Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards Thermal Burns: A Cross‐Sectional Study in the Lebanese Population

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Lebanese population regarding thermal burns to inform targeted interventions. Using a cross‐sectional design, data was collected from 1090 participants though a structured questionnaire. Key findings revealed a mean knowledge score of 14.89/20, indicating moderate understanding, with gaps in identifying third‐degree burns and optimal cooling durations. Attitudes scores averaged 36.97/50, reflecting a strong support for burn prevention but low confidence in first aid. Practices scored 12.37/20, with many participants adhering to safety measures but relying on unverified remedies and lacking emergency preparedness. Significant correlations were found between the three domains, particularly between knowledge and practices (r = 0.328, p < 0.001), emphasising the role of education and attitudes in shaping behaviours. Multivariate analysis identified formal first aid training, education, and urban residency as strong predictors across all three domains, while older age negatively influenced knowledge. These results underscore the need for culturally tailored education and enhanced training to address gaps in burn prevention and management among the Lebanese population.

Summary.

• Participants showed moderate knowledge of burn first aid (mean score: 14.89/20) with gaps in identifying severe burns and correct cooling.

• Positive attitudes toward burn prevention were observed (mean score: 36.97/50), but confidence in first aid was low.

• Knowledge and practices were significantly correlated (r = 0.328, p < 0.001), highlighting the impact of education.

• First aid training, education level, and urban residency predicted better outcomes across all domains.

1. Introduction

Thermal burns are injuries resulting from exposure to heat such as fire, hot liquids, steam, or heated objects. These injuries can cause damage to the skin and underlying tissues, with severity ranging from minor injuries to life‐threatening conditions [1]. Burns are typically classified based on the depth of tissue damage: first‐degree burns affect only the epidermis—the outermost skin layer, second‐degree burns extend into the dermis—the deeper layer of the skin, and third‐degree burns penetrate the dermis into the underlying tissues [2].

Globally, the burden of thermal burns is substantial, with over 180 thousand deaths reported annually [3]. In 2019, there were an estimated 8.4 million new burn cases worldwide, with over one hundred thousand deaths, predominantly affecting infants and children aged less than four years old [4]. Moreover, the burden of burns, as assessed in disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs), was shown to be approximately equal to 7.5 million in the same year, with a higher prevalence among females and young children [4]. In high‐income countries, the incidence of thermal burns has declined over recent decades, primarily due to the implementation of stringent safety regulations, widespread public awareness campaigns, and advancements in burn care [5]. For instance, in a study conducted by Crowe et al. (2019) aiming to assess the incidence of burn injuries from 1990 to 2016, it was shown that there is a significant reduction in both incidence and fatality rates of burn injuries, showing the impact of sustained public health interventions and improved clinical care [6]. However, the remaining majority of these fatalities occur in low‐ and middle‐income countries, where safety measures and healthcare infrastructure are often insufficient [7]. In these regions, burns are a leading cause of morbidity and contribute significantly to the number of DALYs lost [8].

Therefore, the magnitude of burn injuries remains hardly assessed and documented in middle‐ and low‐income countries, with a scarcity in data available on the levels of pain, incurred disabilities, and emotional trauma experienced by affected individuals [9]. Within individual country settings, lower socioeconomic status was shown to be correlated with higher risk of burns of all types [10]. Additionally, certain demographic groups, including women, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to thermal burns, with domestic settings being the most common context for such injuries [11].This shows that burn injuries are not only medical issues but also deeply intertwined with socioeconomic factors, further highlighting that lower socioeconomic backgrounds, characterised by limited education and overcrowded housing, are factors increasing the risks of burn injuries [12].

Regionally, the Eastern Mediterranean countries also face a disproportionate burden of burn injuries. In the occupied Palestinian territories, the Ministry of Health has estimated around seven thousand cases of burns annually in the West Bank, and over eight thousand cases in Gaza Strip, with around 65% of cases affecting children [13]. Similarly, in Lebanon, burns among Syrian refugees were also shown to be prevalent, with 63% of the cases affecting children aged less than ten years, and 57% of cases affecting women performing cooking activities [9]. Notably, Presser et al. (2024) highlighted that 32% of the burn cases did not seek any health assistance and this was due to limited resources [9].

In humanitarian settings, especially in refugees' camps and conflict zones, the burden of burn injuries was even more accentuated. In Lebanon's Beqaa region, Al‐Hajj et al. (2024) reported that 18.1% of refugees' households experienced at least one burn injury over a period of twelve months, with 63.7% being accidents involving children aged under five years old [14]. For instance, the majority of these burns were attributed to boiling liquids during food preparation inside tents, highlighting the risks associated with overcrowded and unsafe living conditions [14]. Similarly, in Palestinian territories, Abu Ibaid (2021) reported instances of burns due to heat and flames (36%), electric currents (31.6%), and hot liquids (28.6%) [13].

In the Lebanese context, thermal burns represent a significant public health concern. A study conducted by Ghanimé et al. (2013) reported that 90.7% of treated individuals in the Lebanese Burn Center in XXXX Hospital were caused by thermal burns, specifically flame burns (27.9%) and hot liquid (62.8%) [15]. On the other hand, a retrospective cohort conducted by Abou Dagher et al. (2017) highlighted the distribution of burn injuries across all age groups, with 19.9% occurring in children under 5 years, 10.7% in individuals aged between 5 and 14 years, 64.5% in those aged 15–65 years, and 4.9% in elderly individuals over 65 years [16]. These findings call for the necessity to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the Lebanese population towards thermal burns, in order to be able to address targeted interventions and allocate resources to reduce the burden of these injuries in Lebanon.

To address this, the primary objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Lebanese population towards thermal burns. Secondary objectives include identifying the source of information of participants regarding thermal burns and their experience of burns. Moreover, this study aims to examine the correlations between knowledge, attitudes, and practices of individuals related to thermal burns and to identify factors associated with variations in KAP.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Design

The study is based on a cross‐sectional design, aiming at assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to thermal burns in the Lebanese population. A structured questionnaire is used to collect data from participants across various regions in Lebanon. The cross‐sectional design is chosen because it allows for the collection of data at a single point in time, providing a snapshot of the current state of KAP regarding thermal burns among the population.

2.2. Study Population

The study population includes adults aged 18 years and older residing in Lebanon. Participants were recruited from diverse settings, including healthcare facilities, community centres, educational institutions, and public areas, to ensure a representative sample of the Lebanese population.

2.3. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults aged 18 years and older.

2. Residents of Lebanon.

3. Individuals who can provide informed consent to participate in the study.

4. Individuals who can read and understand Arabic or English.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Individuals younger than 18 years.

2. Non‐residents of Lebanon.

3. Individuals who cannot provide informed consent.

4. Individuals who are unable to read or understand Arabic or English.

2.4. Data Collection

Data collection was done through a structured questionnaire administered via an online survey platform (kobo toolbox). To accommodate participants' language preferences, the questionnaire was made available in both Arabic and English. The original tool was developed in English and translated into Arabic using a forward‐backward translation process to make sure of the linguistic and conceptual equivalence, as well as to enhance the clarity and the appropriateness of the tool to the Lebanese contexts, where Arabic is the native language. Due to the absence of a validated KAP instrument specifically addressing thermal burns as a unified construct in the literature, the research team developed the questionnaire used based on a thorough review of the existing literature and previously published KAP studies on burn‐related knowledge and behaviours. Thus, the tool was not adapted from a single validated source, but it was instead designed to capture key thematic areas relevant to the study's objectives. Both language versions of the questionnaire are available in PDF format upon request. Data collection took place over a four‐month period (June to October 2024), allowing sufficient time for participant recruitment and completion.

The study instrument was a structured questionnaire specifically designed to evaluate participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding thermal burns. The questionnaire comprised 4 sections:

• –The first section included demographic variables, noting age, gender, marital status, level of education, living governorate, residence location, occupation, number of individuals aged less than 18 years living in the household, crowding index, sources of information about burns, undergoing first aid course, history of exposure to burn injury, and the treatment of this injury (if present) by a professional.
• –The second section, related to the knowledge, included 20 questions aimed at assessing participants' understanding of thermal burns, including their causes, prevention methods, and first aid measures. Each question provided single selection options, with one correct answer. Responses were coded as “1” for correct answers and “0” for incorrect answers, enabling the calculation of a total knowledge score.
• –The third section, related to attitudes, included 10 items that measured participants' beliefs, perceptions, and feelings about burn prevention and treatment. These items were evaluated using a 5‐point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (Strongly disagree) to 5 (Strongly agree), allowing for the assessment of participants' overall attitudes towards thermal burns.
• –The fourth section, related to practices, consisted of 20 questions that explored participants' behaviours and actions related to burn prevention and first aid. Similar to the knowledge section, each question in this section provided single selection options, with one correct answer. Responses were also coded as “1” for correct answers and “0” for incorrect answers, facilitating the calculation of a total practices score.

The questionnaire was structured based on a thorough review of existing literature and validated KAP surveys on burn prevention. To ensure clarity, relevance, and applicability, the questionnaire was pilot tested with a small group of participants. Feedback from this pilot test was carefully reviewed and used to refine the content, structure, and wording of the questions, thereby enhancing the questionnaire's reliability and validity.

Additionally, the questionnaire was offered in both Arabic and English versions to cater to the diverse linguistic preferences of the target population. This comprehensive approach to questionnaire development ensured the collection of accurate and reliable data, providing a robust foundation for achieving the study's objectives.

2.5. Data Analysis

Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 27.0. The analysis included descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multivariate analyses to address the research questions.

A descriptive analysis was enrolled where qualitative data (nominal) was represented through tables by frequencies and percentages or through pie or bar charts, and quantitative data (scale) was represented by mean, standard deviation, median, minimum, and maximum. Graphically, quantitative data was represented by histograms.

The knowledge score (K) was computed by adding the score of the knowledge questions where the correct answers were coded by “1” and incorrect answers were coded by “0”. The attitude score (A) was computed by adding the score of the attitude questions that follow a Likert scale from 1 “Strongly disagree” to 5 “Strongly agree”. The Practice score (P) was computed by adding the score of the practice questions where the correct answers were coded by “1” and incorrect answers were coded by “0”.

KAP scores were presented by mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum values. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) (α) was assessed for all the scores and were valid with a Cronbach's alpha value > 0.7. The normal distribution of the scores was checked via the histograms, the QQ‐plot, and the values of skewness and kurtosis.

Bivariate analysis was enrolled aiming to test the factors associated with the K, A, and P in the study population. The tests used in the bivariate analysis were the chi‐square test, Mann Whitney test, and Kruskal Wallis test. In addition, the Spearman correlation test was used to assess the correlation between the K, A, and P. A statistically significant association was set at 5% (p.value less than 0.05).

A multiple linear regression was employed to test the factors associated with each of the three scores “K”, “A”, and “P”. The adjusted multiple linear regression model was conducted using the stepwisemethod.

3. Results

3.1. Demographic Characteristics

A total of 1090 participants were included in the study. The sample comprised 473 males (43.4%) and 617 females (56.6%). The mean age of the participants was 34.19 years (SD = 14.18), with an age range between 18 and 85 years. Participants were categorised into four age groups: those under 25 years old (32.4%, n = 353), between 25 and 34 years (30.9%, n = 337), between 35 and 44 years (14.5%, n = 158), and those aged 45 years or older (22.2%, n = 242).

Regarding marital status, the majority of participants were single (56.8%, n = 619), while 39.6% (n = 432) were married, 1.8% (n = 20) were divorced, and 1.7% (n = 19) were widowed. In terms of educational attainment, more than half of the participants held a university degree (53.9%, n = 588), followed by 17.4% (n = 190) with a postgraduate degree, 15.2% (n = 166) with a high school diploma, and 7.1% (n = 77) with a diploma. A smaller portion had no formal education (6.3%, n = 69).

Geographically, participants were distributed across various Lebanese governorates: Mount Lebanon (44.0%, n = 480), North Lebanon (16.2%, n = 177), Beirut (9.9%, n = 108), South Lebanon (10.2%, n = 111), Beqaa (7.3%, n = 80), Nabatiyeh (7.2%, n = 79), Akkar (2.9%, n = 32), and Baalbek‐Hermel (2.1%, n = 23).

In terms of occupation, the majority of respondents were employed (61.5%, n = 670), while 23.5% (n = 256) were students, 9.7% (n = 106) were home caretakers, 3.2% (n = 35) were unemployed, and 2.1% (n = 23) were retired. Overall, 61.5% (n = 670) of the participants reported being currently employed, while 38.5% (n = 420) were not working.

Regarding household composition, 40.1% (n = 437) of participants had children, adolescents, or teenagers under the age of 18 living at home, while 59.9% (n = 653) did not. The crowding index revealed that a significant portion of participants lived in non‐crowded conditions (71.9%, n = 784), whereas 28.1% (n = 306) lived in crowded conditions. It should be noted that participants living in crowded households were more likely to have a history of exposure to burn injuries (56.9%) compared to those living in non‐crowded households (51.4%).

3.2. Sources of Information and Experience About Burns

The study assessed the sources of information and personal experiences related to burns among the 1090 participants. The most common source of information was the internet, reported by 62.6% (n = 682) of participants. This was followed by television (31.7%, n = 346), official courses (28.6%, n = 312), and websites (28.8%, n = 314). Pamphlets were used by 8.3% (n = 91), while newspapers and radio were less common sources, with 6.1% (n = 67) and 4.9% (n = 53) respectively.

Regarding first aid training, the majority of participants (72.8%, n = 794) reported having never attended a first aid course or training specific to burns, while 27.2% (n = 296) had received such training.

In terms of personal or familial experience with burn injuries, 52.9% (n = 577) of participants reported a history of exposure to burn injuries, either personally or within their family, whereas 47.1% (n = 513) had no such experience. Among those who had experienced a burn injury, 63.1% (n = 364) sought professional treatment, while 36.9% (n = 213) did not.

3.3. Knowledge About Thermal Burns

The assessment of participants' knowledge about thermal burns revealed varying levels of understanding across different items (Table 1). The findings revealed a generally good understanding, particularly regarding the definition, at‐risk age groups, and the role of first aid in burn management. Most participants correctly identified that thermal burns are caused by heat and recognised infants and the elderly as the most vulnerable groups.

TABLE 1.

Representation of the items related to Knowledge about Thermal Burns in the study population (N = 1090).

		Frequency	Percent	% Correct
What is a thermal burn?	A type of burn caused by heat	976	89.5	89.5
	A type of burn caused by chemicals	84	7.7
	A type of burn caused by electricity	30	2.8
What is the common cause of thermal burns?	Exposure to cold temperatures	19	1.7	44.5
	Exposure to hot liquids and steam	485	44.5
	Exposure to heat and flame	533	48.9
	Exposure to radiation	53	4.9
Which age groups are most at risk for thermal burns?	Infants and elderly	762	69.9	69.9
	Teenagers	211	19.4
	Middle‐aged adults	117	10.7
Which degree of burn injury is considered the most severe?	1st degree burns	277	25.4	72.7
	2nd degree burns	21	1.9
	3rd degree burns	792	72.7
How can you distinguish between first, second, and third‐degree burns?	By the colour of the skin	215	19.7	74.7
	By the depth of skin damage	814	74.7
	By the amount of pain	61	5.6
Blisters and severe pain are signs and symptoms of a second‐degree burn?	True	838	76.9	76.9
	FALSE	252	23.1
What are the characteristics of a third‐degree burn?	White or black, dry and mildly painful	520	47.7	47.7
	Red, moist and painful	449	41.2
	Blisters and itching	121	11.1
What is the initial first aid step for a thermal burn?	Apply ice directly to the burn	117	10.7	80.9
	Run cool water over the burn	882	80.9
	Cover the burn with egg white or toothpaste	91	8.3
How long should you run cool water over a burn?	1–2 min	368	33.8	58.8
	10–15 min	641	58.8
	30–40 min	81	7.4
What is the most contributor to the severity of burns?	Time interval between getting burnt and seeking treatment	317	29.1	41.3
	Length of contact	450	41.3
	Education level of caregiver	34	3.1
	Method of care given	115	10.6
	I Don't know	174	16.0
The primary purpose of covering a burn with a dressing is to protect the wound and prevent infection:	True	946	86.8	86.8
	FALSE	144	13.2
What is the role of hydration in burn treatment?	It has no role	92	8.4	87.1
	It helps to prevent dehydration and shock	949	87.1
	It causes more damage to the burn	49	4.5
What are the potential long‐term effects of severe burns?	Temporary redness	101	9.3	87.6
	Permanent scarring and contractures	955	87.6
	No long‐term effects	34	3.1
Proper nutrition aids in faster recovery and tissue repair	True	857	78.6	78.6
	FALSE	233	21.4
What is the role of physical therapy in burn rehabilitation?	It speeds up the healing process of the burn	123	11.3	58.2
	It helps to improve mobility and prevent contractures	634	58.2
	It is primarily for pain relief	61	5.6
	It is not necessary	272	25.0
What are some common myths about treating burns?	Applying butter or toothpaste helps heal burns	863	79.2	79.2
	Running cool water is an effective first aid	167	15.3
	Seeking medical attention for burns is necessary	60	5.5
It is important to keep hot objects and liquids out of children's reach as a precaution against burns:	True	1070	98.2	98.2
	FALSE	20	1.8
Using oven mitts and keeping pot handles turned inward on the stove can prevent burns in the kitchen:	True	963	88.3	88.3
	FALSE	127	11.7
Flammable materials at home should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat	True	1056	96.9	96.9
	FALSE	34	3.1
What steps should be taken in case of a fire emergency at home?	Wait and see if the fire goes out on its own	47	4.3	71.7
	Use water to extinguish the fire	262	24.0
	Evacuate immediately and call emergency services	781	71.7

Additionally, knowledge about the severity and characteristics of burns, as well as first aid measures like cooling with water and the purpose of wound dressing, was relatively high. However, gaps were noted in identifying specific features of third‐degree burns and the optimal duration for cooling. While participants demonstrated awareness of burn prevention practices and refused certain myths, certain areas, such as the role of physical therapy and contributors to burn severity, require further education.

3.4. Attitudes Towards Thermal Burns

The analysis of participants' attitudes regarding thermal burns revealed varied levels of concern, confidence, and perceptions related to burn prevention and management (Table 2). While the majority of the participants recognised the seriousness of burns and the importance of educating others and implementing preventive measures, confidence in administering first aid and perceptions of available resources were moderate to low.

TABLE 2.

Representation of the items related to Attitudes towards Thermal Burns in the study population (N = 1090).

		Frequency	Percent	% Positive attitude
How serious do you consider thermal burns compared to other injuries?	1 (Not serious)	11	1.0	69.2
	2	59	5.4
	3	266	24.4
	4	359	32.9
	5 (Very serious)	395	36.2
How confident are you in your ability to administer first aid for burns?	1 (Not confident)	166	15.2	29.6
	2	234	21.5
	3	367	33.7
	4	179	16.4
	5 (Strongly Confident)	144	13.2
How important is it to educate others about burn prevention?	1 (Low importance)	8	0.7	88.5
	2	28	2.6
	3	89	8.2
	4	152	13.9
	5 (High Importance)	813	74.6
How do you feel about the availability of burn treatment resources in your community?	1 (Strongly disagree)	70	6.4	39.4
	2	208	19.1
	3	382	35.0
	4	194	17.8
	5 (Strongly agree)	236	21.7
How likely are you to seek medical help for a minor burn?	1 (Not likely)	235	21.6	27.9
	2	282	25.9
	3	269	24.7
	4	132	12.1
	5 (Very likely)	172	15.8
How concerned are you about the risk of burns in your daily life?	1 (Not concerned)	123	11.3	34.6
	2	240	22.0
	3	350	32.1
	4	162	14.9
	5 (Very concerned)	215	19.7
How do you perceive the effectiveness of current burn prevention campaigns?	1 (Not effective)	162	14.9	38.5
	2	190	17.4
	3	318	29.2
	4	180	16.5
	5 (Very effective)	240	22.0
How supportive are you of implementing more stringent safety regulations to prevent burns?	1 (Not supportive)	10	0.9	78.9
	2	42	3.9
	3	178	16.3
	4	263	24.1
	5 (Very supportive)	597	54.8
How important is it to have first aid training for burn treatment?	1 (Not important)	10	0.9	88.3
	2	21	1.9
	3	96	8.8
	4	196	18.0
	5 (Very important)	767	70.4
How do you view the role of healthcare professionals in managing burn injuries?	1 (Not Important)	8	0.7	85.0
	2	27	2.5
	3	129	11.8
	4	289	26.5
	5 (Very Important)	637	58.4

Support for stricter safety regulations and the necessity of first aid training was strong, reflecting a general willingness to improve burn prevention and management. However, limited concern about daily burn risks and mixed views on the effectiveness of prevention campaigns indicate areas for improvement in public awareness and resource accessibility.

3.5. Practices About Thermal Burns

The assessment of participants' practices related to thermal burns highlighted varying levels of adherence to recommended safety measures and first aid procedures (Table 3). While most participants followed key safety practices, such as checking bath water temperature, keeping flammable materials away from heat, and supervising children around hot appliances, gaps were evident in emergency preparedness and the use of appropriate first aid techniques.

TABLE 3.

Representation of the items related to Practices about Thermal Burns in the study population (N = 1090).

		Frequency	Percent	% Correct
How often do you check the temperature of bath water before use?	Never	89	8.2	76.1
	Sometimes	172	15.8
	Always	829	76.1
Do you keep flammable materials away from heat sources at home?	No	49	4.5	87.2
	Sometimes	91	8.3
	Yes	950	87.2
Do you have a fire extinguisher at home?	No	690	63.3	31.2
	Not sure	60	5.5
	Yes	340	31.2
Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher?	No	444	40.7	46.4
	Not sure	140	12.8
	Yes	506	46.4
Do you supervise children around hot appliances?	No	80	7.3	84.8
	Sometimes	86	7.9
	Yes	924	84.8
How do you cool a burn after an injury?	Run cool water over it	889	81.6	81.6
	Apply ice directly	130	11.9
	Cover with a dry cloth	71	6.5
Do you apply ointments or creams to burns without consulting a healthcare professional?	No	350	32.1	32.1
	Sometimes	335	30.7
	Yes	405	37.2
How often do you change dressings on a burn wound?	As recommended by healthcare professionals	848	77.8	77.8
	Whenever convenient and off‐pain	177	16.2
	No dressing is needed	65	6.0
Have you ever had to seek medical attention for a burn?	No	352	32.3	50.6
	Not sure	186	17.1
	Yes	552	50.6
How do you handle sunburns?	Stay hydrated, take pain relief and moisturise the burn ( aloe vera gel, creams..)	942	86.4	86.4
	Apply tomato paste or toothpaste	26	2.4
	Ignore it	122	11.2
Do you use sun protection to prevent burns?	No	232	21.3	60.8
	Sometimes	195	17.9
	Yes	663	60.8
Do you keep or do you know the emergency contact numbers of the red cross or civil defence for burn emergencies?	No	216	19.8	69.6
	Not sure	115	10.6
	Yes	759	69.6
How do you educate your family about burn prevention?	Regular discussions and safety drills	518	47.5	47.5
	We ignore the topic	206	18.9
	Assume everyone already knows about burn prevention	366	33.6
Do you keep first aid supplies and fire extinguishers ready for any potential burn emergencies at home?	No	513	47.1	52.9
	Yes	577	52.9
Do you have emergency procedures for burn injuries at work or school?	No	336	30.8	47.9
	Not sure	232	21.3
	Yes	522	47.9
What measures do you take to prevent burns from hot beverages?	I Keep them away from edges and children	1018	93.4	93.4
	I Drink them immediately	49	4.5
	I drink hot beverages through a straw	23	2.1
In case of burn, I cover the burn with	Nothing	284	26.1	56.5
	Clean towel/kitchen paper	102	9.4
	Adhesive bandage	88	8.1
	Sterile gauze	616	56.5
First aid behaviour when clothes caught fire:	Stop, drop, and roll	314	28.8	28.8
	Smother with cloth	162	14.9
	Jump in water	175	16.1
	Run	8	0.7
	Take off clothing	309	28.3
	Do not know	122	11.2
How do you manage the blisters in case of burn?	Be left intact	671	61.6	61.6
	Be broken	162	14.9
	Be broken and the skin be removed	257	23.6
In case of burn, do you apply traditional remedies to burn injury?	No	697	63.9	63.9
	Yes	393	36.1
If yes, type	Aloe vera	251	63.9
	Ice	108	27.5
	Toothpaste	95	24.2
	Vaseline	44	11.2
	Honey	43	10.9
	Yogurt	40	10.2
	Olive oil	40	10.2
	Egg white	15	3.8
	Cucumber	12	3.1
	Hypericum oil	4	1.0
	Tea tree oil cream	4	1.0
	Baking soda	4	1.0
	Butter	3	0.8
	Tomato paste	2	0.5
	Moisturising cream	0	0.0
	Curcubita oil	0	0.0

A considerable proportion lacked fire extinguishers or the knowledge to use them, and many relied on unverified traditional remedies for burns. Although first aid practices like running cool water over burns were widely recognised, misconceptions, such as applying ointments or ice, persisted. Additionally, practices related to sun protection and educating family members about burn prevention were inconsistent. Overall, the results highlight a mix of correct practices and areas where participants demonstrated potentially harmful behaviours, such as using ice directly on burns or applying unverified traditional remedies.

3.6. KAP Scores

The KAP scores were assessed by calculating the total scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices based on participants' responses (Table 4).

TABLE 4.

Representation of the KAP scores about Thermal Burns in the study population (N = 1090).

		Score knowledge	Score attitude	Score practices
N		1090	1090	1090
Mean		14.89	36.97	12.37
Median		15.00	37.00	13.00
Std. Deviation		2.87	5.84	3.24
Minimum		4	10	0
Maximum		20	50	20
Percentiles	25	13.00	33.00	10.00
	50	15.00	37.00	13.00
	75	17.00	41.00	15.00

Abbreviation: KAP, Knowledge, attitude and practice.

For knowledge, the total score was calculated out of 20, with higher scores indicating greater knowledge about thermal burns. The mean knowledge score was 14.89 (SD = 2.87), with a median of 15. The scores ranged from a minimum of 4 to a maximum of 20. The 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles were 13, 15, and 17, respectively.

For attitudes, the total score was calculated out of 50, where a higher score reflects more positive attitudes towards burn prevention and management. The mean attitude score was 36.97 (SD = 5.84), with a median of 37. The scores ranged from a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 50. The 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles were 33, 37, and 41, respectively.

For practices, the total score was also calculated out of 20, with higher scores indicating better practices regarding burn prevention and first aid. The mean practices score was 12.37 (SD = 3.24), with a median of 13. The scores varied between 0 and 20. The 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles were 10, 13, and 15, respectively.

Overall, the results indicate moderate levels of knowledge and attitudes among the study participants, while practices regarding burn management were relatively lower. The wide range in scores, particularly in practices, suggests variability in adherence to recommended burn prevention and first aid procedures among the population.

3.7. Correlation Between KAP Scores

The analysis of the correlations between the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) scores among the 1090 participants revealed statistically significant relationships (Table 5).

TABLE 5.

Correlation between KAP scores.

		Score knowledge	Score attitude	Score practices
Score knowledge	Pearson correlation	1	0.141 a	0.328 a
	p value		< 0.001	< 0.001
	N	1090	1090	1090
Score attitude	Pearson correlation	0.141 a	1	0.260 a
	p value	< 0.001		< 0.001
	N	1090	1090	1090
Score practices	Pearson correlation	0.328 a	0.260 a	1
	p value	< 0.001	< 0.001
	N	1090	1090	1090

^a Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level.

There was a moderate positive correlation between the knowledge and practices scores (r = 0.328, p < 0.001), indicating that higher knowledge about thermal burns is associated with better burn‐related practices. Additionally, a weak positive correlation was observed between knowledge and attitude scores (r = 0.141, p < 0.001), suggesting that increased knowledge is linked to slightly more positive attitudes towards burn prevention and management.

The correlation between attitudes and practices was also significant, with a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.260, p < 0.001). This suggests that more positive attitudes are moderately associated with better burn prevention and first aid practices.

All correlations were statistically significant at the 0.01 level, highlighting a meaningful relationship between the three domains (knowledge, attitudes, and practices) within the study population. However, the strength of these correlations indicates that while knowledge, attitudes, and practices are interrelated, they do not perfectly predict one another, implying the presence of other influencing factors.

3.8. Factors Associated With KAP

3.8.1. Factors Associated With Knowledge

The analysis of the knowledge score related to thermal burns and their correlation with demographic factors revealed several significant associations (Table 6). Findings indicate that knowledge levels about thermal burns are influenced by various demographic factors, particularly age, education, urban residency, and prior exposure to first aid training or burn injuries.

TABLE 6.

Correlation between KAP scores and demographic factors.

		N	Score knowledge		Score attitude		Score practices
			Mean (SD)	p	Mean (SD)	p	Mean (SD)	p
Age	< 25 years	353	15.45 (2.87)	< 0.001	36.61 (5.73)	0.239	12.16 (3.30)	< 0.001
	25–34 years	337	15.41 (2.78)		37.49 (5.53)		12.88 (2.97)
	35–44 years	158	14.53 (2.69)		36.85 (5.70)		12.75 (2.91)
	≥ 45 years	242	13.60 (2.65)		36.86 (6.44)		11.74 (3.59)
Gender	Male	473	14.70 (2.96)	0.056	36.44 (6.02)	0.009	12.29 (3.48)	0.465
	Female	617	15.04 (2.79)		37.38 (5.66)		12.43 (3.05)
Marital status	Not married	658	15.24 (2.96)	< 0.001	36.56 (5.72)	0.004	12.37 (3.30)	0.977
	Married	432	14.36 (2.63)		37.60 (5.95)		12.37 (3.16)
Level of education	No formal education	69	12.45 (2.68)	< 0.001	37.77 (8.06)	0.264	9.90 (3.82)	< 0.001
	High school	166	13.56 (2.89)		36.16 (5.52)		11.20 (3.28)
	Diploma	77	14.70 (3.02)		36.74 (6.10)		12.81 (2.55)
	University degree	588	15.13 (2.60)		37.04 (5.91)		12.80 (3.04)
	Postgraduate	190	16.28 (2.61)		37.29 (4.68)		12.81 (3.22)
Living governorate	Beirut	108	15.55 (2.59)	0.001	37.72 (5.82)	0.098	12.61 (3.01)	0.300
	Mount Lebanon	480	14.97 (3.03)		36.80 (5.68)		12.54 (3.24)
	North Lebanon	177	14.14 (2.87)		37.84 (7.42)		12.06 (3.12)
	Akkar	32	14.53 (3.35)		35.06 (5.24)		11.59 (3.77)
	Beqaa	80	14.76 (2.48)		36.89 (5.24)		12.69 (2.89)
	Baalbek—Hermel	23	14.13 (3.33)		37.04 (5.58)		11.65 (3.07)
	South Lebanon	111	15.50 (2.35)		36.94 (4.95)		12.30 (3.41)
	Nabatiyeh	79	14.90 (2.52)		35.94 (4.37)		12.00 (3.67)
Living governorate	BML	588	15.07 (2.96)	0.025	36.97 (5.72)	0.989	12.56 (3.20)	0.042
	Others	502	14.68 (2.74)		36.98 (5.98)		12.16 (3.28)
Residence location	Rural	549	14.44 (2.93)	< 0.001	36.88 (5.88)	0.587	12.03 (3.45)	< 0.001
	Urban	541	15.35 (2.73)		37.07 (5.79)		12.72 (2.98)
Working status	No	420	15.05 (3.09)	0.148	36.47 (5.75)	0.024	11.77 (3.44)	< 0.001
	Yes	670	14.79 (2.72)		37.29 (5.87)		12.75 (3.06)
With children/adolescents/teenagers (under 18) living at home	No	653	14.95 (2.87)	0.457	36.55 (5.72)	0.004	12.20 (3.39)	0.037
	Yes	437	14.81 (2.86)		37.60 (5.95)		12.62 (2.99)
Crowding Index	Not crowded	784	14.85 (2.91)	0.473	36.88 (5.89)	0.418	12.31 (3.30)	0.286
	Crowded	306	14.99 (2.76)		37.20 (5.69)		12.54 (3.08)
Have you ever taken a first aid course/training for burns?	No	794	14.53 (2.84)	< 0.001	36.62 (5.93)	0.001	11.79 (3.22)	< 0.001
	Yes	296	15.86 (2.72)		37.91 (5.48)		13.93 (2.77)
History of exposure to burn injury (self or family member)?	No	513	14.70 (2.83)	0.032	36.94 (6.05)	0.841	12.24 (3.22)	0.220
	Yes	577	15.07 (2.89)		37.01 (5.64)		12.49 (3.26)

Note: Bold: Statistically significance set at 5%.

There was a statistically significant difference in knowledge scores across different age groups (p < 0.001). Younger participants, particularly those under 25 years and those aged 25–34, had higher knowledge scores compared to older participants, with the lowest scores observed in the ≥ 45 years' group. The difference in knowledge scores between males and females approached statistical significance (p = 0.056), suggesting a slight trend towards higher scores among females.

Concerning the marital status, unmarried participants had significantly higher knowledge scores compared to married individuals (p < 0.001). Education level was significantly associated with knowledge scores (p < 0.001). Participants with postgraduate degrees scored the highest, while those with no formal education had the lowest scores. Knowledge scores increased progressively with higher levels of education.

Participants from different governorates showed significant variations in knowledge scores (p = 0.001). The highest mean scores were observed in Beirut and South Lebanon, while the lowest scores were found in North Lebanon and Baalbek‐Hermel. Participants living in the Beirut and Mount Lebanon regions had slightly higher knowledge scores compared to those living in other regions (p = 0.025). Participants living in urban areas had significantly higher knowledge scores compared to those in rural areas (p < 0.001).

Participants who had taken a first aid course specifically related to burns had significantly higher knowledge scores compared to those who had not received such training (p < 0.001). Participants who reported a history of burn exposure (either self or a family member) had higher knowledge scores compared to those without such a history (p = 0.032).

No statistically significant associations were found between knowledge scores and working status (p = 0.148), presence of children under 18 at home (p = 0.457), or crowding index (p = 0.473).

3.8.2. Factors Associated With Attitudes

The analysis of the attitudes scores towards thermal burns and their correlation with demographic factors revealed several significant associations (Table 6). Findings indicate that factors such as gender, marital status, employment status, having children at home, and prior first aid training were significantly associated with more positive attitudes towards thermal burn prevention and management. However, other factors such as age, education level, and living location did not show a significant impact on attitudes.

Additionally, females demonstrated significantly more positive attitudes towards burn prevention and management compared to males (p = 0.009). Married participants exhibited significantly higher attitude scores compared to unmarried participants (p = 0.004), indicating a more positive attitude among those who are married.

Participants who were employed had significantly higher attitude scores compared to those who were not working (p = 0.024). Participants with children under 18 years old at home had significantly higher attitude scores compared to those without children (p = 0.004).

Participants who had taken a first aid course related to burns exhibited significantly higher attitude scores compared to those who had not (p = 0.001).

There was no significant difference in attitudes towards thermal burns across different age groups (p = 0.239), various education levels (p = 0.264), governorates (p = 0.098), and residency settings (urban or rural) (p = 0.587). Moreover, there was no significant difference in attitude scores between participants with a history of burn exposure and those without (p = 0.841).

3.8.3. Factors Associated With Practices

The analysis of practices related to thermal burns and their correlation with demographic factors revealed several significant associations (Table 6). Findings suggest that factors such as age (p < 0.001), education level (p < 0.001), urban residency (p = 0.042), employment status (p < 0.001), having children at home (p = 0.037), and prior first aid training (p < 0.001) are significantly associated with better practices related to burn prevention and management. Conversely, gender (p = 0.465), marital status (p = 0.977), and history of burn exposure (p = 0.220) did not appear to have a significant impact on practice scores.

3.9. Multiple Linear Regression for the Factors Associated With Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices About Thermal Burns

The multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the factors influencing knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to thermal burns among the study population. The analysis was performed using both the Enter and Stepwise methods to identify the most significant predictors for each domain as shown in Table 7.

TABLE 7.

Multiple linear regression for the factors associated with Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices about Thermal Burns.

Model		Enter model					Stepwise model
		Unstandardized coefficients		p	95.0% Confidence Interval for B		Unstandardized coefficients		p	95.0% Confidence interval for B
		B	Std. Error		Lower Bound	Upper Bound	B	Std. Error		Lower Bound	Upper Bound
Dependent Variable: Score Knowledge	(Constant)	11.309	0.594	< 0.001	10.143	12.476	12.052	0.429	< 0.001	11.210	12.894
	Age	−0.408	0.094	< 0.001	−0.594	−0.223	−0.362	0.075	< 0.001	−0.510	−0.215
	Gender	0.178	0.163	0.276	−0.142	0.498
	Marital status	0.129	0.211	0.541	−0.286	0.544
	Level of education	0.641	0.079	< 0.001	0.486	0.797	0.640	0.078	< 0.001	0.487	0.793
	Living governorate	0.217	0.169	0.199	−0.114	0.548
	Residence location	0.638	0.167	< 0.001	0.310	0.966	0.589	0.161	< 0.001	0.273	0.906
	Have you ever taken a first aid course/training for burns?	0.850	0.184	< 0.001	0.490	1.211	0.823	0.183	< 0.001	0.464	1.182
	History of exposure to burn injury (self or family member)?	0.441	0.160	0.006	0.127	0.754	0.465	0.159	0.004	0.153	0.778
Dependent Variable: Score Attitude	(Constant)	29.407	1.272	< 0.001	26.911	31.902	29.468	1.195	< 0.001	27.123	31.814
	Gender	0.817	0.355	0.022	0.121	1.514	0.768	0.353	0.030	0.075	1.461
	Marital status	0.956	0.400	0.017	0.170	1.741	1.328	0.362	< 0.001	0.618	2.038
	Residence location	−0.095	0.352	0.787	−0.785	0.595
	Working status	0.700	0.364	0.055	−0.015	1.414
	With children/adolescents/teenagers (under 18) living at home	0.657	0.387	0.090	−0.103	1.416
	Have you ever taken a first aid course/training for burns?	1.044	0.403	0.010	0.253	1.835	1.135	0.400	0.005	0.349	1.920
	History of exposure to burn injury (self or family member)?	−0.196	0.349	0.574	−0.881	0.488
	Score Knowledge	0.283	0.063	< 0.001	0.159	0.408	0.278	0.063	< 0.001	0.155	0.401
Dependent Variable: Score Practices	(Constant)	8.756	0.625	< 0.001	7.529	9.983	8.956	0.398	< 0.001	8.176	9.736
	Age	0.056	0.092	0.544	−0.125	0.237	0.461	0.086	< 0.001	0.293	0.630
	Level of education	0.485	0.094	< 0.001	0.300	0.669
	Living governorate	0.012	0.195	0.951	−0.370	0.394
	Residence location	0.449	0.193	0.020	0.070	0.828	0.449	0.186	0.016	0.084	0.815
	Working status	0.552	0.201	0.006	0.157	0.947	0.590	0.192	0.002	0.214	0.966
	With children/adolescents/teenagers (under 18) living at home	0.532	0.190	0.005	0.160	0.904	0.550	0.187	0.003	0.183	0.918
	Have you ever taken a first aid course/training for burns?	1.830	0.212	< 0.001	1.414	2.245	1.821	0.211	< 0.001	1.407	2.236

For knowledge scores, the regression analysis revealed that several variables were significantly associated with better knowledge about thermal burns. Age demonstrated a negative relationship with knowledge scores (B = −0.362, p < 0.001), indicating that older participants were likely to have lower knowledge levels. In contrast, education level was a strong positive predictor; participants with higher educational attainment had significantly better knowledge scores (B = 0.640, p < 0.001). Additionally, those living in urban areas had higher knowledge scores compared to rural residents (B = 0.589, p < 0.001). Formal first aid training also emerged as a crucial factor, with those who had received such training scoring significantly higher (B = 0.823, p < 0.001). Furthermore, individuals with a history of personal or familial burn exposure exhibited better knowledge (B = 0.465, p = 0.004). Overall, the model suggests that education, urban residency, prior training, and burn exposure positively influence knowledge, while increasing age is associated with lower knowledge levels.

Regarding attitudes towards burn prevention and management, several demographic factors were found to be significant. Gender played a role, with females demonstrating more positive attitudes compared to males (B = 0.768, p = 0.030). Marital status also had a significant impact, as married participants showed more favourable attitudes than their unmarried counterparts (B = 1.328, p < 0.001). Formal first aid training was another positive predictor, where participants who had attended such training had significantly higher attitude scores (B = 1.135, p = 0.005). Additionally, there was a positive correlation between knowledge scores and attitudes (B = 0.278, p < 0.001), suggesting that individuals with greater knowledge about burns were likely to have more positive attitudes towards burn prevention and management. This model highlights the influence of gender, marital status, training, and knowledge on shaping attitudes towards burns.

In terms of practices related to thermal burn prevention and first aid, the analysis indicated that age had a positive influence (B = 0.461, p < 0.001) in the Stepwise model, where older participants reported better practices. Higher education levels were also significantly associated with better practices (B = 0.485, p < 0.001), reflecting the impact of education on adherence to recommended burn‐related behaviours. Participants living in urban areas were more likely to follow appropriate burn practices compared to those in rural settings (B = 0.449, p = 0.016). Employment status emerged as another significant factor, with employed individuals showing better practices than those who were unemployed (B = 0.590, p = 0.002). Furthermore, having children under the age of 18 in the household was associated with improved practices (B = 0.550, p = 0.003), possibly reflecting a heightened awareness of safety in households with children. The most significant predictor of better practices was first aid training, with those having attended a course demonstrating significantly higher practice scores (B = 1.821, p < 0.001). This analysis highlights that practices are significantly influenced by age, education, urban residency, employment, having children, and prior first aid training.

4. Discussion

Burn injuries, especially thermal burn, are considered a public health concern within the Lebanese population. Therefore, there exists a scarcity of data related to the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding thermal burns among individuals. To address this, the innovative approach of this study, within the Lebanese context, was held in order to cover the existing literature gap and to inform professionals and stakeholders of the necessity to implement new strategies to mitigate the burden of thermal injuries. For this purpose, the present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Lebanese population in what concerns thermal burns. Other secondary objectives included identifying the source of information of participants regarding thermal burns and assessing their experiences of burns. Furthermore, the study aimed to examine the existing correlations between knowledge, attitudes, and practices of individuals related to thermal burns and identify the factors associated with variations in KAP.

To tackle the objectives of this study, a descriptive analysis of the demographic characteristics of the participants was done. The results revealed a heterogeneity among the study participants, showing a diversity in age groups, marital statuses, educational attainments, residency distribution, and occupational statuses. This helped conduct further correlation analysis to examine key determinants that influence an individual's understanding and behaviours regarding thermal burns.

Additionally, the findings of the study highlighted important patterns in the sources of information regarding thermal burns among the Lebanese population. For instance, the internet was the most commonly reported source of information, which is aligned with the literature stating that the internet has become the primary source of health‐related information due to its accessibility and immediacy [17]. However, the reliance on internet‐based information raises concerns about the accuracy and credibility of the sources, as misinformation can lead to improper behaviour, attitudes, or first aid practices [18]. Therefore, the significant use of television and official courses indicates the importance of integrating educational campaigns into these platforms in order to improve public knowledge about burn prevention and first aid. In this regard, Chanda et al. (2024) highlighted the importance of health literacy through online platforms, emphasising that such platforms can simplify the understanding of health‐related topics when they provide information from credible and relevant sources [19].

Moreover, it was shown that the majority of the participants in this study never attended a first aid course or training specific to thermal burns, revealing a significant gap in public preparedness. Hence, studies have shown that first aid training significantly enhances individual's ability to respond effectively to burn injuries, potentially reducing complications, morbidity and improving outcomes [20]. Moreover, Harish et al. (2019) emphasised that first aid training had benefits in reducing wound depths, aided in fast healing and decreased grafting requirements [21]. Conversely, the low rate of training reflects findings from other low‐ and middle‐income countries, where inadequate resources and lack of structured programmes contributed to low first aid knowledge [22].

Furthermore, the high proportion of participants with personal or familial experience of burns aligns with global data indicating that burn injuries are commonly observed in domestic and occupational settings, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries [23]. The finding that 63.1% of those who experienced burns sought professional treatment further suggests a moderate level of health‐seeking behaviour, potentially influenced by factors such as injury severity, access to healthcare, and cultural perceptions of burns. However, the remaining proportion not seeking professional treatment reflects barriers in health‐seeking that might be related to economic conditions or even a lack of awareness about the importance of medical intervention for burns. These barriers are consistent with findings in low and middle‐income countries, where healthcare access and socioeconomic disparities often limit treatment‐seeking behaviours [24, 25]. Similarly, these numbers mimic previously published data, especially in the study of Presser et al. (2024), showing that 32% of burn cases did not seek any health assistance and this was due to limited resources [9].

Delving into the assessment of the knowledge scores of participants, the findings revealed a commendable baseline level of knowledge about thermal burns (14.89 out of 20), which reflects progress in public awareness efforts while highlighting areas that still require attention. For instance, the mean knowledge score suggests that the participants possess a foundational understanding of burn prevention and management. However, the variability in scores underscores further disparities. This result aligns with trends in low‐and middle‐income countries where targeted health campaigns and increased access to digital information have enhanced public understanding of health issues [26]. However, the range of scores and specific knowledge gaps, such as identifying the characteristics of third‐degree burns or the appropriate duration for cooling, suggest that not all individuals have equal access to reliable information. Hence, this is consistent with the study of Schillinger (2021) who noted that disparities in health literacy often correlate with educational and socioeconomic differences [27].

Moreover, the analysis of the participants' attitudes towards thermal burn prevention and management revealed generally positive attitudes, with a mean attitude score equal to 36.97 out of 50, and a variability reflecting differences in individual experiences. Hence, the strong support for burn prevention education and stricter safety regulations, reflecting an acknowledgment of the role of knowledge and systemic measures in mitigating burn risks, aligns with global findings emphasising the importance of public education in reducing burn incidents [28]. However, variability in confidence levels and perceptions of community resources reveals significant disparities, particularly in access to first aid training and healthcare infrastructure. Therefore, the high value placed on educating others and the perceived necessity of first aid training reflect a societal acknowledgment of the critical role of knowledge dissemination in mitigating risks. These findings are concordant with the Health Belief Model that suggests that individuals are more likely to engage in preventive behaviours when they perceive significant benefits from doing so [29]. Furthermore, the low concern about daily burn risks and the reluctance to seek medical care for minor burns indicate an underestimation of burn severity, consistent with studies highlighting the impact of norms and misinformation on health‐seeking behaviours [30].

Nonetheless, the findings revealed a moderate overall adherence to safe practices, with a mean practices score of 12.37 out of 20. For instance, specific practices like supervising children around hot appliances and keeping flammable materials away from heat sources align with established recommendations for burn prevention [31]. However, the reliance on traditional remedies and improper first aid measures, such as applying ice or unverified substances, underscores the persistence of cultural misconceptions, a challenge observed in other middle‐income countries [32].

Notably, statistically significant correlations were found among the three domains (p < 0.001). The moderate positive correlation between knowledge and practices (r = 0.328) and between attitudes and practices (r = 0.260) suggests that higher knowledge and more positive attitudes contribute to better practices, consistent with the literature emphasising the role of education and perception in shaping behaviours [33, 34]. However, the weak correlation between knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.141) indicates the existence of additional factors influencing outcomes.

To address this, the study examined the factors associated with each of the three domains. Remarkably, education was shown to be a strong predictor for both knowledge and practices (p < 0.001), indicating that higher education likely facilitates access to reliable health information and enhances the ability to understand and implement preventive and first aid measures. This aligns with the existing literature showing the role of educational attainment in improving health literacy and adherence to recommended behaviours [35]. Moreover, formal first aid training significantly improved all three domains (p < 0.001), underscoring its transformative impact on knowledge acquisition, fostering positive attitudes, and promoting better practices [36]. Urban residency was also shown to be significantly associated with higher knowledge and better practices, reflecting the greater access to resources and awareness campaigns available in urban areas [37].

Therefore, generational differences in access to modern education versus experiential learning gained through life experience were highlighted through the significant correlation existing between knowledge scores and practices in function of age (p < 0.001). Similar patterns have been observed in studies where older individuals demonstrate practical wisdom but lack up‐to‐date health knowledge [38]. Further, female gender and married individuals demonstrated more favourable perspectives, consistent with their caregiving roles and heightened safety concerns [39]. Additionally, employment status and having children were linked to better practices, likely due to the increased responsibility and awareness of household safety. These associations highlight the interdependence of KAP domains, suggesting the cascading influence of education and training on shaping one's behaviours.

5. Conclusion

Overall, the study highlighted key factors influencing knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to thermal burns among the Lebanese population, emphasising the importance of education, formal training, and access to resources. Therefore, the positive association between KAP and different factors underscores the need for targeted interventions, particularly in rural areas and underserved communities within the Lebanese context. However, the interdependence between the three studies domains suggests that holistic strategies addressing all three can maximise the impact of burn prevention and management efforts.

Notwithstanding, the study has some limitations, noting the potential response bias due to self‐reported data and the inability to establish causality due to the cross‐sectional design adopted. Thus, future research should explore longitudinal approaches to evaluate changes in KAP over time and investigate more specific social and cultural factors that may influence burn‐related behaviours. Moreover, future interventional studies should be addressed to evaluate the effectiveness of educational programmes on both short‐and long‐term. In addition, qualitative studies' enrollment would be as well beneficial to explore the cultural beliefs, misconceptions, and barriers that might influence burn‐related behaviours at a deeper level.

In conclusion, the findings align with the study's objective and provide a summary of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Lebanese population regarding thermal burns. Therefore, it remains essential to address the existing gaps through culturally relevant education and resource‐sensitive strategies to enhance public preparedness and improve outcomes in Lebanon and other similar contexts.

Ethics Statement

The study was examined and approved by the Institutional Review Board (2024‐IRB‐026) of the Lebanese Geitawi Hospital. Informed Consent was obtained from all participants prior to data collection to assure their voluntary participation. Participants' confidentiality and anonymity were maintained throughout the study to preserve their privacy. All data were securely maintained and accessed only by authorised people, conforming to ethical standards and procedures.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Data Availability Statement

The data and materials supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.