Effectiveness of First Aid Training at Home for Grandparents Caring Grandchildren Under 5 Years Old: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Background: This study is aimed at raising awareness about home accidents among grandparents caring for their grandchildren and reducing the risk of accidents and premature death in children under five through structured first aid training. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 76 older adults from a daycare center in Shiraz, Iran, were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group participated in eight sessions of first aid training. Pre- and postintervention assessments included PMT-based questionnaires and practical first aid skill tests. Data were analyzed using SPSS and JAMOVI. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the intervention group compared to the control group in terms of first aid knowledge (p < 0.001), home accident prevention (p < 0.001), and practical first aid skills (p < 0.001). Effect size analyses (Cohen's d > 0.80) further supported the substantial impact of the intervention across all measured domains. Conclusions: First aid training based on protection motivation theory significantly enhanced older adults' preparedness in preventing and managing home accidents involving their grandchildren. These findings underscore the importance of integrating first aid education into geriatric caregiving programs. Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials number: IRCT20180514039648N6.