Level of Knowledge regarding Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Basic Life Support (BLS) among Undergraduate Nursing Students in Karachi

Abstract

Background: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Basic Life Support (BLS) are essential life-saving interventions that improve survival following cardiac arrest. As future frontline healthcare providers, nursing students must possess adequate knowledge and skills to respond effectively during emergencies. Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding CPR and BLS among undergraduate nursing students in Karachi. Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 234 second-, third-, and fourth-year undergraduate nursing students from two public and two private nursing colleges in Karachi. Participants were selected using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a standardized self-administered questionnaire adopted from previous research and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize the findings. Results: Although 95.7% of participants had previously attended BLS/CPR training, 65% demonstrated poor overall knowledge, 33% had fair knowledge, and only 2% achieved a good knowledge level. Most participants showed positive attitudes toward CPR and BLS, with 86.3% supporting the inclusion of BLS in the nursing curriculum, 88.5% favoring mandatory simulation-based training, and 89.7% expressing willingness to attend refresher courses. Female students and those enrolled in public institutions had significantly higher self-assessment scores (p < 0.05), whereas age, year of study, previous training, and real-life CPR experience were not significantly associated with competency scores. Conclusion: Despite widespread exposure to CPR and BLS training, undergraduate nursing students demonstrated insufficient knowledge of these life-saving interventions. The findings highlight the need for regular simulation-based training, periodic refresher courses, and continuous competency assessments to strengthen CPR and BLS knowledge and practical skills among nursing students.