Socioeconomic disparities in basic life support awareness and training among Saudi adults: a cross-sectional study

Basic life support (BLS) is a critical emergency intervention that significantly enhances survival rates in situations such as cardiac arrest. Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) enhances the chances of survival up to 24%. This study aimed to assess public awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward BLS, as well as the factors influencing them in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia.

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the Jazan region during October 2024 and March 2025. A standardized questionnaire was used to evaluate participants' BLS knowledge. Eligible participants included mentally competent Saudi and non-Saudi residents aged 18 years and older. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses were performed, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

A total of 1,021 participants were included, with a mean age of 30 ± 11 years; 51% were female. Overall, 72% reported awareness of BLS, and 56% had received prior BLS training. However, only 5% had engaged in hands-on practice. Educational institutions (34%) and social media platforms (20%) were the most frequently cited sources of BLS knowledge. The majority of the participants were aware of cardiac arrest symptoms (80%), but more than half lacked practical knowledge of BLS (>50%). Higher BLS knowledge scores were significantly associated with holding a bachelor's degree (β = 0.68; p < 0.001), higher income levels (β = 2.48; p < 0.001), and engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity at least five times per week (β = 0.82; p = 0.019). Conversely, having children was negatively associated with BLS knowledge (β = -2.31; p = 0.002).

Socioeconomic factors such as income, education, smoking status, academic background, physical activity and having children showed a significant associated with BLS knowledge, highlighting the need for broader public education and accessible BLS training programs.