Teachers’ awareness, knowledge, self-efficacy, and intention to use automated external defibrillators: a cross-sectional study in Ankara

Year 2026, Volume: 7 Issue: 2, 375 - 380, 27.03.2026

Medine Akkan Öz , Uğur Şakar , Yunus Yatmaz , Ramiz Yazıcı , Hüseyin Mutlu , Bensu Bulut , Hakan Güner , Murat Tuğra Kösa , Müge Yenigün , Murat Genç

https://izlik.org/JA93UE69AD

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate awareness, knowledge level, attitudes, perceived self-efficacy, intention to use, and perceived barriers regarding automated external defibrillators (AEDs) among teachers working in public schools in Ankara, Turkiye.
Methods: This single-center, cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study was conducted between January and February 2026 among teachers employed in public schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in Ankara. Data were collected using an anonymous, structured, self-administered online questionnaire developed based on the relevant literature. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, AED awareness, knowledge level, attitudes, perceived self-efficacy, intention to use, and perceived barriers. Descriptive statistics, Independent samples t-tests, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were performed.
Results: A total of 488 teachers participated in the study, with a mean age of 40.6±9.0 years, and 63.1% were female. Only 36.1% of participants had previously heard of AEDs, while 88.9% expressed willingness to learn how to use an AED. The mean AED knowledge score was 4.92±1.64 out of 8. Teachers who had received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training demonstrated significantly higher knowledge, self-efficacy, and intention to use scores, and lower perceived barrier scores (p<0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between perceived self-efficacy and intention to use AEDs (r=0.717, p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, self-efficacy emerged as the strongest independent predictor of intention to use an AED.
Conclusion: Teachers demonstrated low awareness and moderate knowledge regarding AEDs but showed high motivation and positive attitudes toward learning and using these devices. CPR training was associated with improved knowledge, self-efficacy, and willingness to use AEDs. Implementing AED-specific, simulation-supported, and periodic training programs for teachers may enhance early defibrillation and improve survival outcomes in school settings.

Keywords

Automated external defibrillator , teachers , awareness , self-efficacy , cross-sectional study

Ethical Statement

his study was approved by the Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Ankara Provincial Health Directorate of the Ministry of Health (Approval No: 2026-01-6, Date: January 28, 2026). The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to their participation in the study.

Supporting Institution

No supporting institution.

Thanks

The authors would like to thank all teachers who participated in this study for their valuable contributions.

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