Knowledge and attitudes toward infant BLS among babysitters and nursemaids working in rural northwest Jordan

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of babysitters and nursemaids toward providing basic life support (BLS) to infants. Setting: This study was conducted at registered nurseries and daycare centers in rural northern Jordan. Participants: The study involved a convenience sample of 77 child caretakers who were looking after infants. Results: Findings showed that majority of participants were unaware of skills needed to manage foreign body aspiration or administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation on infants. More than two-thirds of the participants had never attended any training or educational session on managing foreign body aspiration among infants. Conclusions: The findings indicated that caregivers in kindergartens and nurseries in rural areas in Jordan lacked awareness of safe infant care. Basic resuscitation skills for urgent cases were insufficient, which could increase the risk of sudden and unexpected child death. Thus, this study strongly recommends training, such as a course on infant life support, for babysitters and care center staff.