IDENTIFICATION OF FACTORS INTEGRAL TO DESIGNING COMMUNITY-BASED CPR INTERVENTIONS FOR HIGH-RISK NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENTS

Background. High-risk neighborhoods can be identified as census tracts in which cardiac arrest incidence is high and bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) prevalence is low. However, little is known about how best to tailor community CPR training to high-risk neighborhood residents. The objective of this study was to identify factors integral to the design and implementation of community-based CPR intervention programs targeted to these areas. Methods. Using qualitative methods, six focus groups with 42 participants were conducted in high-risk neighborhoods in Columbus, Ohio during January and February 2011 to elicit resident views on how best to design community-based CPR educational programs for these neighborhoods. Snowball and purposeful sampling by community liaisons was used to recruit participants. Three reviewers analyzed the data in an iterative process to identify recurrent and unifying themes. Results. Focus group participants identified four principal considerations for the design of community-based CPR interventions: 1) identifying lay people to serve as motivated leaders while targeting both senior citizens and school children to increase reach, 2) finding appropriate community-based locations to hold CPR training, 3) providing incentives to encourage more people to participate, and 4) identifying and addressing barriers to participation. Conclusion. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a particular risk for minority and low-income communities. By working together with the community key factors integral to designing community-based CPR within these high-risk communities can be identified and implemented.