The Effect of Basic CPR Training on Adults’ Knowledge and Performance in Rural Areas of Iran: A Quasi-Experimental Study

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac arrest happening outside the hospital, specifically in rural regions that are more distant from health centers, is a crucial issue in the health of individuals in those regions. Therefore, the ability of residents in those regions to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is very important in preventing death among people. This study aimed at determining the effect of basic CPR training on the adults’ knowledge and performance in rural areas. METHODOLOGY: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 92 adults from rural areas of Shouraab Kohmareh-Sorkhi in Fars province, Iran, in September and October 2018. The samples were selected and divided into two groups using the simple random method. The data were collected using a demographic information form, knowledge questionnaire, and an observational checklist of CPR performance devised by the researcher. Basic teaching of CPR for the intervention group included two hours of oral teaching using lecture and question and answer as well as two hours of practical teaching using demonstration, practice on a manikin, provision of feedback, and correction of errors. The data were entered into the SPSS statistical software, version 21 and were analyzed using descriptive statistical tests, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, independent t-test, chi-square test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Mann–Whitney test. FINDINGS: The study results revealed that the intervention group’s mean score of knowledge was significantly greater after the intervention (6.78±1.23) compared to that at baseline (2.78±1.74) and compared to the control group (3.24±1.84) (p<0.001). Additionally, the intervention group’s mean score of performance was significantly greater after the intervention (8.22±1.65) than that before the intervention (0.8±0.77) and compared to the control group (1.17±0.71) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: According to the study findings, the villagers’ performance and knowledge could be enhanced by teaching basic CPR techniques. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT20150714023199N3; date registered: 2018-05-06.