Evaluation of Factors Affecting the Knowledge Level of First Aid and Basic Life Support in Hazardous Workplaces

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this research was to evaluate factors affecting the knowledge level of first aid & basic life support (FA&BLS) among workers employed in ‘very hazardous’ and ‘less hazardous’ workplaces. Materials and Methods: This research was carried out in Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Department of Family Medicine, between January 2020 and October 2020. Persons between the ages of 18–65 who were insured in a very hazardous or less hazardous job and agreed to participate in the study were included. A two-part questionnaire was applied, the first part collected sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, the second part evaluated the level of knowledge concerning FA&BLS (20 items). Results: According to the findings of the study, when the rates of working in very dangerous workplace were examined, the rates were significantly higher in middle-aged (p<0.001) married (p<0.001), primary school graduates (p<0.001) and male participants (p<0.001). The frequency of having received FA&BLS was lower in very hazardous workplaces (p=0.011). The level of knowledge FA&BLS was higher in those with higher education (p<0.001) and those who received FA&BLS training (p<0.001). It was determined that the frequency of having received training (p=0.011) and the level of knowledge (p<0.001) were significantly lower among workers employed in very hazardous workplaces. Conclusions: The level of knowledge of FA&BLS is higher in those with high school and university degrees, those with FA&BLS training and those who work in less hazardous workplaces. These indicate the need for repeated training particularly in very hazardous workplaces.

Keywords

• occupational health
• health education
• first aid
• basic life support