Assessing Community Knowledge and Attitudes on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator in Ipoh, Perak
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70672/azgkgk61Keywords:
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, cardiac arrest, automated external defibrillator, knowledge, attitude.Abstract
Introduction: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use are critical interventions for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), significantly improving survival rates. This study assessed the knowledge and attitude towards CPR and AED among the local community in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling was conducted from January to February 2024, involving 385 respondents. A self-administered questionnaire, available in English and Malay, collected sociodemographic data and assessed CPR knowledge (12 items) and attitude (10 items). Data were analysed using SPSS version 28. Results: Nearly all respondents (99.0%) had heard of CPR, but only 27.8% knew the correct initial step (call for help immediately). Knowledge was moderate (median score: 58.3%, IQR: 41.7-66.7), with significant associations with age group, education level, and employment status (p<0.05). While 65.5% were willing to perform CPR on family members, willingness decreased to 43.1% for strangers. Most (61%) had never received CPR training, but 76.4% expressed interest. AED awareness was lower (50.4%), and only 22.9% knew that anyone can use an AED. Conclusion: The Ipoh community demonstrates moderate CPR knowledge and attitude, but significant gaps persist, particularly regarding AED. There is a strong need for expanded community-based CPR and AED training, integration into educational curricula, and addressing barriers like legal fears and gender-related concerns to improve bystander intervention in OHCA incidence.
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