Abstract 16620: Automated External Defibrillator Awareness in the U.S. Latino Population

Introduction: The prompt use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) by bystanders can greatly improve survival from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurring in public locations, yet use of AEDs is strikingly low, possibly due to lack of public awareness. Previous studies have highlighted disparities in CPR provision and training in Latino communities, yet no studies have assessed AED awareness and associated racial disparities. Hypothesis: We sought to estimate AED awareness and associated racial variation on a national level. We hypothesized that Latinos would be less likely than non-Latinos to be aware of what an AED was and who can use an AED. Methods: As a cross-sectional study, we administered a random digit dial survey to a nationally-representative adult sample, offered in English and Spanish, collecting both demographic information and AED knowledge. Using survey-weighted logistic regression adjusted for location, income, education level, gender, and age, we assessed AED awareness in a Latino population compared to a non-Latino population. Results: From 09/2015-11/2015, 9,022 individuals completed the survey. Of those, 68% had never been AED trained, 24% had been trained, and 8% were unfamiliar with an AED. When assessing for racial variation, 26% of Latinos reported not knowing what an AED was, compared to 5% of non-Latinos. Using logistic regression, Latinos were significantly more likely to not know what an AED was compared to non-Latinos (OR 3.88, 95% CI: 3.17-4.75, p Conclusions: Latinos were significantly less likely to know what an AED was or know who could use an AED compared to non-Latinos. These findings provide important evidence of racial disparities in AED awareness that may impact SCA outcomes, especially in Latino-predominant neighborhoods.