A mediation analysis of the effect of practical training on the relationship between demographic factors, and bystanders’ self-efficacy in CPR performance

This study examined the mediation effect of practical training on the relationship of demographic characteristics with bystander self-efficacy in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performance. We used nationwide, cross-sectional data from the Korea Community Health Survey and analyzed 25,082 Korean adults who participated in CPR training within the last 2 years. A mediation model was applied to explore the pathway from demographic characteristics via CPR practical training to self-efficacy in CPR performance. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine each path in the mediation model. Of the 25,082 respondents recently trained, 19,168 (76.8%) practiced on a manikin. In the unadjusted CPR practical training model, the demographic characteristics associated with high self-efficacy in CPR performance were male gender (odds ratio [OR] = 2.54); 50s age group (OR = 1.30); college or more (OR = 1.39) and high school education (OR = 1.32); white collar (OR = 1.24) and soldier (OR = 2.98) occupational statuses. The characteristics associated with low self-efficacy were 30s age group (OR = 0.69) and capital (OR = 0.79) and metropolitan (OR = 0.84) areas of residence (p < 0.05). In the adjusted CPR practical training model, the significance of the relationship between demographics and self-efficacy in CPR performance decreased in male gender, 30s age group, college or more and high school education, and soldier occupational status (i.e., partial mediation), and disappeared in metropolitan residents (i.e., complete mediation). The degree of the mediating effect of CPR practical training on self-efficacy differed for each demographic characteristic. Thus, individualized educational strategies considering recipient demographics are needed for effective practice-based CPR training and improving bystander CPR performance.