Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: 1. To determine the prevalence of knowledge, attitude, and first aid training needs among high school students in Ho Chi Minh City.2. To identify factors associated with the knowledge, attitude, and first aid training needs of high school students in Ho Chi Minh City.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 21 high schools using a self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge was assessed through 15 multiple-choice questions, attitudes were measured on a 5-point Likert scale, and training needs for first aid were evaluated based on demand, preferences, and accessibility.
RESULTS: From October to December 2024, 1,988 students participated. Only 39.8% demonstrated good first aid knowledge, with low correct responses for the ABCDE approach (49.12%) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation sequence (20.73%). While 58.1% had a favorable attitude, only 39.3% had received formal first aid training, and 14.94% had hands-on experience. Multivariable analysis showed that females (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.70, 95%CI: 1.41-2.05) and public school students (aOR: 1.63, 95%CI: 1.34-1.99) had better knowledge. Higher academic performance was associated with more excellent knowledge, whereas average conduct was linked to lower knowledge. The most demanded training topics were stroke (54.8%), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (44.7%), and drowning (33.2%). Most students (68.3%) suggested training every six months.
CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that only 39.8% of high school students had good first aid knowledge despite their favorable attitudes, while the demand for training was very high. This highlights the need to integrate hands-on first aid education into both curricular and extracurricular programs with standardized training and regular reviews to enhance knowledge retention and emergency preparedness, particularly focusing on male and private school students in developing countries.