Background: Educational environments can be vulnerable during cold waves due to high population density, age diversity, and potential structural limitations. Frostbite is one of the important health risks associated with extreme cold exposure. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of students at Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences regarding frostbite.
Methods: This cross‑sectional descriptive study was conducted in ۲۰۲۳ among students of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. A total of ۳۲۰ students were selected using an appropriate sample size calculation method. Data were collected using a researcher‑developed questionnaire consisting of four sections: demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and practice related to frostbite. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version ۲۴, applying descriptive statistics as well as inferential statistical tests, including independent t‑tests and one‑way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: The mean age of the students was ۲۱.۵۷ ± ۶.۸۴, andthe Mean ± SD scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice were ۱۲.۱۴ ± ۳.۱۶, ۱۰.۰۹ ± ۵.۳۴, and ۱۰.۶۱ ± ۵.۹۷, respectively. Low levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice were observed in ۴۰.۹۵%, ۴۳.۶۱%, and ۳۹.۶۵% of the students. Independent t‑test and one‑way ANOVA showed no statistically significant association between knowledge, attitude, and practice scores and demographic variables (p > ۰.۰۵). The main sources of information about
frostbite among students were television and radio, followed by the Internet.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of students regarding
frostbite is not satisfactory. Given the important role of medical students as potential frontline supporters during emergencies such as cold waves, improving their awareness and preparedness is essential. Therefore, integrating comprehensive educational programs on
frostbite prevention and management into medical training is strongly recommended