Abstract
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have pointed out the importance of having first aid knowledge to effectively tend to the victim of any accident. However, it is still a constant challenge to ascertain the level of first aid knowledge among students at different stages of education. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyse differences in first aid knowledge and meaningful knowledge across stages of education, as well as the influence of gender, and to determine variations in the perceived importance of first aid by stage of education. METHODS: To achieve this, the First Aid Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire was administered to a sample of 1088 students: 405 from compulsory secondary education, 298 from baccalaureate and vocational training, and 385 at the university level. RESULTS: Both when the sample was analysed in general and when it was divided according to gender, significant differences according to level of education were found for all the analysed dimensions in both knowledge level and meaningful knowledge level (p = 0.010-<0.001; ES: 0.025-0.397), with university students generally showing the highest results and secondary school students the lowest, both in knowledge and meaningful knowledge (p = 0.040-<0.001). Secondary school students showed a significantly lower interest and knowledge in first aid and regarded it as less important for their personal and professional growth (p < 0.001). In contrast, university students rated first aid as highly important and showed a greater interest on the topic (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Differences were observed across academic levels in knowledge and meaningful knowledge in first aid, with university students scoring higher and being the ones who gave most importance to this content. The findings underscore the need to reinforce first aid education at all levels of education.