Public perception of and willingness to perform bystander CPR in Japan

SummaryAimImmediate bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the most essential factor for life saving in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients. We investigated the characteristics associated with willingness to attempt CPR among the Japanese general population.MethodsWe randomly selected 2400 persons from all over Japan and conducted a questionnaire survey regarding their knowledge, experiences of and attitudes toward CPR. We performed descriptive statistics followed by multivariable logistic regression analyses.ResultsA total of 1132 persons (47%) completed the questionnaire. Only 13% of the subjects were willing to attempt bystander CPR for their families and friends, and 7% were willing to attempt bystander CPR for strangers. Willingness to attempt CPR was independently associated with office workers or skilled workers [odds ratio (OR) 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–2.7], having trained in CPR [OR: 3.1; 95% CI: 2.1–4.6], actual experience with CPR [OR: 3.8; 95% CI: 1.7–8.3], and having friends with heart diseases [OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.05–3.0]. Having trained in CPR was independently associated with younger age [OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2–2.1], office workers or skilled workers [OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1–2.0], having driver's license [OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2–2.4] and awareness of AED placement in a public space [OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.4–3.1].ConclusionExperience of CPR training closely associated with willingness to attempt CPR, and awareness of AED in a public space are significant factors in CPR training. AED placement might call attention to CPR training and develops willingness to attempt CPR.