South Western Nigeria: Implications for Healthy Living of School Age Children in Developing Countries American Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 2, No. 11, 1076-1087
10. Pathak A, Agrawal, N., Mehra, L., Mathur, A. & Diwan, V. (2018) First Aid Practices and Health-Seeking Behaviors of Caregivers for Unintentional Childhood Injuries in Ujjain, India: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study. 5(9):124.
11. Nduka Ijeoma. (2021). Perception and Practice of First Aid among School Teachers in Aba, South-east, Nigeria. Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences (IOSR-JDMS). Volume 20, Issue 6 Ser.3 (June. 2021)e-ISSN: PP 40-46 www.iosrjournals.org. www.iosrjournal.org
12. United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund [UNICEF] Field Office for West Bengal [UNICEF] Field Office for West Bengal. (2019). Manual On Comprehensive School Safety and Security Programme (Csssp). Retrieved November 17, 2023, from https://www.unicef.org/india/media/28 06/file/School-Safety-SecurityManual-WestBengal.pdf
13. Uršej, E, & Zaletel, P. (2020). Injury occurrence in moder and hip-hop dancers: A systematic literature review. ZdrVarst.59: 195-201.doi:10.2478/sjph-2020-0025.
14. Uzoechina, G. (2014). Availability of Physical Facilities in Colleges of Education in South East Nigeria. International Journal of Science and Research, 5(2), 2201@2204.
15. World Health Organization (2022) “Roadmap for Implementation of Health Promoting Schools in the South-East Asia Region,” World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia.
16. World Health Organization . Global Report on Drowning: Preventing a Leading Killer. WorldHealth Organization; Geneva, Switzerland: 2014. [(accessed on 2 July 2018)]. Available online:http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/publications/drowning_global_report/Final_report_full_web.pdf.
17. World Health Organization. 2021. WHO Guideline on School Health Services.” https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240029392.