Adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills among senior diploma nursing students in selected nursing colleges in Kenya: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular disorders remain a global challenge with approximately 17.7 million deaths annually. Prompt initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) ultimately saves lives following sudden cardiac arrest.
Objective: The study aimed at evaluating adult CPR skill among the senior diploma nursing students in selected campuses of Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC)
Design: The study applied a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional design
Setting: Selected campuses of Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC)
Participants: Senior Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing students (KRCHN)
Method: Data was collected using American Heart Association (AHA) basic life support (BLS) skills assessment tool in collaboration with Avenue Rescue Services an accredited AHA training organization. Data was then analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 for descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: A total of 175 nursing students were assessed for the CPR skill. The overall mean (SD) percent was 27% ±14, with a minimum of 0 % and maximum of 60%. The mean was compared to AHA competence score of 84% using a one sample t test that showed a significant difference of very large magnitude measured using Cohen d; t (174) = -53.82, p<0.001, d= 4.1
Conclusion: The mean CPR skill level among the nursing students was below average as compared to local and international standards. There is need for certified refresher trainings on CPR with incorporation of automated external defibrillator (AED) in the training curriculum.