KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES TOWARDS CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION AMONG NURSES AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN: A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66021/pakmcr1417Keywords:
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, CPR, Nurses, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, BLS, PakistanAbstract
Background
Cardiac arrest remains a major public health concern worldwide and is associated with high mortality rates. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving intervention that significantly improves survival outcomes when performed promptly and correctly. Nurses are often the first healthcare professionals to respond to cardiac arrest events; therefore, adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and competent practice of CPR are essential.
Objective
To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation among nurses working in critical care units of a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Dr. Ruth K. M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi over six months. Eighty-two registered nurses working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Coronary Care Unit (CCU), Emergency Room (ER), and Operating Theatre (OT) were selected using purposive sampling. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire assessing CPR knowledge, attitude, and practice. Data was analyzed using SPSS, and associations between demographic variables and CPR competency domains were assessed using Pearson's Chi-square test.
Results
Among the participants, 53% were female and 46% were aged between 26–30 years. Approximately 63% were Basic Life Support (BLS) certified. The mean knowledge score regarding CPR was 52%, while positive attitude and correct practice scores were 76% and 56%, respectively. Gender showed a significant association with CPR knowledge (p=0.01). BLS certification was significantly associated with attitude (p=0.003) and practice (p=0.02).
Conclusion
Although nurses demonstrated positive attitudes towards CPR, deficiencies in knowledge and practical skills were identified. Regular refresher training, mandatory BLS renewal, and simulation-based practice sessions are recommended to enhance CPR competency among nurses.
