BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS TO EFFECTIVE FIRST AID EDUCATION IN LOW-RESOURCE EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Effective first aid education is critical for ensuring student safety in schools, yet low-resource educational settings often face systemic barriers that limit its implementation. This study investigated the barriers and facilitators affecting first aid education in schools within Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Nigeria. Using a descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods design, data were collected from 250 teachers and administrators across public and private low-resource schools through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed that lack of formal training, inadequate equipment, insufficient funding, absence of clear school policies, and fear of legal consequences are major barriers. Conversely, administrative support, regular training workshops, partnerships with health organizations, government policy backing, and teachers’ intrinsic motivation were key facilitators. Correlation analysis confirmed that institutional, economic, and socio-cultural factors significantly influence first aid education effectiveness. The study concludes that systemic reforms, structured training, resource allocation, and policy integration are essential to enhance emergency preparedness in low-resource schools. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for policymakers, school administrators, and health organizations to improve first aid education and student safety in Nigeria.