Knowledge and Right Practice of Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation among Childhood Studies Students in Makkah Region

Objectives: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a vital emergency procedure performed in sudden cardiac arrest victims to return spontaneous circulation and intact brain function. In emergencies, schools’ teachers and kindergarten staff are expected to play a significant role in performing CPR on children. This study aims to assess the knowledge of pediatric CPR guidelines among childhood studies students at three major universities in Makkah region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using an 11-statement questionnaire about CPR guidelines knowledge created by authors that was administered to childhood studies students in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including King Abdulaziz University-Jeddah, Umm Al-Qura University- Makkah and Taif University in Al-Taif. Results: 247 students included, only 27% had attended CPR course while the remaining did not. Information about CPR was mainly from social media (45%), followed by their college (33%). 2% of those who attended a CPR Course admit that they do not know how to perform it, while 23% didn't participate in a CPR course saying they could perform it. The majority of both groups had poor CPR guidelines knowledge, with only 30- 40% with acceptable knowledge. There was a nonsignificant statistical difference between certified participants and who claim the ability to perform CPR. Conclusion: This study has revealed that most childhood study students do not have adequate knowledge about CPR. A CPR license should be a requirement for graduation and employment. It also demonstrated that the impact of social media was nonnegligible in the group of study.