Knowledge, Attitude and Experience of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation among Medical and Healthcare Professional Students in a Nigerian Medical College

Skills in resuscitation are needed in emergency health care services. However, little is known about level of knowledge of resuscitation techniques among healthcare professional students (HCPS) in Nigeria. This study assessed knowledge, attitude and experience of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) among medical and HCPS undergoing training in a Nigerian medical college. The cross-sectional study purposively recruited 300 clinical HCPS from a Nigerian university studying in various health disciplines. Socio-demographic data and information on knowledge, attitude and experience were obtained using a validated CPR questionnaire. However, only 261 copies of the questionnaire were completed and valid for analysis yielding a response rate of 87.8%. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level was set at p < .05. Results show that the mean age of respondents was 24.6±4.6 years. Students from the Department of Medicine constituted about a third, (30.9%) while less than half, (44.4%) were in year four of study. Less than a quarter, (21.4%) had good knowledge of CPR. A majority, (77.4%) had never practiced CPR, however, (74.9%) had positive attitude towards CPR. There was a significant association between knowledge and department of respondents (χ2=80.973; p= .001) and year of study (χ2=47.799; p = .003). Furthermore, there was a significant association between experience and year of study (χ2=9.195; p =.002). Surveyed medical and healthcare professional students in clinical level had poor knowledge and low level of experience. They however had a positive attitude towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques. Curriculum review detailing practical skills of cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques among healthcare professional students is recommended.