Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Basic Life Support Skills Among Undergraduate Students at the University of Port Harcourt Rivers State Nigeria

Background: Cardiorespiratory arrest incidents are rising globally, increasing the need for adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and effective practice of Basic Life Support (BLS) to reduce mortalities. BLS consists of lifesaving procedures to keep a person alive after a cardiac arrest. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of BLS among undergraduate students at the University of Port Harcourt. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with multi-stage sampling was employed. An online self-administered questionnaire was completed by 494 undergraduate students at the institution. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 27. Data were summarized using means, frequency, proportions, Chi-square and regression analysis; p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant Results: Of the 494 respondents, 53.6% had heard of BLS, mostly learning about it in school, but only 12.8% had good knowledge, and 60.1% had poor knowledge. Medical students showed better knowledge than non-medical students. 77.8% believed BLS was necessary, 56.7% had a positive attitude, 14.2% had practiced BLS, and 78.6% had good practice. 95.3% were willing to undergo BLS training, and 92.7% wanted it included in the curriculum. Conclusion: Most students had poor knowledge and practice of BLS, but many had a positive attitude. Many were willing to be trained and desired BLS training in the curriculum. Comprehensive strategic plans should be developed in the institution to ensure all students are trained, and re-trained in BLS, irrespective of gender, age, department and faculty of study.