Factors Affecting Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Self-efficacy in Older Adults

This study aimed to identify factors influencing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) self-efficacy among older adults in Korea, a country on the verge of becoming a super-aged society. CPR is a critical intervention where immediate bystander response significantly affects patient survival, highlighting the need to enhance emergency capabilities in the elderly. Using data from the 2024 Community Health Survey (n=62,446, aged 65+), this study examined the impact of sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, education, employment, income), health-related factors (subjective health, stress, depression, hypertension, diabetes), and CPR training experience on CPR self-efficacy, measured dichotomously by perceived ability to perform CPR. Frequency analysis, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were employed. The results showed that recent CPR training within the past two years was the most significant factor. Participants with better health perception, lower stress, male gender, younger age, higher education, and employment reported higher CPR self-efficacy. In contrast, hypertension, diabetes, and depression were not statistically significant in the final model. In conclusion, CPR self-efficacy in older adults was more strongly influenced by recent training and psychosocial characteristics than by health conditions alone. Repetitive, hands-on training tailored to older adults' cognitive and physical traits is essential. This study offers empirical evidence for developing targeted CPR education policies and enhancing community-level emergency preparedness for an aging population.