EFFECTIVENESS OF HANDS-ONLY CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION TRAINING ON KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN SELECTED COLLEGES, BENGALURU: A QUASI EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

Aim:To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured Hands-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training programme on knowledge and practical skills among undergraduate students and to assess retention of these outcomes one month after training. Background: Early initiation of bystander CPR is a critical determinant of survival following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Despite recommendations promoting Hands-Only CPR for laypersons, many undergraduate students lack the knowledge and practical competence required to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies. Educational interventions targeting this population may strengthen community preparedness and improve emergency response. Design:A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test study. Methods:One hundred undergraduate students from selected non-healthcare colleges in Bengaluru, India, were recruited using convenience sampling. Baseline knowledge was assessed using a structured questionnaire. Participants then received a structured Hands-Only CPR training programme comprising lectures, audiovisual instruction, instructor demonstration, return demonstrations and supervised mannequin-based practice. Knowledge was reassessed one month after training, while practical skills were evaluated immediately after training and again one month later using a standardized observational checklist. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, paired tests and Chi-square tests. Results:Mean knowledge scores increased significantly from 5.65 ± 1.11 at baseline to 8.73 ± 0.98 one month after training (t= -66.31, p <0.001). Practical performance was high immediately after training, with 96% of participants demonstrating good competency; however, this declined at one month, with only 42% maintaining good performance (t = 15.99, p <0.001). No significant associations were found between knowledge or practice scores and socio-demographic variables. Conclusions:Structured Hands-Only CPR training significantly improved undergraduate students’ knowledge and practical skills. Although knowledge was retained after one-month, practical skills declined, indicating the need for periodic refresher training to maintain CPR competency among laypersons.