KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE REGARDING BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS) AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT NURSES OF PRIVATE NURSING COLLEGES IN PESHAWAR

Abstract

Background: Basic life support (BLS) is defined as medical procedures and skills that can be utilized in case of emergency to save lives. Knowledge of BLS is absolute necessity for medical professionals to face acute medical emergencies. In 1966 the American heart association (AHA) developed the first CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) guidelines which have been followed by regular updates. According to American Heart Association, each and every one should learn CPR. It has been observed that fresh medical students lack proper knowledge, skills, and attitude (KSA) regarding CPR (unconscious incompetence).

Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitude of Nursing College Students Regarding to Basic Life support in Peshawar.

Materials and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional design and convenient sampling technique was followed which included 169 samples. Data were collected using adopted questionnaire. Data analysis was performed with the help of SPSS 26.

Result: The age of the participants ranged from 22-29 years. The majority of the participants were male 137 (81.1%), while 32 (18.9%) were female. Out of 169 participants, 77 students (45.6%) demonstrated a poor level of knowledge while 54 students (32.0%) had an average level of knowledge. Only 38 students (22.4%) showed a good level of knowledge. Of the student nurses,143 (84.6%) showed positive attitude while 26 (15.4%) exhibited a negative attitude towards BLS.

Conclusion: The findings revealed inadequate knowledge regarding BLS as majority of the participants had "Poor knowledge." The attitude of the participants towards BLS was satisfactory. These findings suggest for interventional measure to enhance knowledge among student nurses.