Socio-economic status has a limited association with knowledge and attitudes towards bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a cross-sectional study in North England

Charlton, Karl, Scott, Jason, Blair, Laura, Scott, Steph, McClelland, Graham, Davidson, Tom ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2561-4530 , Burrow, Emma and Mason, Alex (2022) Socio-economic status has a limited association with knowledge and attitudes towards bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a cross-sectional study in North England. Social Science Research Network . (Submitted to Publisher)

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Abstract

Background: Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) is a critical link in the ‘Chain of Survival’, yet in the UK, is undertaken in only 40% of out of hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs). Lower rates of BCPR have been correlated with lower socio-economic status (SES). This study aimed to explore how knowledge and attitudes about BCPR linked to SES across North East and North Cumbria in England.

Methods: Cross-sectional study between July-December 2021 surveying individuals from areas of varying SES.

Results: Six hundred and one individuals completed the survey instrument (mean age=51.9 years, range=18-95, standard deviation=17.7; 52.2% (n=313) female). Increased age was associated with being less willing to call 999 (p<0.001) and follow call handler advice (p<0.001). Female respondents were less comfortable performing BCPR than male respondents (p=0.006). Individuals from least deprived areas were less likely to report comfort performing CPR, (p=0.016) and less likely to know what a Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) is for, (p=0.025). Higher education level was associated with increased ability to recognise OHCA (p=0.005) and understanding of what a PAD is for (p<0.001). Individuals with higher income were more likely to follow advice regarding BCPR (p=0.017) and report comfort using a PAD (p=0.029).

Conclusion: SES is a poor indicator of knowledge, willingness, and perceived competency to perform BCPR. Policy makers should avoid using SES alone to target interventions and focus more on individual characteristics such as age and ethnicity. Future research should examine how cultural identity and social cohesion intersect with these characteristics to influence willingness to perform BCPR.

Item Type:	Article
Journal / Publication Title:	Social Science Research Network
Publisher:	Elsevier
Departments:	Institute of Health > Centre for Excellence in Paramedic Practice
Additional Information:	This is a preprint article, it offers immediate access but has not been peer reviewed.
Depositing User:	Anna Lupton
Date Deposited:	13 Feb 2023 13:29
Last Modified:	13 Jan 2024 14:01
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/6874

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