KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF REHAB SCIENCES STUDENTS TOWARDS BYSTANDER CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Sudden cardiac arrest is the major health related issues with high risk of death and long-term disabilities if not treated promptly through immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Therefore, this study aims to explore the knowledge and attitude of rehab sciences students towards bystander CPR since it is one of the life-sparing intervention in response to sudden heart failure that consists of chest compressions followed by defibrillation. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional survey conducted on 136 rehab sciences students recruited via convenience sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire consists of understanding towards bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation was distributed via email or Google forms to record participants' responses. RESULTS A total number of 136 responses received with mean age of 22.34± 3.92, 109 (79.2%) females and 27 (19.8%) males. It was revealed that 83.1% students have understanding regarding CPR whereas only 62.7% approached the certified course While the 38.2% acquired knowledge by medical personnel provided by school/university. CONCLUSION It was concluded that majority of students have understanding and had a positive attitude to learn and perform the technique. However, the knowledge was found to be scared and the students are not confident in performing CPR. Hands on skill must be promoted for