Public Awareness and Application of the Heimlich Maneuver: A Survey of Shenzhen Residents

This study evaluates the awareness and practical application of the Heimlich Maneuver among residents of Shenzhen, a rapidly urbanizing region in China, to address the gap in region-specific first aid knowledge. It examines factors influencing awareness and application and explores the relationship between training, knowledge, and behavior to inform public health interventions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Shenzhen residents aged 18 years and older using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire covered demographics, awareness, knowledge, application, and learning behaviors. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), employing Chi-square tests and correlation analyses to assess associations between demographic factors and awareness. Of 492 valid responses, 94.1% were aware of the Heimlich Maneuver, but only 40.9% knew how to perform it. Awareness was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.013), age (p = 0.005), occupation (p = 0.014), and education (p = 0.037). Healthcare professionals and those with higher education demonstrated greater knowledge. Only 27.6% had received training, with 34.6% of trained individuals applying the maneuver in real-life scenarios. Awareness correlated positively with training (χ² = 24.003, p < 0.01) and application (χ² = 7.868, p = 0.049). Most respondents (81.9%) were willing to learn, preferring short videos and community activities. Despite high awareness, the practical application of the Heimlich Maneuver in Shenzhen remains limited. Targeted, hands-on training using modern media and community programs can enhance skills, particularly among healthcare workers and educated individuals, supporting effective public health education strategies.