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.