Basic life support knowledge in a war-torn country: a survey of nurses in Yemen

Abstract

Background Successful implementation of Basic life support (BLS) is critical to improving survival rates and outcomes, especially among healthcare workers. To our knowledge, there is no available literature pertaining to the level of BLS knowledge of health care professionals in Yemen. Methods Data was collected for this cross-sectional descriptive study from June to August 2020, using a 10-item questionnaire related to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and BLS, along with questions on socio-demographic characteristics. Participants were nurses in public and private hospitals located in Al-Rahida and Al-dimna cities, Taiz governance and Hodeidah city, Hodeidah governance in Yemen. Results Out of 220 distributed questionnaires, 200 were returned with a response rate of 90.9%. More than a half (53.65%) of answer choices for BLS knowledge were correct. There was a significant difference in knowledge score based on level of education where those who had Bachelor degree had more knowledge (P = 0.000). Those who said they had received training in CPR or received information about CPR had significantly higher scores than those who did not receive (P = 0.000). Conclusions BLS knowledge among nurses in Yemen is below an acceptable level to ensure maximum survival in the event of cardiac arrest. Disseminating BLS information and training in a cost effective and efficient manner will provide a large benefit in terms of lives saved with minimal costs.

Health Professionals’ knowledge and practice on basic life support and its predicting factors in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The pooled prevalence of Health Professional’s knowledge about basic life support in Ethiopia was 47.6 (95% CI: 29.90, 65.30). This finding is similar with study conducted at Pakistan(41.7%) [ 44 ], Yemen (53.6%) [ 45 ], Nigeria 43.6% [ 46 ] and Botswana 48% [ 47 ]. While this finding is lower than study conducted at India 64% [ 48 ], Islamic Republic of Iran 69% [ 49 ].…”

Knowledge of Students of Selected Fields at the Medical University of Lodz on Basic Resuscitation Procedures

“…In a study conducted in Yemen in 2022 it was found that the knowledge of nurses there was below the acceptable levels to ensure maximum chances of survival in the event of cardiac arrest. Dissemination of BLS knowledge and providing training in the field in a more effective manner would offer the benefit of lives saved at minimal cost [16]. In a study from Nepal it was concluded that health workers' knowledge of basic resuscitation techniques was also inadequate [17].…”

A Comparative Study of Doctors and Nurses Regarding the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Basic Life Support in Tertiary Care Hospitals of Peshawar

“…Exclusion criteria were established to omit senior administrative and managerial staff not directly involved in patient care, healthcare providers outside the scope of doctors and nurses, and individuals unwilling to participate in the study. The data collection process employed a validated instrument adapted from a preceding study (21), which was segmented into three distinct sections: demographic data, knowledge assessment, and an evaluation of attitudes and practices. The demographic section solicited information on participants' backgrounds.…”