Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceived Preparedness Regarding Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator Use Among Health-Related University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

作者：Caterina Mercuri, G Marasco, Alessandra De Pasquale, Dario Marasciulo, Silvio Simeone, Adele Sarcone · 发表于：Healthcare · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.3390/healthcare14060730 · 被引用次数：1 · 研究领域：Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation、Simulation-Based Education in Healthcare、Family and Patient Care in Intensive Care Units

Background: Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and timely use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are critical determinants of survival following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). University students enrolled in healthcare degree programs represent a strategic target population for the dissemination of basic life support and defibrillation (BLS-D) skills. However, evidence on their level of knowledge, attitudes, and perceived preparedness remains limited in Southern Italy. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between mid-December 2025 and 15 January 2026 among undergraduate healthcare students at the Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro (Italy). Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, CPR/AED knowledge, attitudes, and perceived confidence. Composite knowledge scores were calculated and categorized as poor, sufficient, good, or excellent. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, Cramér’s V, and Spearman’s rank correlation. Results: A total of 604 students were included (mean age 24.4 ± 6.7 years; 69.9% female), of whom 46.4% reported prior BLS-D training. Knowledge levels were heterogeneous: myocardial infarction was widely recognized as a cause of cardiac arrest (81.1%), whereas recognition of non-shockable rhythms, including asystole and pulseless electrical activity, remained low (<25%). Procedural knowledge, particularly regarding the chain of...