ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS OF BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS) AMONG UNDERGRADUATE PHARMACY STUDENTS: A PRE-POST INTERVENTIONAL STUDY

Background: Basic Life Support (BLS) is essential for improving survival in medical emergencies. However, undergraduate pharmacy students often have limited practical exposure to emergency response. Strengthening BLS competencies among future healthcare professionals is therefore crucial. Objectives: To assess the effect of structured BLS training on undergraduate pharmacy students by comparing pre- and post-intervention knowledge scores using a paired t-test, and to evaluate skills retention after one week using mean skills scores. Methodology: A pre–post educational interventional study was conducted among fourth-year undergraduate pharmacy students. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)-related knowledge and practical skills were assessed before and after training using a self-administered questionnaire and a structured skills evaluation checklist. Results: The mean pre-test knowledge score was 6.1/10 (95% CI: 5.75–6.45; n=83), with only 6% (n=5) demonstrating high knowledge levels. After training, the mean post-test score significantly increased to 9.06/10 (95% CI: 8.82–9.29), with 77.1% (n=64) showing improvement. Paired sample t-test analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-test scores (t = −14.34, p < 0.001) with a very large effect size (1.57). The mean skills retention score after one week was 5.53/8 ± 2.26 (95% CI: 5.02–6.00), and 83% (n=69) of students demonstrated average to good skill retention. Conclusion: Structured BLS training significantly improved knowledge and short-term skills retention among pharmacy students. Although overall performance improved, gaps remained in certain critical procedural steps. Longer follow-up periods and periodic refresher training are recommended to ensure sustained competency. Incorporating structured, hands-on BLS training into the pharmacy curriculum may enhance emergency preparedness and clinical performance.