Knowledge and practice of cardiopulmonary resuscitation among clinical students of a medical school in Kano, Nigeria

INTRODUCTION: Among common determinants of survival include the ability to effectively execute the basic life support drill during resuscitation. Therefore, this study seeks to determine the knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) among medical trainees who are in their clinical years in our tertiary hospital with the aim of identifying knowledge gaps if any. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was cross-sectional and was conducted over 12 weeks from April to June 2017. A pretested self-administered questionnaire which was developed in English language was distributed to the subjects. RESULTS: There were 118 male (67.4%) and 57 female (32.6%). Furthermore, 95.4% of the respondents were unaware of circulation, airway and breathing sequence (CAB) in adult resuscitation; and 82.3% were aware of ABC steps in pediatric resuscitation; 52% of the respondents were wrong in adult chest compression to ventilation ratio; similarly, 46.3% were incorrect on pediatric chest compression: ventilation ratio. One hundred and forty-six (83.4%) of the respondents had seen a defibrillator; however, only 3 (2.1%) had ever used it. The knowledge score of the respondents ranged from 0.0 to 55.0; while the mean was 19.4 +/- 11.8. One hundred and seventy (97.1%) of the respondents scored <50%. The knowledge score was generally poor for all the classes through this observation was not statistically significant (Fisher's exact test = 1.926, P = 0.449); similarly, the timing of CPR training had no relationship with their knowledge score however this finding was not statistically significant (Fisher's exact test = 3.262, P = 1.00). CONCLUSION: There was poor knowledge of CPR among respondents despite reporting been trained.