Knowledge and Attitudes towards Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation among Family caregivers of Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases, 2017

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Cardio-Pulmonary arrest may occur at any time and any place. By restoring the base of the cardiac arrhythmia, we can restore the blood flow to the brain and increase the chance of saving the patient. Since nearly 70% of cases of cardiac arrest occur at home or outside the hospital without access to experienced people for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), if common people and family members of patients with heart problems (bystanders), have the ability to perform basic pulmonary resuscitation, they can save lives in the first golden time. Therefore, family caregivers of coronary patients are considered as the most important group for having the knowledge of early cardiopulmonary resuscitation and are more important in those who care for the patients. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes of family caregivers in patients with coronary disease. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 110 family careers of patients with coronary disease at Tabriz cardiac units of Iran, selected by convenience sampling by knowledge and attitude researcher-made questionnaires. Data was analyzed by SPSS 16 software. Results: The most participants' knowledge was undesirable. The majority's attitudes were negative. There was positive significant relationship between knowledge and attitude toward CPR (p<0.001). In demographic factors, "the status of patients, the observation of the recovery operation and the history of participation in CPR classes' had relationship with knowledge of family caregivers, as well as "observation of recovery" and "to have history of participation in CPR classes" were factors affecting caregivers' attitudes(p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results, the need for community-based courses to increase awareness and develop a positive attitude toward CPR is felt. It is also recommended further studies on other cardiac disease in this field.