Inadequate level of knowledge of first aid according to occupational group in 25 Peruvian hospitals: Frequency and associated factors

Introduction: The early and adequate response of medical emergencies ensures that the victim has timely management. Objective: To determine the frequency and factors associated with the inadequate level of knowledge of first aid according to occupational group in 25 Peruvian hospitals. Methodology: Cross-sectional study of secondary data. The level of knowledge was based on a survey previously validated in Peru, taking the category of inappropriate level as an interest category, and this was crossed according to the type of profession and other variables that served as adjustment. Results: Of the 1074 responses, the median of the sum of correct answers was 6 (interquartile range: 4-7 correct answers). There were no correct responses in 2% of the respondents, whereas 4% and 1% had 9 and 10 correct response, respectively. There was an inadequate level of knowledge in: other professionals 18%, doctors 23%, medical interns 26%, nurses 26%, and resident doctors 33%. In the multivariate analysis, three occupational groups had higher frequencies of inadequate knowledge in first aid, physicians (RP: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.12-4.15), medical interns (RP: 3.28; 95% CI: 1.33-8.12), and resident physicians (RP: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.37-5.08). A higher number of hours per month in the emergency department also decreased the frequency of inappropriate levels (PR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98-0.99), adjusted for four variables. Conclusion: Overall, and in some specific occupational groups, there is a poor level of knowledge in first aid. This should be confirmed and used to generate continuous training programs by hospital management.