The intentions and factors influencing university students to perform CPR for strangers based on the theory of planned behavior study

Abstract

Objective: The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was used to compile a questionnaire to determine the relationship between knowledge, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control and the intention of university students to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for strangers, and the factors influencing them. Methods: We recruited 575 university students who completed an online questionnaire within 30 min to assess knowledge, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control related to bystander CPR. Factor analysis was used to evaluate the reliability of the extended questionnaire. Multivariate analysis, correlation analysis, and path analysis were used to determine the differences of intra-group and inter-group. Results: The Cronbach's α of knowledge, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control and intention were 0.770, 0.797, 0.909, 0.619 and 0.899 respectively, indicating that the extended scale reliability of the TPB was adequate. χ2/df = 3.463, GFI = 0.977, CFI = 0.968, IFI = 0.969, RMSEA = 0.066, indicating that the extended scale of the TPB had a good fit. Path analysis showed that the influencing factors of intention were “Families of medical workers”, “Experience in administering CPR first aid training”, “Gender”, “Ability to master CPR skills”, “Knowledge”, “Subjective norm” and “Attitude”, with effect values of 0.019, 0.063, 0.069, 0.122, 0.187, 0.361 and 0.386, respectively. All the factors together accounted for 57.00 % of the variation in intention. Conclusions: Knowledge, attitude and subjective norm regarding to bystander CPR among university students are the determinants of intention, while perceived behavioral control does not play a major role. This study has implications for future CPR training. In order to improve the CPR implementation rate of university students, we should strengthen the relevant knowledge about CPR, maintain positive attitude and refine the related criteria of CPR implementation.

Keywords

• University students
• The theory of planned behavior
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation