Gender Differences in Awareness of Automated External Defibrillator Use among Jazan University Stakeholders: A Cross-sectional Survey-based Study

BACKGROUND: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is recognized as one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Life-saving measures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can be effectively taught to laypersons and delivered with high quality, significantly improving survival rates. However, there remains a considerable lack of public knowledge and confidence in using AEDs, as well as insufficient availability and placement of these devices in public areas across Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted at Jazan University over a 10-month period, from March to December 2024. The primary aim was to assess stakeholders’ knowledge and understanding of AED use and to compare responses based on gender. RESULTS: The survey was distributed to 1500 potential participants, of whom 1027 successfully completed the questionnaire and were included in the study. Different types of sata were presented such as demographic characteristics, including age, college affiliation, and university role. The majority of participants (983; 96%) were between the ages of 18 and 25. Stakeholders’ knowledge of AEDs and their operational use was demonstrated in this study. Among male participants, 312 (46%) strongly agreed that they were aware of what an AED is, compared to 109 (31%) of female participants ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings clearly highlight a gender difference which indicates almost half of males were aware of the knowledge and use of AED compared to only one third of females ( P < 0.001). There is a lack of awareness regarding the locations of AEDs on campus, as well as the absence of regular annual training programs focused on first aid and CPR skills.