Poster Session 6, 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A87]

Disparities in Bystander CPR Performance Depending on Patient Sex

Presenter: Abigail Forbes Lowry

Faculty Sponsor: Elizabeth R. Bertone-Johnson

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Public Health and Epidemiology

ABSTRACT

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality in the United States and across the globe, representing a persistent and growing public health challenge. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), a common consequence of CVD, is associated with high mortality. Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) substantially improves survival, increasing survival rates from approximately 9% to 24% when high-quality CPR is initiated prior to emergency medical services arrival. However, individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) are less likely to receive bystander CPR and have lower survival rates following OHCA. Proposed contributors to this disparity include misconceptions regarding CVD risk in AFAB individuals, sexualization of the female body, and discomfort or fear of inappropriate contact when performing CPR on individuals with breasts. To investigate whether CPR training with female-anatomy manikins can improve CPR performance, and bystander knowledge and attitudes, we are conducting a prospective cohort study enrolling approximately 60–70 participants. Participants will complete standardized Hands-Only CPR training consisting of a brief lecture and practical skills session. Following training, all participants will be evaluated using a female-anatomy manikin. Reaction time to initiate CPR, accuracy of hand placement, automated external defibrillator (AED) pad placement, and appropriate removal of chest coverings will be measured and compared between training groups. Participants will also complete pre and post surveys regarding knowledge and attitudes around CPR.  Participant recruitment and data collection are currently in progress, and data analysis has not yet been conducted. Findings from this study are expected to inform future CPR training practices aimed at reducing sex-based disparities in OHCA outcomes.