Knowledge levels as to basic life support of medical doctors and affecting factors

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, the knowledge levels of the physicians working in Erzurum on “Basic Life Support” (BLS) were determined and the factors to be effective on the knowledge level on BLS were evaluated.
Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty general practitioners working in the primary health care centers and 165 residents working in Ataturk University Teaching Hospital were included in the study. All the participants answered and filled the questionnaire forms consisting of demographic data and 30 multiple-choice questions related to BLS and evaluating the knowledge levels of the subjects. The face to face interview method was used. For statistical analysis, Chi-square test was used.
Results: Out of 30 questions; while the mean number of the correct answers of the general practitioners working in primary health care centers was 15.5±3.74, it was 16.53±3.57 in the research assistant group working in the university hospital; the difference was statistically significant (p=0.01). It was determined that the important factors inşuencing the success of the participants on answering the questions were the working place (university or primary health care centers), age, the presence of BLS education programs during faculty years, and the participation to BLS education programs after graduation from the faculty.
Conclusion: It was concluded that BLS education programs for physicians must be continued, improved and updated, and maintained by improving the knowledge and skills of the health workers via in-service training programs.