Assessment of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Knowledge Among Physicians in the Pediatrics Department of an Urban Tertiary Referral Hospital in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Early recognition of cardiac arrest and prompt start of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) boost survival rates and reduce postarrest consequences. Little information is available about the fundamental CPR knowledge of healthcare workers who work with children in Ethiopia. Methods: All physicians, regardless of seniority, participated in this cross-sectional survey from June to August 2022. They received a structured survey that was modified from the American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) test which was made up of 10 questions about participants' job experience and 25 multiple-choice CPR knowledge questions. Data analysis was done using a multinomial logistic regression test with a p value of 0.05. Result: One hundred sixty-eight doctors with various levels of seniority participated in this study. The participants included a male-to-female ratio of 1.3:1, a median age of 28 years, 92 (57.9%) male participants, and 124 (78%) participants with less than 5 years of clinical experience. Ninety-seven participants, or 61%, had scored less than 75% whereas 13 (8.2%), participants, had good knowledge that is scoring above 75%. Participants who had training in CPR within the previous year showed significantly higher levels of knowledge than those who hadn't. Even though 90% of the participants claimed to have CPR knowledge, the majority of participants were found not to have below 75%. Conclusion: The study concludes that while many doctors believe they have adequate CPR knowledge, actual knowledge levels are insufficient. Staff should undergo regular certification and assessments to ensure they retain their resuscitation knowledge. This ongoing evaluation is crucial for maintaining high standards of care and preparedness in emergencies.