Knowledge and training preference of standard first aid among undergraduates in Hong Kong: A cross-sectional survey

Introduction: The study aimed to assess the level of standard first aid knowledge among Hong Kong undergraduates and identify the associated factors, and to examine their attitudes, training preferences and obstacles in first aid training. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed a structured online questionnaire covering demographic data, first aid knowledge assessment and attitude evaluation. Participants were recruited by convenience sampling from August to October 2020. Inclusion criteria included full-time undergraduates studying for the first degree in Hong Kong and receiving primary and secondary education in Hong Kong. To contrast undergraduates studying medical and non-medical degrees, a set ratio of 1:1 was employed, and estimated proportions were weighted according to the ratio of medical and non-medical undergraduates in the population. Unweighted data were used in logistic regressions. Results: Among 385 respondents, the weighted proportion of good knowledge of standard first aid was 15.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 11.6%–18.8%) and that of good attitudes towards standard first aid was 71.3% (95% CI: 66.8%–75.8%). Holding valid or expired standard first aid certificates (valid: odds ratio (OR) = 9.897, p < 0.001; expired: OR = 4.816, p < 0.001) and studying medical-related degrees (OR = 3.693, p < 0.001) were shown by multiple logistic regression to be associated with good knowledge of standard first aid. Only being a current or past member of first aid cadet teams was associated with a greater likelihood of having good attitudes towards first aid (OR = 2.336, p = 0.047). Respondents proposed standard first aid training should take form of credit-bearing or non-credit-bearing courses in university curriculum, and academic workload should be taken into account when designing training schemes. Conclusion: The proportion of undergraduates in Hong Kong with good first aid knowledge was unsatisfactory, but the counterpart with a good attitude was encouraging. Standard first aid training should be proactively provided to all the local undergraduates, regardless of their enrollment in medical- or non-medical-related degrees.