A cross-sectional survey study of knowledge and attitude of cardiopulmonary resuscitation among healthcare students in Hong Kong

Abstract

Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is the common cause of death globally. For those who suffer from sudden cardiac arrests, early high-quality cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can greatly improve chances of survival. The importance of CPR is well recognized and emphasized by American Heart Association. Healthcare students in college are the potential bystanders to perform CPR in emergency situations in the community.

Aims and Objectives: To explore the knowledge and attitude of CPR towards out-of-hospital cardiac arrest among healthcare students in Hong Kong.

Methodology: Cross sectional survey with convenience sampling was conducted in a tertiary college. Total 506 hard copies of well-validated questionnaires were distributed from September to October, 2015.

Results and Discussion: Among 351 respondents, 73 (22%) were male and 278 (79%) were female. The mean knowledge score of respondents was 4.97 ± 1.613 out of 10. About half (55.3%) had attended CPR training course and 81.4% of these respondents possess valid CPR certificates. The main reason for having CPR training was “interest” (46.5%) while the common reasons for non-trained students were “no time” (45%), “not sure where to attend a course” (19.6%) and “not necessary” (15.3%).

The mean attitude score was 26.53 ± 2.684 out of 30. 87% of the participants showed willingness to provide CPR and believed that CPR would increase the survival rate (39.4%). The respondents tended to attempt CPR for all the needy 33.2%. Lack of confidence due to untrained (19.1%), forgetting technique (28.8%), being afraid harming the victim (26.4%) were the major barriers to provide CPR.

Conclusion: Inadequate knowledge and training is recognized though healthcare students hold positive CPR attitude. Incorporation of CPR training into the college curricula could be a long term strategy in order to enhance the CPR benefits to the wider community. To ensure better knowledge and skills retention, organize regular and refresher training programs are recommended.