The Public's Perception of Bystander CPR Legality in the UAE: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Performance of an early, effective bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) increases the likelihood of survival among OHCA victims. The frequency of BCPR performance on OHCA victims and the...

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Main Authors: Balkis Zaitoun, Bakhtawar Imtiaz, Maitha Alfalasi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Discover STM Publishing Ltd 2024-03-01
Series:Saudi Journal of Emergency Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://sjemed.com/?mno=195083
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author Balkis Zaitoun
Bakhtawar Imtiaz
Maitha Alfalasi
author_facet Balkis Zaitoun
Bakhtawar Imtiaz
Maitha Alfalasi
author_sort Balkis Zaitoun
collection DOAJ
description Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Performance of an early, effective bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) increases the likelihood of survival among OHCA victims. The frequency of BCPR performance on OHCA victims and the overall survival rate has been reported to be low in the UAE. Identifying factors that influence bystanders' response is essential to develop interventional strategies that effectively reduce rates of OHCA mortality in the UAE. This study aims to assess the public's knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards BCPR. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between April and June of 2023. Data was collected from 588 adults in the UAE using non-probability convenience and snowballing sampling methods. The research tool used was a 41-items structured questionnaire, assessing knowledge of OHCA detection, CPR execution, as well as perception towards mandatory CPR training and willingness to learn and perform CPR. Data entry and analysis was performed using Google Sheets and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results: Of the 588 participants enrolled, a total of 509 entries were eligible for analysis. Of eligible participants, 17.9% and 80.9% were found to be completely and partially aware of identifying a cardiac arrest, respectively. In addition, 89.6% correctly identified that chest compressions and rescue breaths are part of CPR. However, only 14.9% of the sample were aware of the legality of performing BCPR in the UAE. Fear of causing harm (45.2%) and legal consequences (44.8%) were the most common reasons why people hesitate to perform BCPR. Conclusion: This study provided an in-depth insight into the public's perception of BCPR and its legality. UAE residents are not aware enough and are willing to learn CPR. Addressing the significant lack of awareness regarding CPR legality can reduce reluctance among the public towards performing life-saving measures. [SJEMed 2024; 5(1.100): S20-S20]
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issn 1658-8487
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series Saudi Journal of Emergency Medicine
spelling doaj-art-5d75d3d34f994dc0b2dd2a1737c8dc532025-08-20T03:40:33ZengDiscover STM Publishing LtdSaudi Journal of Emergency Medicine1658-84872024-03-015Emirates Society of Emergency Medicine 2023 (ESEM23) Conference AbstractsS20S2010.24911/SJEMed.72-1711080724195083The Public's Perception of Bystander CPR Legality in the UAE: A Cross-Sectional StudyBalkis Zaitoun0Bakhtawar Imtiaz1Maitha Alfalasi2Mediclinic Middle East, Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesBackground: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Performance of an early, effective bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) increases the likelihood of survival among OHCA victims. The frequency of BCPR performance on OHCA victims and the overall survival rate has been reported to be low in the UAE. Identifying factors that influence bystanders' response is essential to develop interventional strategies that effectively reduce rates of OHCA mortality in the UAE. This study aims to assess the public's knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards BCPR. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between April and June of 2023. Data was collected from 588 adults in the UAE using non-probability convenience and snowballing sampling methods. The research tool used was a 41-items structured questionnaire, assessing knowledge of OHCA detection, CPR execution, as well as perception towards mandatory CPR training and willingness to learn and perform CPR. Data entry and analysis was performed using Google Sheets and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results: Of the 588 participants enrolled, a total of 509 entries were eligible for analysis. Of eligible participants, 17.9% and 80.9% were found to be completely and partially aware of identifying a cardiac arrest, respectively. In addition, 89.6% correctly identified that chest compressions and rescue breaths are part of CPR. However, only 14.9% of the sample were aware of the legality of performing BCPR in the UAE. Fear of causing harm (45.2%) and legal consequences (44.8%) were the most common reasons why people hesitate to perform BCPR. Conclusion: This study provided an in-depth insight into the public's perception of BCPR and its legality. UAE residents are not aware enough and are willing to learn CPR. Addressing the significant lack of awareness regarding CPR legality can reduce reluctance among the public towards performing life-saving measures. [SJEMed 2024; 5(1.100): S20-S20]https://sjemed.com/?mno=195083cardiopulmonary resuscitation
spellingShingle Balkis Zaitoun
Bakhtawar Imtiaz
Maitha Alfalasi
The Public's Perception of Bystander CPR Legality in the UAE: A Cross-Sectional Study
Saudi Journal of Emergency Medicine
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
title The Public's Perception of Bystander CPR Legality in the UAE: A Cross-Sectional Study
title_full The Public's Perception of Bystander CPR Legality in the UAE: A Cross-Sectional Study
title_fullStr The Public's Perception of Bystander CPR Legality in the UAE: A Cross-Sectional Study
title_full_unstemmed The Public's Perception of Bystander CPR Legality in the UAE: A Cross-Sectional Study
title_short The Public's Perception of Bystander CPR Legality in the UAE: A Cross-Sectional Study
title_sort public apos s perception of bystander cpr legality in the uae a cross sectional study
topic cardiopulmonary resuscitation
url https://sjemed.com/?mno=195083
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