Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify the main factors influencing the public's willingness to participate in out-of-hospital emergency care. METHODS: Studies were searched in online databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The articles included in this review were published from inception to July 31, 2024. The Iain Crombie assessment tool was used to assess study quality. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan (version 5.4) software. The review protocol has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024570491). RESULTS: A total of 1,434 research articles were initially identified, among which 18 were incorporated into this study, and all of the included studies were cross-sectional. Meta-analysis results demonstrated that gender (male; OR = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.28-1.47), profession (healthcare provider; OR = 0.17, 95%CI: 0.06-0.47), knowledge and skill level (OR = 1.63, 95%CI: 1.25-2.11), willingness to undergo training (OR = 2.68, 95%CI: 1.89-3.79), interest in first aid (OR = 2.08, 95%CI: 1.60-2.69), previous training (OR = 2.14, 95%CI: 1.49-3.08), and previous first-aid experience (OR = 1.70, 95%CI: 1.37-2.11) were the principal influencing factors of the public's willingness to engage in out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CONCLUSION: Demographic factors, knowledge, belief, and behavior are crucial in influencing public emergency decision-making. Medical personnel could create specialized training programs based on relevant factors to enhance the public's willingness to engage in out-of-hospital CPR.