KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF MEDICAL INTERNS, GENERAL PRACTITIONERS AND POSTGRADUATE RESIDENTS TOWARDS CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION AT HIWOT FANA COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, HARAR, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Introduction:Sudden cardiac arrest is a catastrophic medical emergency that may occur at any time in the hospital or pre-hospital Setting. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic Life support are important lifesaving, first aid skills. However, evidence regarding this issue is limited in Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of medical interns, general practitioners and post graduate residents towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Methodology: - Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted on Medical Interns, General Practitioners and Post Graduate Resident, who fulfil the inclusion criteria and working in Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital from February 1 – March 1/2024. All 322 professionals were included in the study. Data was collected through structured questionnaire and waschecked, codedandenteredtoStatisticalPackage for SocialScience. Cleaningwillbeperformed by using Statistical Package for Social Science version 20. Frequencies and cross tabulations was used to check for missing values and variables. Result:-A total of 309 professionals participated in the study with a response rate of 95.96%. Most of the respondents, 207 (66.99%), were in the age group of 26–30 years and the mean age ±SD was 27.41±2.59 years. More than two-thirds (73.14%) of the participants were male. 95 (30.74%)(95%CI 25.45 to 36.23) of respondent had adequate knowledge, 88 (28.48%)(95% CI 23.6 to 34.1) respondents had safe practice, and 207 (66.99%) (95%CI 61.71 to 72.26) had favorable attitude.There was association between department of residency, CPR training and knowledge of CPR (p- value < 0.05). Conclusion: - In general the knowledge of Medical Interns, General Practitioners and Post Graduate Residents is poor, which signifies the need for training regarding CPR. The overall positive attitude is encouraging and poor practice towards CPR should be improved.