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Assessing Public Awareness and Associated Factors Regarding Emergency Medical Services in Eastern Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study Abstract Background and purpose Method

Results Conclusion Keywords Introduction Method This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia from September 2022 to September 2023. Study Subjects We included participants of both genders, aged between 18 and 60. Exclusion criteria included individuals associated with health professions. Sample Size We determined the sample size using the online tool available at https://www.qualtrics.com/blog/calculating-sample-size/. Employing a confidence level of 95%, an estimated population size of 5,028,735, and a margin of error of 5%, the ideal sample size was calculated as 385 participants (193 males and 192 females). Hence, our study aimed to include 385 participants from Eastern Saudi Arabia. Sampling Technique Convenience random sampling was employed in this research. The population was stratified by gender, and individuals were randomly selected from the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was distributed through various social media platforms. Questionnaire Demographic questions included age, gender, and education level. They were also asked about hypothetical scenarios, such as what actions they would take if they encountered an unconscious person by the roadside. Knowledge of EMS, awareness of the unified emergency number 112, and understanding of the services provided by EMS were also assessed. Additionally, participants were questioned about their opinions on paramedics treating patients in the field, the adequacy of EMS coverage in the Eastern region, and the necessity of MEDEVAC services. Trust in EMS, attitudes toward paramedics entering homes without male escorts, and the acceptance of paramedics refusing non-urgent transport were explored. Response times for EMS and behavior when encountering an ambulance on the road were also investigated. The survey delved into participants' familiarity with Tawakkalna for ambulance calls and concluded by seeking their overall perceptions of the current EMS service. Data Collection Methods, Instrument Used, Measurements The primary data collection instrument was a questionnaire designed to assess public awareness of Emergency Medical Services and the associated factors within the Eastern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To validate the questionnaire, a pilot study was conducted. Feedback from five experts in the field was obtained before commencing the actual data collection process. Data Management and Analysis Plan The collected data were analyzed using the Jamovi software based on R programming. For normally distributed continuous variables, we presented the mean and standard deviation. In cases where the data did not exhibit normal distribution, we opted for the interquartile range and median as appropriate summary statistics. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies. A significance level of p < 0.05 was used as the threshold for determining statistical significance. We presented the results using tables and figures to improve clarity and understanding. Ethical Considerations Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board before the study commenced. Informed consent was obtained from all participants before their inclusion in the study. Confidentiality and anonymity of the participants' information were ensured throughout the study.

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