Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 11(4), pp. 377 - 385
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2023.110401
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Prevalence of Choking and Awareness about Its Proper Management among the Residents of the United Arab Emirates: Cross-sectional Study

Mohammad Ala' Alajjuri ^1,*, Mariam Eltabbakh ¹, Mouaz I. Y. Oudih ¹, Amna Saeed Ali AlKetbi ¹, Heba Mohamad Abou Ali ¹, Lamya Alhajeri ¹, Amal Hussein ², Asima Karim ^3
1 College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
² Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
³ Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

ABSTRACT

Introduction: World Health Organization (WHO) reports show that choking is a leading cause of unintentional death complicated by respiratory tract obstruction in both children and adults. Objectives: We aimed to measure choking prevalence and the correct knowledge regarding its management in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 404 adults ≥18 years across public places in the UAE. People with swallowing-related medical problems were excluded. Data about the prevalence, knowledge, and management of choking were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Among the participants, 43.3% (175) of adults experienced choking and 52.7% (212) witnessed a by-standing choking episode in an adult due to food. Only 23.7% (94) correctly knew that putting hands around the throat is the most appropriate sign of choking. Forty-seven percent (188) of participants correctly identified coins as the most dangerous item a child can choke on. Moreover, 62.7% (251) knew that choking management differs between children and adults where 63.0% (254) correctly chose applying pressure on the stomach for adults and 84.8% (341) correctly chose to hit on the back for children. Male gender, lower age, and lower education were identified as the factors associated with lower knowledge of choking. Conclusion: Altogether, the exact knowledge of choking and management techniques is insufficient. We recommend awareness campaigns, specifically targeting men, younger adults, and illiterate people.

KEYWORDS
Choking, Prevalence, Awareness, Knowledge, Management, UAE

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Mohammad Ala' Alajjuri , Mariam Eltabbakh , Mouaz I. Y. Oudih , Amna Saeed Ali AlKetbi , Heba Mohamad Abou Ali , Lamya Alhajeri , Amal Hussein , Asima Karim , "Prevalence of Choking and Awareness about Its Proper Management among the Residents of the United Arab Emirates: Cross-sectional Study," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 377 - 385, 2023. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2023.110401.

(b). APA Format:
Mohammad Ala' Alajjuri , Mariam Eltabbakh , Mouaz I. Y. Oudih , Amna Saeed Ali AlKetbi , Heba Mohamad Abou Ali , Lamya Alhajeri , Amal Hussein , Asima Karim (2023). Prevalence of Choking and Awareness about Its Proper Management among the Residents of the United Arab Emirates: Cross-sectional Study. Universal Journal of Public Health, 11(4), 377 - 385. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2023.110401.