Open AccessASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE ON FIRST AID AND BASIC LIFE SUPPORT AMONG FINAL YEAR UNDERGRADUATES AND INTERNS OF A TERTIARY MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL, KANCHIPURAM
Author(s) -
Solomon Rajkumar. P,
Kokila Selvaraj,
M. Vidhya,
Arun Jayakumar
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of scientific research
Language(s) - English
DOI - 10.36106/ijsr/8202103
Subject(s) - basic life support , retraining , knowledge retention , medical education , medical knowledge , medicine , curriculum , cardiopulmonary resuscitation , first aid , psychology , family medicine , medical emergency , resuscitation , emergency medicine , pedagogy , international trade , business
Introduction:Every person should be aware of the skill of basic life support resuscitation (BLS) and its knowledge is vital for medical and paramedical personnel. Structured training & retraining is required for its efficient execution which is lacking in the current medical curriculum. Basic situation analysis regarding the student‟s knowledge regarding BLS is necessary to develop a effective training programme. Materials and Methods:A Cross sectional study was conducted among 248 final year UG students (n=142) and interns (n=106) of a Private medical college using a pre tested validated questionnaire. The questions were based on American Heart Association BLS Guidelines and basic first aid which consist of 20 questions . The correct responses were given 1 mark each and total was obtained for 20 marks. The knowledge of the study participants were then categorized into 4 groups (0-5=poor ; 6-10=fair ; 11-15=good; 16-20 = Excellent). The results were analysed using SPSS version - 21.0. Results:In this study 38.9% (n=96) showed excellent knowledge, 18.4% (n=46) showed fair knowledge on First aid/BLS, 22.5% (n = 56) showed good knowledge and rest 20.2% [n=50] were poor. About 15% (n=37) of Interns and 13% (n=32) of final year students had excellent knowledge of First aid/BLS and the difference between them was statistically significant.(p=0.002).While associating training with regards to knowledge of BLS 47% (n=117) showing good knowledge levels as opposed to 19.2%(n=48) among those who have not attended the training. (p=0.001). And associating training with regards to knowledge of first aid 66.5% (n=165) showing good knowledge levels as opposed to 32.3%(n=80) among who have not attended the training. (p=0.001)Conclusion:Knowledge of First aid and BLS was better among interns than final year undergraduates, with trained showing higher levels than the untrained.