A Survey of knowledge on and attitudes toward cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillators in China

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the current knowledge levels on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillators of Chinese citizens. Methods: A face-to-face questionnaire survey on the knowledge of and attitudes toward the use of CPR and AEDs during an OHCA event was conducted in three high-traffic train stations in Hangzhou and Taizhou, China. The survey included questions on previous experience with CPR, recognition of cardiac arrest, CPR-related concerns, and AED knowledge. Results: A total of 6268 participants were surveyed about their knowledge of and attitudes toward the use of CPR and AEDs. A total of 5981 valid questionnaires, including 3008 from female respondents (50.2%) and 2973 from male respondents (49.8%), were retrieved. The participants were geographically distributed as follows: 18.5% from western China, 19.5% from central China, and 77.0% from eastern China. The educational level, regular residence, and sex of the respondents, as well as legislative policies, were relevant to the knowledge of and attitudes toward the use of CPR and AEDs for OHCA events. The results showed that men were more active than women in terms of CPR training and implementation, as well as had more knowledge and used AEDs more often. More people in eastern and central China had witnessed CPR performance, would pay for CPR training, and would be willing to perform CPR if there was a related legislative policy. Moreover, educational level was crucial to the knowledge of and attitudes toward the use of CPR and AEDs during OHCA events. Conclusions: Chinese citizens lack CPR and AED knowledge and training compared with people in developed countries. We recommend that the state should increase public awareness of CPR and AEDs in China. Mass education, policy implementation, specialized training, and legislative action should be carried out.