Knowledge and Practice of Fire Safety among Students Residing in Off-campus Hostels in Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Fire safety remains a critical component of occupational health, particularly in industrial and commercial environments where workers are exposed to flammable materials, electrical hazards, and inadequate emergency preparedness systems. In developing countries such as Nigeria, weak enforcement of fire safety regulations, poor infrastructure, and low compliance levels contribute significantly to fire-related injuries, fatalities, and property loss. Aim: This study assessed the knowledge and practice of fire safety among students residing in off-campus hostels around Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 425 undergraduate students selected using multi-stage sampling. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were employed, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The majority of respondents were aged 21-25 years (46.1%), female (52.7%), and Igbo (85.2%). Overcrowding was prevalent, with 85.4% sharing rooms with three or more persons. Overall, 63.5% demonstrated good knowledge of fire safety (mean score: 4.96 ± 1.55/9), but significant gaps existed in practical knowledge including PASS technique (24.0% unaware) and emergency numbers (44.0% unaware). Only 49.2% exhibited good preventive practices (mean: 3.47 ± 1.00/5), while a mere 29.9% demonstrated good response preparedness (mean: 3.70 ± 1.43/8). No significant association existed between knowledge and practice (p = 0.516). Major barriers included lack of facilities (39.5%) and negative peer behaviour (26.4%). Age and overcrowding were significant predictors of both practices and preparedness. Conclusion: Despite adequate theoretical knowledge, students demonstrate poor translation of knowledge into practice and critically inadequate response preparedness. Urgent multi-level interventions addressing infrastructural deficits, mandatory fire drills, and targeted education for vulnerable groups (older students and those in crowded accommodations) are essential to reduce fire vulnerability in off-campus hostels.