Basic Life Support Knowledge Among a Nonmedical Population in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study

Knowledge and Awareness About the Basics of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in the Saudi Population

Introduction According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately 17 million deaths annually, with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) as a significant contributor to this alarming statistic. SCA, the abrupt loss of heart function, is a critical medical emergency that requires early recognition and immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for the effective resuscitation of victims. Various studies have shown a low level of knowledge regarding CPR in the community. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of CPR among the Saudi population, identify gaps, and propose targeted health interventions, including education campaigns and training programs, to enhance community preparedness in emergencies and improve survival rates for SCA victims. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from May 2023 to November 2023. The study population included citizens and residents aged 18 years and older from the Central, Eastern, and Western regions of Saudi Arabia to ensure a diverse range of cultural and social backgrounds, with a sample size of 4,932 participants. Data were collected using an online, validated, closed-ended, structured questionnaire distributed via social media platforms, specifically WhatsApp and Telegram. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.3 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Counts and percentages were used to summarize categorical variables. The chi-square test of independence was used to assess associations between categorical variables. The unpaired t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used to compare continuous normal and non-normal variables. Results A total of 4932 respondents completed the questionnaire. The gender distribution was predominantly female (76.5%, n = 3775), compared to 23.5% (n = 1157) males. The age distribution was skewed toward the younger population, with 59.1% (n = 2914) aged between 18 and 30 years. The educational level was predominantly university-level (68.8%, n = 3391). The academic specialization was diverse, with the largest group being healthcare practitioners (47.1%, n = 1615). The study found that 44.7% (n = 2203) of respondents had received basic life support (BLS) or first aid training, while 55.3% (n = 2729) had not. Results suggest a trend toward higher knowledge levels. The average knowledge score among the respondents was 7.17 ± 2.37, indicating that respondents answered slightly more than half of the questions correctly. The minimum score in the dataset was 1, suggesting that nearly all respondents had some level of correct answers. The maximum score achieved is 13, indicating the presence of individuals with a comprehensive understanding of the assessed topic. However, there is still room for improvement in knowledge and emergency preparedness among the surveyed group. Conclusion The study found a relatively high level of knowledge and awareness regarding CPR effectiveness, with higher levels observed among individuals with advanced education and health-related academic backgrounds. Additionally, completion of BLS or first aid training was positively correlated with increased CPR knowledge. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating CPR training into educational curricula and public health programs to enhance awareness and improve bystander response and survival rates in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

Awareness and knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) among the general public in West-Bank in Palestine

BACKGROUND

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a leading cause of cardiovascular-related deaths, often occurring outside hospitals in undiagnosed individuals. Our study aims to assess the baseline awareness and skills in performing CPR among the population in Palestine.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire to assess CPR knowledge among residents of the West Bank, Palestine. Convenience sampling targeted 300 participants via social media. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to examine associations.

RESULTS

The study surveyed 555 participants, revealing that 58.2% lacked CPR training. Awareness of cardiac arrest signs varied, with chest pain being the most recognized 19%. CPR training significantly improved participants' recognition and response to cardiac emergencies.

CONCLUSION

Addressing the fear of legal consequences is crucial to encourage bystander assistance. We recommend increasing first aid awareness through scientific conferences, free training courses, media campaigns, and incentivized competitions.

Basic Life Support (BLS) Knowledge Among the Ha'il Region Population, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aims and background This study aims to evaluate Basic Life Support (BLS) knowledge among residents of the Ha'il region. It will reveal the public's familiarity with BLS and identify sources of BLS knowledge. The findings can guide policymakers in improving BLS training, potentially saving lives, especially during cardiac emergencies. Annually, heart attacks and strokes cause millions of deaths, with projections indicating a potential increase without intervention. In Saudi Arabia and globally, public awareness and education on BLS are insufficient, highlighting the need for better dissemination of BLS knowledge to improve emergency response before ambulance arrival. Objectives Measuring the level of BLS knowledge among the Ha'il region population, seeking the sources from which individuals acquire their BLS knowledge, and determining various factors that may influence BLS knowledge among the Ha'il population. Methods In Ha'il, Saudi Arabia, the survey was disseminated to the general public and included 380 participants. All participants are residents of Ha'il and are at least 18 years old. Data were collected via an online questionnaire, which was validated and translated into Arabic. Results The study surveyed 380 adults aged 18-36, with 62% (n = 236) females and 38% (n = 144) males. Most (60%) had a university degree, 46% were employed, and 29% were students. Slightly over half (51%) of participants were aware of BLS. Among those aware, 17% were very aware of the importance of BLS, while 42% had moderate awareness. The remaining participants had no awareness of BLS. A significant majority (83%) of participants believed that BLS increases the chances of patient survival. Conclusions The vast majority of people think that BLS is essential, but awareness and training are lacking. There were gender disparities in BLS willingness, with women being more conscious of and inclined to pursue BLS training. Furthermore, age and BLS awareness were related.

Knowledge About Basic Life Support Among University Students

BACKGROUND

 Basic life support (BLS) is an essential skill set for responding to emergencies like cardiac arrest. However, the level of preparedness and interest in BLS among university students remains underexplored, especially in nonmedical populations.

METHODS

 This study surveyed 427 University of Beira Interior (UBI) students to assess their knowledge, confidence, and interest in BLS training. A cross-sectional questionnaire was used to gather data on previous BLS exposure, perceived competence, and preferences for further training.

RESULTS

 This study focused on a sample of 427 students from the UBI, where 246 (57.6%) had BLS training (group A), predominantly from health-related courses, while 181 (42.4%) had no such training (group B), primarily from non-health-related courses. The study revealed that students with BLS training had significantly higher confidence and preparedness in recognizing and responding to emergencies, such as performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and using defibrillators, compared to those without training. Despite the overall interest in BLS training, particularly through practical sessions, there remains a disparity in access to such education, particularly among students in non-health-related fields. The findings highlight the need for integrating BLS training into the curriculum, potentially starting at the secondary education level, to ensure widespread competence in life- saving skills across the population.

CONCLUSIONS

 The study highlights the critical need for integrating BLS training into earlier stages of education to improve preparedness across the population. The findings suggest that widespread, practical, and accessible BLS training could significantly enhance emergency response outcomes.

Evaluation of Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitude Toward Basic Life Support Among the General Population in Saudi Arabia: A Nationwide Survey

Background Basic life support (BLS) is the key component in changing the outcome from death to survival when cardiac arrest occurs. It involves providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and utilizing an automated external defibrillator (AED) to help restore the normal cardiac rhythm. By equipping more individuals with BLS training, it will enhance community preparedness and public health. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the general population's awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward BLS in Saudi Arabia. Subject and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among the Saudi general population covering all five main regions in Saudi Arabia (Central, Eastern, Western, Southern, and Northern). A self-administered questionnaire was sent through volunteer data collectors in every area in which they live to the population using a Google (Google, Inc., Mountain View, CA) survey. The questionnaire includes socio-demographic characteristics (i.e., age, gender, region of residence, etc.) to assess the awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward BLS using a 20-item questionnaire based on the American Heart Association (AHA). Results Of the 992 participants, 615 (62%) were females, and 325 were aged between 26 and 35 years (32.8%). Four hundred eleven participants (41.4%) attended training related to BLS. The most common source of training information was a resuscitation society course (51.8%), followed by the university curriculum (24.6%) and school (10.7%). The overall mean knowledge score was 9.64 (SD 2.92) out of 20 points. Among them, 487 (49.1%) had moderate knowledge levels, 466 (47%) were poor, and only 39 (3.9%) had good knowledge. Factors associated with increased knowledge include younger age, living outside Central Region, better education, being a healthcare worker, knowing how to give a cardiac massage, previous participation in BLS training, and witnessed of sudden death. The biggest barrier that would prevent participants from providing a cardiac massage is fear of making a mistake (63.1%). Conclusion The general population's knowledge of BLS was found to be inadequate. However, younger participants who had a better education and worked in a healthcare institution tended to be more knowledgeable about BLS than the rest of the groups. The gaps in the knowledge are evidently seen in this study. Hence, appropriate measures are needed to bridge knowledge gaps. Healthcare authorities should devise a program to deliver necessary information about the basic facts of BLS throughout the community.

Knowledge and skill level among non-healthcare providers regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training in the Middle East (Arab countries): a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Effective education is considered by the American Heart Association (AHA) as a vital variable in improving outcomes of cardiac arrest. Studies have shown that the level of knowledge and attitude of non-healthcare providers towards resuscitation training varies widely across the globe. While some training methods and barriers to training have been discussed, the literature is still quite vague and unclear regarding resuscitation training, particularly in the Middle East. This study's focus on the efficacy of resuscitation training in this region of the world may help dictate how to better implement education initiatives aimed towards non-healthcare providers in developing countries.

METHODOLOGY

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on studies published from inception until March 2023. Observational studies assessing CPR knowledge and skills among non-healthcare workers in Arab countries were included. Data were extracted from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus. Data analysis was performed using Rstudio with a random effects model.

RESULTS

50 studies were included in this review and meta-analysis, revealing that 55% of participants had prior knowledge of CPR, while only 28% considered their knowledge sufficient. The majority (76%) supported mandatory CPR training, and 86% were willing to attend training if offered. This study found that prior knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) varied among populations. This meta-analysis also compiled results regarding CPR technique defined by correct compression to ventilation ratio, compression depth, compression rate, location of chest compression, and correct sequence. The overall results from this meta-analysis showed that, of these factors, compression rate and depth were the two factors that were most often administered incorrectly. In all, the results from this study demonstrated that CPR training in Arab countries was favorably viewed overall, with the majority of participants indicating both support for mandatory CPR training and general willingness to attend training if offered the opportunity.

CONCLUSION

Given the overall positive view and willingness to learn CPR skills, healthcare policy makers should adopt a more comprehensive focus on strategies that enhance the accessibility and opportunity for CPR training for non-healthcare populations in Arab countries. Future training programs should implement strategies to highlight the ideal combination of compression rates and depth to learners to ensure correct and efficacious delivery of CPR with increased focus on the practical portion during refresher courses to promote retention.

Readiness of University Students in Riyadh to Participate in Basic Life Support Programs: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is one of the greatest causes of death in the world. When basic life support (BLS) techniques are performed rapidly, the odds of survival increase. The aim of this research is to assess the university students' preparation and knowledge level regarding their interest in participating in BLS. Methods A cross-sectional study using an online self-administered questionnaire was conducted between January 20 and March 20, 2022. The questionnaire addressed awareness about BLS, willingness to participate in such courses, perceived barriers and incentives, and course uptake, in addition to the sociodemographic profile of participants. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors significantly associated with the willingness to participate in BLS courses and the associations are reported as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results A total of 1,546 students completed the questionnaire; almost half of them (n=761, 49.2%) were aged 17 to 21 and the majority were females (n=1,132, 73.2%). Only one-third of the population had heard about BLS (n=519, 33.6%), 27.1% (n=419) recognized where to register for BLS training, and 20.3% (n=314) had taken a BLS course. Most participants (n=1,081, 69.9%) demonstrated a low level of awareness. Conversely, a substantial portion (n=1,204, 77.9%) expressed a personal interest in undertaking the course. It was observed that participants who are affiliated with healthcare specialties (AOR = 5.96, 95% CI = 4.66-7.63, p<0.05) exhibited greater knowledge about BLS, while females (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.52-4.08, p<0.05) and those in healthcare specialties (OR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.29-3.82, p<0.05) displayed a notably higher inclination to enroll in BLS courses compared to their counterparts. Conclusion Despite the limited awareness of BLS among university students, there is a strong willingness to engage in BLS courses. It is crucial to motivate students to partake in these courses and emphasize the availability of accredited centers for their education institutes.

Factors affecting knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers towards basic life support in Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan: a cross-sectional analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers towards basic life support (BLS) in Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, and to investigate the factors affecting them.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

This study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan.

PARTICIPANTS

201 healthcare professionals were recruited for this study through simple convenience sampling which included house officers (HOs), trained medical officers, postgraduate residents, professors, specialty registrars and nurses. Healthcare professionals who were reluctant to give consent were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

Among the chosen participants, only 16.4% had good knowledge whereas 63% had a good attitude towards BLS. Knowledge of participants was found to be positively associated with less time elapsed between the training sessions (p=0.041). On the other hand, factors such as age(p=0.004), designation (p=0.05), number of BLS sessions attended (p=0.012) and the time elapsed since the last BLS session attended (p=0.015), were positively associated with the attitude of healthcare professionals.

CONCLUSION

The level of knowledge and attitude towards BLS by healthcare professionals was suboptimal. Those individuals who had attended BLS training sessions frequently had better knowledge and attitude as compared with their counterparts.

Basic Life Support (BLS) Knowledge Among General Population; a Multinational Study in Nine Arab Countries

Introduction

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a medical treatment used in life-threatening emergencies until the sufferer can be properly cared for by a team of paramedics or in a hospital. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding BLS and the contributing factors among the Arab non-medical population.

Methods

An online survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted among non-medical populations in nine Arab countries between April 13, 2022, and June 30, 2022. The utilized questionnaire consisted of two parts: part one included socio-demographic characteristics and part two measured knowledge of BLS through an online survey.

Results

The research included a total of 4465 participants. 2540 (56.89%) of the participants were knowledgeable about BLS. The mean basic life support knowledge scores of participants who received training were higher than those who had not (20.11 ± 4.20 vs. 16.96 ± 5.27; p< 0.01). According to the nations, Yemen scored the highest, while Morocco had the lowest levels of BLS knowledge (19.86 ± 4.71 vs. 14.15 ± 5.10, respectively; p< 0.01). Additionally, individuals who resided in urban areas scored on average higher than those who did in rural areas (17.86 ± 5.19 vs. 17.13 ± 5.24, p= 0.032) in understanding basic life support. Age, information sources, and previous training with theoretical and practical classes were significant predictors of BLS knowledge.

Conclusion

The level of BLS knowledge among non-medical people in Arab nations is moderate but insufficient to handle the urgent crises that we face everywhere. In addition to physicians being required to learn the BLS principles, non-medical people should also be knowledgeable of the necessary actions to take in emergency events.

Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Saudi Red Crescent Experience Throughout COVID-19 Era

PURPOSE

The quality of resuscitation for out hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) during the COVID-19 era could be affected. We aim to describe prehospital healthcare providers' resuscitative efforts for OHCA cases and their definitive outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study included all OHCA cases between April and June 2021 across all regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Demographic variables, response times, CPR providers, initial rhythm, use of AED/Defibrillator, medical interventions, ROSC data, and dispatch codes were extracted from a central electronic platform.

RESULTS

A total of 1307 OHCA cases were included in this study, males constituted 65% and 42% were ≥65 years. Although the median response time to initiate CPR was 13 min, 11% of OHCA cases had a response time between 0 and 6 min. About 75% of CPR was provided on scene by BLS units, 78% of OHCA cases had asystole as their initial rhythm, an AED/Defibrillator was used more than 90% of the time for pulseless VT/VF rhythm, and ROSC was achieved in 8% of OHCA patients.

CONCLUSION

During the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining resuscitative efforts for OHCA continues in KSA. Closing knowledge gaps in the community and a better description of OHCA for the dispatcher could guide dispatch-assisted CPR and minimize OHCA response times.

Basic Life Support Knowledge and Its Associated Factors Among a Non-Medical Population in Gondar Town, Ethiopia

Background

Different life-threatening accidents can happen anywhere at any time in our daily livings. In this study, the knowledge about basic life support was below average among the non-medical population.

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess basic life support knowledge and its associated factors among non-medical population attending the outpatient department.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 15/2020 to February 30/2020. Systematic random sampling was employed to get representative samples. Data were collected by using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed by using a binary logistic regression model. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals were computed. Those variables with P-values of ≤0.05 were considered significantly associated with the outcome variable.

Results

A total of 412 participants took part in the study with a response rate of 97.4%. Among the participants, 183 (44.4%) [95% CI (39.8–49.5)] were knowledgeable about basic life support. Age of 30–40 years was 50% [AOR=1.50, 95% CI (1.15–1.97)], the age of >40 years was 2.45 [AOR=2.45, 95 CI (1.53–3.91)], being male [AOR=2.22, 95% CI (1.41–3.49)], lived in the urban [AOR=1.66, 95% CI (1.25–3.56)], being trained [AOR=4.65, 95% CI (1.85–11.67)], ever heard about BLS and having exposure with the person in need of BLS [AOR=3.02, 95% CI (2.05–4.74)], and [AOR=2.59, 95% CI (1.69–3.98)] times more to be knowledgeable as compared with their counterparts.

Conclusion

The finding of this study demonstrated that knowledge score of the participants was below average. Therefore, there has to be more to do so as to scale up the knowledge of the community for reducing preventable deaths from unexpected emergency situations.

Echocardiographic and Clinical Correlates of Ejection Fraction Among 2000 Patients with Heart Failure in Western Saudi Arabia

Introduction

Heart failure (HF) affects about 320,000 Saudi individuals and is associated with a considerable negative impact on the patients’ quality of life. In literature, there is a lack of data about the echocardiographic abnormalities of HF patients in Saudi Arabia.

Aim of Work

To describe the echocardiographic findings of HF patients in Western Saudi Arabia.

Methodology

This was a retrospective record review study conducted on 2000 patients with chronic HF in Saudi Arabia. Demographic, clinical and echocardiographic data were collected and compared among patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), ie, EF≤40%; HF with mid-range EF (HFmrEF), ie, EF=41–49%; and HF with preserved EF (HFpEF), ie, EF≥50%.

Results

Among the 2000 patients studied, females constituted 46.3% of the sample. About 52% of females had HFpEF, whilst 70% of males had HFrEF (p<0.0001). Diastolic dysfunction occurred in 98% of HFpEF versus 78% of HFrEF (p<0.0001). Patients with HFrEF had higher left-ventricular diastolic (LVd) volume (1536 versus 826), higher left-ventricular systolic (LVs) volume (1660 vs 772), higher left atrial volume (1344 vs 875), higher aortic root dimension (1144 vs 929) and lower fractional shortening (FS) (267 vs 1213) than patients with HFpEF (p<0.0001).

Conclusion

HFpEF was more common among females and was associated with higher rates of diastolic dysfunction and higher FS. HFrEF was prevalent among males and associated with higher LVd, LVs, left atrium volume and aortic root dimensions.