Assessing Level of Knowledge on First-aid for Common Injuries among Members of Non-academic Staff at University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Background: The knowledge on the application of first-aid is important in delivering effective first-aid and in environments such as universities, with a dense population of young people, having knowledge of first-aid is vital. Since literature on this area is not available in Sri Lankan context, conducting this research is important to identify the level of knowledge in order to take necessary actions. Objective: To assess the level of knowledge on first-aid for common injuries among members of non-academic staff of University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ), Sri Lanka Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among a conveniently selected non academic staff members (n=170) of USJ. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Questionnaire consisted with demographic data, knowledge on first-aid including; main components of first-aid and actions to be done for common injuries. Overall knowledge scores were categorized as, "good" and "poor". Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using SPSS version 26.0. Results: The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 35.6 (±9.2) years and majority of them were females (55.3%). Of all the participants, 42.4% have completed diploma or degree, 43.5% were management assistants, and only 12.5% have followed a first-aid training. Among all participants, 51.8% had good overall knowledge on first-aid including management assistants and works aid. Technical officers, lab attendants, security officers and drivers had poor knowledge on first aid. Higher education status, training on first-aid and the level of job category of the sample were found to be significantly associated with the knowledge on first-aid (p<0.05). Conclusions: About half of the participants of the sample had an overall “good” knowledge on first-aid. Knowledge scores were strongly associated with the educational status and job category. Disparities in first-aid knowledge among different job categories affects the effectiveness of first aid. Job categories having poor knowledge must be targeted when planning educational sessions to improve the knowledge on first-aid for common injuries among non-academic staff of universities.