Factors Influencing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Performance on a Stranger

Abstract

Purpose: Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) improves survival. However, there have been few studies on the performance of bystander CPR in Korea. This study was done to identify the reasons for being unwilling to perform CPR, and to investigate the factors associated with performing CPR on a stranger in an emergency situation. Method: The participants in this study were 444 local residents. Data were collected by using self-reported questionnaires from May 1 to June 30, 2010. For data analysis, descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were performed using SAS version 9.1. Result: Only 32.2% of respondents reported being willing to perform CPR on a stranger. The major reason for not being willing to perform CPR on a stranger was "have no confidence to perform CPR well". From multiple logistic regression analysis, statistically significant predictors of CPR performance on a stranger were found to be a higher educational level (OR=6.11, 95% CI 1.46-25.52), neighbors with angina pectoris or myocardial infarction (OR=6.65, 95% CI 3.93-11.24), and having confidence of performing CPR (OR=3.02, 95% CI1.78-5.14). Conclusion: CPR education (including automatic external defibrillator) should be offered to family members and neighbors. In addition, the Good Samaritan Law must be given wider publicity at the national level.