Level of knowledge about carbon monoxide poisoning and its prevention among students of the Medical School of the Universidad Abierta Interamericana of the city of Rosario (Argentina) in the year 2023

Introduction: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a medical emergency that, if not adequately treated, can cause neurological sequelae and even death of the patient. However, its recognition is difficult due to the fact that CO is a colorless and odorless gas and that its symptoms are non-specific and can be confused with other pathologies. Objective: To describe the level of knowledge about CO poisoning and its prevention among students in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th YEAR (1st four-month period) of the Medical School of the Universidad Abierta Interamericana (UAI) - Rosario campus in the year 2023. Materials and methods: Quantitative, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study. It was carried out at the UAI Rosario campus. The population consisted of students in their 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year, all of them in their 1st four-month period of the UAI Medical School. The sampling was non-probabilistic by convenience. The data collection instrument consisted of an anonymous, voluntary and self-administered survey consisting of 24 questions aimed at identifying the knowledge of medical students regarding CO poisoning, its causes, symptoms, action and prevention. The variables were analyzed through absolute and relative percentage frequencies and summarized through measures of central position: mean, and measures of dispersion: standard deviation. Results: A total of 85 students were surveyed, of whom 66% were female and 34% male, with a mean age of 26.43 ± 5.86 years (min: 18; max: 43). 36% were in their first year of high school. Thirty-six percent were in their second year of medical school, 26% in their fourth year, 20% in their third year and 18% in their first year. The mean score was 13.87 ± 4.07 points (min. 5; max. 22). Fifty-six percent of the medical students surveyed presented a medium level of knowledge about CO poisoning, 32% a high level and 12% a low level. Conclusions: 56% of the surveyed medical students presented a medium level of knowledge about the causes, symptoms, methods of action and prevention of CO poisoning. Among the symptoms of CO poisoning recognized by the students were headache, fainting, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, blurred vision, confusion and difficulty breathing.