DETERMINANTS OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE ON BASIC LIFE SUPPORT AMONG CLINICIANS AT MBITINI HEALTH CENTRE, KITUI COUNTY
Eunice Mwatha Kivungi - Bachelor of Science in Nursing, School of Nursing, Mount Kenya University, Kenya
George Njoroge - Mount Kenya University, School of Nursing, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Survival from cardiac arrest depends on a sequence of time sensitive and interconnected links termed the chain of survival. Two of these links, early bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation, have been prioritized as the two most important links in the chain of survival. Delivery of early by stander CPR can increase the chance of survival two to three folds. The broad objective was to determine the knowledge and attitude on basic life support among the clinicians at Mbitini Health Centre, Kitui County. The specific objectives of the study were:- to assess the influence of demographic factors on basic life support among the clinicians at Mbitini Health Centre, Kitui County; to determine knowledge on basic life support among the clinicians at Mbitini Health Centre, Kitui County and to determine the attitude on basic life support among the clinicians at Mbitini Health Centre, Kitui County. This study adopted a descriptive research design. The study was carried out at Mbitini Hospital in Kitui County. The study population was 170 clinicians working at the facility and clinical officer students who come for rural experience in the facility. Adjusted Sample size was 70 and the researcher used a systematic sampling. Data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire. The questionnaires were numbered, coded and then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Quantitative data was presented using tables, pie charts and bar graphs while qualitative data was discussed. The study found that most of the clinicians are confident when giving chest compressions to an adult, that mouth to mouth resuscitation should be given with a barrier and that the recommended maneuver to open the airway in un-responsive patient is Jaw Thrust maneuver. The study concluded that attitude and knowledge affect basic life support among the clinicians at Mbitini Health Centre, Kitui County. It was clear that most of the clinicians are confident when giving chest compressions to an adult and they are aware that mouth to mouth resuscitation should be given with a barrier. The study recommends more focus to be placed on the strengthening the BLS skills and that educational institution should be involved in the training of students and professionals for CPR and other emergencies that can occur in the dental office. CPR should be considered as part of dental curriculum.
