Knowledge and attitude of Saudi female university students about first aid skills

BACKGROUND: First aid is the first and most essential life saving care that can reduce the morbidity of an individual in a health-threatening circumstance. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude toward the provision of first aid among students attending Princess Norah University (PNU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at PNU in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from October 2017 to December 2017. A total of 1000 female students from 15 different colleges completed a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean age was 21 years (range 18-26); 36% study participants were from health colleges and remaining from other colleges. Only 34.7% had good knowledge, 57.5% had moderate knowledge, and 7.8% had poor knowledge on first aid skills. Analysis of knowledge in specific emergency situations showed that the students were more knowledgeable in cases of epistaxis, ingestion of toxins, burns, hypoglycemia, and loss of consciousness. However, they were found to be less knowledgeable in handling situations of seizures, choking, and snake bite. About 20.2% of the students had encountered situations where cardiopulmonary resuscitation was required and 65.3% of these students had not provided first aid because of the lack of knowledge, nervousness, and other issues. Good knowledge was associated with previous first aid training and being a student in a health college. CONCLUSION: Overall, students had a positive attitude toward first aid; however, they still did not have the knowledge necessary to be able to act in emergency situations. There is a need for increased public health awareness. It is also advisable to introduce first aid courses in all universities and secondary schools.