Assessing basic life support awareness, and knowledge among university undergraduates: a cross-sectional study.

Basic life support (BLS) is a critical skill for saving lives during emergencies. This study aims to assess BLS awareness and knowledge among undergraduates at University, examining the impact of gender, faculty, and prior correct cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training on students' confidence and competence. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2023 across six faculties: medicine, nursing, engineering, sciences, commerce, and law. Using convenience sampling, a total of 1165 students participated by completing a self-administered, bilingual questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation tests, t-tests, ANOVA, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS software version 26, with visual representations created using R software. The majority of participants were female (64.8%), with a significant portion (70%) believing that CPR training should be mandatory. Only 29.6% had received CPR training. Females scored higher on BLS knowledge than males (4.9 vs. 4.5, P < 0.05). Students from medical faculties had greater BLS knowledge compared to their non-medical peers (6.3 vs. 3.5, P < 0.05). Trained students were more confident in performing CPR (35.1% vs. 10.2% among untrained, P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression identified prior CPR training and medical faculty enrollment as significant predictors of higher BLS knowledge and confidence. Significant gaps in BLS knowledge and training exist among University undergraduates, with disparities based on gender, faculty, and prior training. The findings underscore the need for mandatory CPR training across all faculties to enhance student preparedness and competence.