Evaluation of Knowledge Levels of Sports Science Students on First Aid and Basic Life Support

Abstract

The study was conducted to reveal the knowledge university students studying sports sciences about first aid and basic life support (CPR). A total of with a mean age of 21.15±2.12 years who reached 803 university students. Data were collected using a questionnaire which consisted of a total of 36 questions under three parts. The questionnaire was prepared based on the 2015 guidelines of the American Heart Association and European Resuscitation Council. It was found that 75,6 % of the university students had low level of first aid knowledge, and 99,7 % had low level of basic life support knowledge 83,3% of the university students received first aid training before, and 40 % reported that they received the training two years ago. One significant finding is that the first aid (25,82±14,26) and CPR (45,23±22,88) scores of the university students who considered themselves competent in applying first aid were found to be lower than the others(p<0,05). The first aid knowledge level (56,40±21,12) of those who received applied first aid and CPR training was higher than those who received only theoretical (53,13±21,65) training (p<0,05). The students of the Coaching Education Department gave the highest number of correct answers to the First Aid and CPR questions. Almost all university students (88,4%) stated they wanted to receive first aid and CPR training. Our findings revealed that 90,4% of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Teaching students wanted to receive training, which shows that the students in the teaching programs are more sensitive about first aid and CPR. It was found that the first aid and CPR knowledge level of the university students studying sports sciences were low and, they were aware of this situation. Having received first aid training within the last year and both theoretical and practical training positively affected the level of knowledge.