Knowledge and attitude toward cardiopulmonary resuscitation among students at a public Saudi University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice related to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) among university students in Saudi Arabia. The goal was to gain insights into CPR awareness, training rates, and factors influencing emergency bystander response. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted targeting students from Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Demographic factors such as age, gender, nationality, college affiliation, and academic level were analyzed. The participants' awareness and practice of CPR, motivations for learning CPR, attitude toward CPR, and perceptions of effective strategies to increase CPR knowledge were assessed through an online questionnaire. Results: The majority of participants (56.2%) reported having information about CPR, with movies/TV shows and the internet serving as the primary sources of knowledge. However, only 9.9% had encountered a CPR situation; among those, only 37% performed resuscitation. Lack of knowledge was the main reason for not performing CPR (71.1%). Most participants (82.8%) called the emergency number during a medical emergency, but only 18.6% had undergone CPR training. The participants expressed a high willingness (91.6%) to learn CPR, with perceived personal benefit being the primary motivation. Increasing publicity (73.7%) and offering free training courses (68.0%) were identified as effective ways to enhance CPR knowledge. Conclusion: The study revealed a need for improved CPR awareness and training among university students. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing knowledge gaps, implementing mandatory CPR training as a graduation requirement, and increasing public awareness through media campaigns.