Bridging the emergency response gap: evaluating CPR knowledge and preparedness among healthcare students at the University of Kalamoon.

BACKGROUND

Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of sudden death worldwide, and prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) significantly increases survival rates. Assessing the knowledge and awareness of CPR among healthcare students is essential, as they represent future frontline responders in emergency situations.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study at the University of Kalamoon in Syria, where the survey included 600 students from three medical faculties using a voluntary electronic and paper questionnaire. The questionnaire combined self-efficacy regarding performing CPR and scientific knowledge according to the latest protocols, as well as assessing and studying the most important concerns that prevent students from performing chest compressions for both friends and strangers. SPSS software was used to analyze the data using ANOVA tests and independent t-test, in addition to descriptive analyses.

RESULTS

The majority of the sample were females (72.8%), and more than half of the participants had not received any prior training on the principles of basic life support (54.2%). Both the academic major and the academic year showed statistically significant differences, where higher levels were observed among students of the Faculty of Human Medicine and sixth-year students (P-value < 0.001), while gender did not show any statistically significant differences (p-value = 0.058). 17.2% of the sample strongly agreed to perform chest compressions for a person who needs them. The two most important reasons preventing students from performing chest compressions on a stranger were making a mistake and legal punishment.

CONCLUSION

Integrating CPR courses as a graduation requirement in medical schools in Syria, along with the need to organize interactive workshops and issue certificates as a means of motivating students, are essential means of promoting CPR concepts scientifically and theoretically, given its importance due to the numerous conflicts and wars in recent times.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.