Difference of Awareness and Barrier about Bystander Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation between Adult and Geriatric Population

Park, Se Jin; Lee, Mi Jin; Park, Yong Seok

Abstract

PURPOSE
The majority of cardiac arrests occur in private homes with the most likely witness being the spouse of an elderly victim. On the other hand, few elderly attend cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and have a willingness to perform CPR. The aim of this study was to determine the reluctance and potential barriers towards initiating CPR among elderly laypeople.
METHODS
Population-based nationwide studies using a structured questionnaire via a telephone survey were done in 2007 (n=1,029), 2011 (n=1,001), and 2015 (n=1,000). The contents of the questionnaire consisted of basic characteristics, CPR training experience and status. The geriatric population was defined as above the age of 65.
RESULTS
In geriatric responders, the rates of awareness of CPR, recent CPR training in the experienced group, and willingness of CPR training were significant variables by tri-temporal trend analysis (all p for trends < 0.05). Awareness of the Good Samaritan law, training experience in CPR was not a significant variable (p=0.076, p for trend 0.872). The likelihood ratios for bystander CPR willingness according to the age groups was lower in those over 60. The odds ratios of being recently trained in CPR was lower by age groups. The reason for the unwillingness to perform CPR was lack of knowledge (53.0%), fear of doing harm (20.4%), and physical disability (12.2%). According to the changing methods of bystander CPR, the willingness of CPR in geriatric population was conventional CPR (30.7%), hands-only CPR (60.0%), and dispatcher-assisted CPR (79.3%), respectively.
CONCLUSION
A lack of knowledge and physical disability are the main reasons for the unwillingness to perform CPR among elderly laypeople. Strategies to increase CPR knowledge and supplement their physical disability are warranted.