An evaluation of knowledge and practices toward the basic life support/cardiopulmonary resuscitation among undergraduate dental students

Abstract

Introduction: Life-threatening emergencies may occur in dental practices. The objective of this study was to evaluate knowledge towards basic life support (BLS)/cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and its practices among dental undergraduate students. Methodology: An educational intervention study was carried out among 3rd and 4th year dental undergraduate students in an academic hospital located in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. For the purpose of the study, a questionnaire with 18 questions was developed, The intervention was done in the form of training and was divided into theoretical and practical parts. The questionnaire was distributed before and after training. Results: Overall, 93 undergraduate dental students were enrolled in the study. Of these 48 (51.6%) were 3rd year students, while 48.4% (n = 45) were in their 4th year of dental education. A significant difference was noted in the mean pre- and post-training scores on BLS/CPR knowledge amongst the 3rd (5.73 ± 1.94 vs. 12.04 ± 2.14; P < 0.001) and 4th year students (9.24 ± 2.22 vs. 12.56 ± 1.75; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Sensitization in the form of educational intervention led to remarkable improvement in knowledge about BLS/CPR.