Bystanders’ views on the use of automated external defibrillators for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Implications for health promotions

Abstract

Despite the widespread availability of automated external defibrillators, not everyone is enthusiastic about using them. The aim of this study was to examine the reasons for not using an automated external defibrillator (AED) and predictors of the reasons. The study had a cross-sectional design using an online survey. Data were collected in eighteen districts in Hong Kong to be representative of the city. The questionnaire consisted of questions on demographics, knowledge and attitude towards AED use, reasons for not using AED, and whether the kind of victim could affect the decision of the bystanders. There was a high significant correlation between knowledge and attitude, with r = 0.782 and p < 0.001. Of the respondents, 53.3% agreed that the kind of victim would affect their willingness to operate an AED. A binary logistic regression model revealed that a higher education (OR 6.242, 95% CI: 1.827–21.331), concern about the kind of victim involved (OR 2.822, 95% CI: 1.316–6.052), and a younger age were significant predictors of worrying about taking on responsibility in using AED. Other than knowledge, other barriers included a desire to avoid legal liability, and the kind of victim they encountered. Life experiences in adulthood could possibly affect the social responsibility and influence the behaviors of adults to operate AEDs.