Abstract
Introduction: Basic life support (BLS) is essential since it increases the survival rate in emergency situations. The aim of this study is to measure the knowledge and attitude towards BLS among medical students at Al-Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU).
Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited a total of 281 Saudi students of both genders at the college of medicine of IMSIU-Riyadh, from the preparatory year to the fifth year. Participants completed a validated English questionnaire between December 2018 and January 2019. The questionnaire included 27 questions in total divided into 21 questions that assessed BLS knowledge and skills of medical students and six questions that assessed the attitude towards BLS.
Results: A total of 280 students completed the questionnaire. Males constituted the majority of participants (57.1%). The overall mean score for BLS knowledge was very poor (29.96%, SD +/- 14.67). In addition, 40% of students had never received BLS training before. It was also noted that about 76% of students desired more BLS training and about 78% of them thought BLS training should be mandatory. Moreover, 43% of medical students suggested that BLS training should be first provided in high school.
Conclusion: The outcome indicates very poor knowledge of BLS among medical students of IMSIU, which mandates more BLS training. Despite the numerous students' failure to show acceptable knowledge on BLS training, a good attitude is observed. These findings encourage more improvement in BLS education among IMSIU students to guarantee better outcomes during emergency situations.