Knowledge and Perception of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Among Kudumbashree Workers of a District in India

ABSTRACT Introduction: Life-threatening emergencies like sudden cardiac arrest require immediate CPR to improve survival chances. Kudumbashree’s wide grassroots network in Kerala presents a valuable opportunity to boost community CPR awareness and skills. Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions of CPR among Kudumbashree workers in Malappuram, Kerala, and identify factors influencing their understanding of this critical life-saving technique. Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study included 300 Kudumbashree participants (Females, ≥18 years) selected via simple random sampling. A pre-tested validated questionnaire collected socio-demographic data, knowledge of CPR, perceptions and influencing factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26, with chi-square tests for bivariate analysis (p ≤ 0.05). Results: Our study found that 34% of Kudumbashree workers had good CPR knowledge. Media exposure, personal experience with cardiac events, and BLS session attendance significantly improved knowledge, with 65%, 37.6%, and 75.2% showing good knowledge, respectively. Despite misconceptions, 52.33% thought only healthcare workers should provide CPR, and 52% were reluctant to help strangers. However, 72.67% were willing to promote BLS training, and 68% supported its inclusion in school curricula. Conclusion and recommendation: The study found that CPR knowledge among Kudumbashree workers was generally low, with experience and exposure, rather than demographic factors, being key to better understanding. Despite fears and misconceptions about performing CPR, many workers recognized the value of BLS training and were open to promoting it in their communities, highlighting the need for targeted education initiatives.