Teachers’ awareness, knowledge, self-efficacy, and intention to use automated external defibrillators: a cross-sectional study in Ankara

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate awareness, knowledge level, attitudes, perceived self-efficacy, intention to use, and perceived barriers regarding automated external defibrillators (AEDs) among teachers working in public schools in Ankara, Turkiye. Methods: This single-center, cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study was conducted between January and February 2026 among teachers employed in public schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in Ankara. Data were collected using an anonymous, structured, self-administered online questionnaire developed based on the relevant literature. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, AED awareness, knowledge level, attitudes, perceived self-efficacy, intention to use, and perceived barriers. Descriptive statistics, Independent samples t-tests, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were performed. Results: A total of 488 teachers participated in the study, with a mean age of 40.6±9.0 years, and 63.1% were female. Only 36.1% of participants had previously heard of AEDs, while 88.9% expressed willingness to learn how to use an AED. The mean AED knowledge score was 4.92±1.64 out of 8. Teachers who had received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training demonstrated significantly higher knowledge, self-efficacy, and intention to use scores, and lower perceived barrier scores (p