Knowledge, attitude, and practice on Basic Life Support: a case study of pharmacists in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Basic Life Support (BLS) encompasses the early identification and emergency response to cardiorespiratory arrest. While often limited to core clinical cadres, pharmacists are increasingly integral in the value chain of healthcare provision and should be proficient in BLS and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). To promote this advocacy, evaluating their current knowledge, attitudes, and practices is essential.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 pharmacists in Benin City, Nigeria using a structured and self-administered questionnaire. The tool assessed demographics, BLS-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices following the 2020 BLS guidelines. Inclusion criteria covered licensed pharmacists within Benin City; those practising elsewhere or unwilling to participate were excluded. Inferential statistical tests were used to assess associations between variables.

Results: Of 200 respondents, 109 (54.5%) were male and 91 (45.5%) female with a mean age of 34.16 ± 9.52 years. Only one (1) participant (0.5%) answered ≥ 15 of the 20 BLS knowledge questions correctly. The average knowledge score was 7.54 ± 2.74. Although no significant association was found between gender and BLS practice, participants who had received BLS training had significantly higher mean knowledge score than those who had not (p = 0.012). Almost all the respondents (98.5%) had recommended BLS training inclusion in the undergraduate curriculum.

Conclusion: Pharmacists in Benin City demonstrated limited knowledge and inadequate training in BLS and CPR. Formal BLS instruction and certification should be incorporated into undergraduate pharmacy curricula and professional development programmes.