[Knowledge and attitudes regarding infant BLS among babysitters and nursemaids in north rural Jordan]

Background There is a lack of national data related to the public knowledge and attitudes concerning Basic Life Support (BLS) for an infant. This study is the first to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding infant BLS among babysitters and nursemaids who are working in registered nurseries in North Jordan. Methods A semi-structured questionnaire was conducted among a convenience sample of 77 child caretakers (babysitters and nursemaids) who were looking after infants in registered nurseries in north of Jordan. Results The findings show that the majority of participants were not aware of skills for managing foreign body aspiration (or CPR) among infants, while more than two-thirds of them never attended training and or education sessions regarding managing foreign body aspiration among infants. Conclusions This research strongly recommends training for babysitters and care center staff. The findings of this study indicated that caregivers in Jordanian kindergartens and nurseries lack awareness regarding safe infant care. As such, there is a lack of basic skills for resuscitation in urgent cases; which can increase the risk of sudden and unexpected child death. Accordingly, the infant life support course is highly recommended for babysitters and nursemaids. Health care professionals could help to implement infant basic life support training courses through local community basic service centers, non-governmental organizations, local associations, universities and health colleges through providing workshops that aim at enhancing knowledge and skills for infant BLS among caregivers and babysitters.