College students’ knowledge and attitudes toward bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: Sudden cardiac arrest attracts global attention because it is a fatal public health concern. Early implementation of high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can significantly improve chances of survival. The significance of CPR training is well recognized by the American Heart Association. College students are potential bystanders who could perform CPR in the community.

Aim: This study purpose is to explore college students’ knowledge and attitudes toward CPR.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey with convenience sampling was conducted in a tertiary college. From September to October 2015, 506 hard-copies of a well-validated questionnaire were distributed.

Results: Of 351 respondents, 73 (21.8%) were male and 278 (79.2%) were female. The mean knowledge score was 4.97 out of 10 with a standard deviation of 1.61. Over half of the respondents (n = 194, 55.3%) had attended a CPR course before. The mean attitude score was 26.53 out of 30, and the standard deviation was 2.68. Most of the respondents (87.0%) showed a willingness to perform CPR. The reasons for attending CPR training were mainly “interest” (n = 106, 46.5%), followed by “extra-curricular activity” (n = 37, 16.2%), “to help family and friends in need” (n = 37, 16.2%) and “others” (n = 29, 12.7%) such as to fulfill job or academic requirement. The most frequently reported inhibitors of performing bystander CPR were a lack of confidence due to forgetting CPR procedures (28.8%) and lack of confidence due to not having received any CPR training (19.1%).

Conclusions: Although students had a positive attitude toward CPR, inadequate knowledge and training were found. Incorporation of CPR training into the college curricula could be a long-term strategy to enhance CPR benefits to the wider community. Maintaining better knowledge and skills retention, regular and refresher training for students are recommended.