Determinants of Public First Aid Knowledge in an Underdeveloped Region of China: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: Prompt bystander response through emergency first aid is critical in reducing mortality in public health emergencies. However, public awareness and skills regarding emergency first aid remain limited, especially in underdeveloped regions. This study aimed to investigate the current level of public emergency first aid knowledge in Guizhou Province, China, and identify its key determinants. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,091 members of the general public in Guizhou Province from September to December 2024 via quota sampling. A self-designed structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic information, first aid knowledge, and attitudes toward learning and administering aid. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was applied to select key determinants, followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Among participants, only 0.73% answered all 20 first aid questions correctly, and just 17.23% demonstrated basic first aid knowledge. The average knowledge score was 7.28 (SD 4.65), whereas attitude scores indicated a generally positive disposition toward learning (mean: 28.11; SD 0.21). The results of LASSO regression and multivariate logistic regression showed that age, occupation, educational attainment, monthly personal income, current residence, number of training sessions attended, time since last training, and training methods were key determinants influencing emergency first aid knowledge among the public in Guizhou Province (P < 0.05). Conclusion: First aid knowledge in Guizhou is inadequate, especially among disadvantaged groups, although willingness to learn is evident. Accessible and regularly updated training, with a focus on essential first aid skills, is warranted to bridge this gap.