Conhecimentos, atitudes, percepções e segurança de acadêmicos de medicina sobre suporte básico de vida: levantamento entre alunos da Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba

Abstract

Introduction: Basic Life Support (BLS) emerges as the basis for saving lives during cardiac arrest (CA). The effectiveness of BLS maneuvers is essential for the victim's prognosis. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and confidence of medical students at the Federal University of Delta do Parnaíba (UFDPar) about BLS. Methods: Cross-sectional and descriptive study with 228 medical students at UFDPar. A structured questionnaire was used to assess students' level of knowledge, inflicted attitudes, perceptions and level of confidence in BLS. Results: Only 39,4% of the students obtained a satisfactory result in the BLS knowledge and attitude questionnaire. The general average in the evaluation was 64,7% of correct answers. There was no statistically significant difference between students in the basic (BA), clinical (CL) and boarding (BO) cycles. 47,4% and 33,8% of the participants are not confident to lead a cardiac arrest and choking, respectively. CL and BO students are more confident to lead these situations than BA students. Conclusion: The level of knowledge, attitudes and safety in BLS of medical students at UFDPar is low; knowledge does not seem to evolve throughout the course, despite increasing security. The Institution must review and reformulate the way of teaching this basic and essential skill.