Knowledge, willingness, and self-efficacy in CPR: A two-phase study of prevalence and preliminary peer-led workshop in a Malaysian tertiary institution
5 affiliations
- 1M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Selangor, Malaysia
- 2Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- 3Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
- 4School of Healthy Aging, Medical Aesthetics and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- 5Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
Abstract
Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remains a major public health concern, and early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by bystanders is crucial for improving survival outcomes. University students represent an important target population for CPR education because they are socially active, highly accessible, and capable of disseminating lifesaving knowledge within the wider community. However, inadequate CPR knowledge, low willingness to perform CPR, and poor self-efficacy remain common among university students in Malaysia. Objectives: This two-phase study aims to determine the prevalence of self-reported CPR-related knowledge, willingness, and self-efficacy among students in a Malaysian tertiary institution (Phase 1) and to explore the preliminary changes in these outcomes following a peer-led CPR workshop (Phase 2). Methods: In Phase 1, a cross-sectional survey was conducted at a tertiary institute in Selangor, Malaysia using a validated questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes, behavioral intention, and self-efficacy (KABSE) (N = 431). In Phase 2, a two-hour peer-led workshop, delivered by medical students, targeted students without CPR training in the past two years, and pre–post KABSE changes were measured (N = 33). Results: Phase 1 baseline findings revealed CPR knowledge and self-efficacy levels were relatively lower than attitudes and willingness to perform CPR. Females showed higher knowledge and attitudes, while males reported greater self-efficacy. Older and married participants demonstrated better attitudes, and those with a healthcare-related background had higher knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy, though similar behavioral intention. Higher scores were also linked to AED awareness, AED usage capability, and recent CPR training. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations among the KABSE domains. Following the peer-led workshop, the participants showed significant gains in self-reported knowledge (p < 0.001), attitude (p < 0.001), behavioral intention (p < 0.01), and self-efficacy (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although participants displayed positive attitudes toward CPR, baseline knowledge and self-efficacy were limited. The peer-led workshop demonstrated feasibility as a proof-of-concept intervention, generating significant short-term gains in self-reported knowledge and confidence.
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BibTeX
@article{lee2026knowledge,
title = {{Knowledge, willingness, and self-efficacy in CPR: A two-phase study of prevalence and preliminary peer-led workshop in a Malaysian tertiary institution}},
author = {Siew-Keah Lee and Lei Jie Hoo and Rachel Zoe Koh Raj and Irvin Ken Lym Yeo and Yu Wen Beh and Rosidah Ibrahim and Kai Bin Liew and Yik-Ling Chew and Eugenie Sin Sing Tan and Ang-Lim Chua},
journal = {PLOS One},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0360510},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0360510},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Knowledge, willingness, and self-efficacy in CPR: A two-phase study of prevalence and preliminary peer-led workshop in a Malaysian tertiary institution
AU - Siew-Keah Lee
AU - Lei Jie Hoo
AU - Rachel Zoe Koh Raj
AU - Irvin Ken Lym Yeo
AU - Yu Wen Beh
AU - Rosidah Ibrahim
AU - Kai Bin Liew
AU - Yik-Ling Chew
AU - Eugenie Sin Sing Tan
AU - Ang-Lim Chua
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/12
JO - PLOS One
DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0360510
UR - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0360510
AB - Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remains a major public health concern, and early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by bystanders is crucial for improving survival outcomes. University students represent an important target population for CPR education because they are socially active, highly accessible, and capable of disseminating lifesaving knowledge within the wider community. However, inadequate CPR knowledge, low willingness to perform CPR, and poor self-efficacy remain common among university students in Malaysia. Objectives: This two-phase study aims to determine the prevalence of self-reported CPR-related knowledge, willingness, and self-efficacy among students in a Malaysian tertiary institution (Phase 1) and to explore the preliminary changes in these outcomes following a peer-led CPR workshop (Phase 2). Methods: In Phase 1, a cross-sectional survey was conducted at a tertiary institute in Selangor, Malaysia using a validated questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes, behavioral intention, and self-efficacy (KABSE) (N = 431). In Phase 2, a two-hour peer-led workshop, delivered by medical students, targeted students without CPR training in the past two years, and pre–post KABSE changes were measured (N = 33). Results: Phase 1 baseline findings revealed CPR knowledge and self-efficacy levels were relatively lower than attitudes and willingness to perform CPR. Females showed higher knowledge and attitudes, while males reported greater self-efficacy. Older and married participants demonstrated better attitudes, and those with a healthcare-related background had higher knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy, though similar behavioral intention. Higher scores were also linked to AED awareness, AED usage capability, and recent CPR training. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations among the KABSE domains. Following the peer-led workshop, the participants showed significant gains in self-reported knowledge (p < 0.001), attitude (p < 0.001), behavioral intention (p < 0.01), and self-efficacy (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although participants displayed positive attitudes toward CPR, baseline knowledge and self-efficacy were limited. The peer-led workshop demonstrated feasibility as a proof-of-concept intervention, generating significant short-term gains in self-reported knowledge and confidence.
SN - 1932-6203
ER -