Abstract:
bstract
Introduction: With anesthesiology being misconceived as a behind the screen specialty, there is
not enough public exposure regarding the role of anesthetists in the various areas of a hospital.
The public image of anesthetists is so poor that the public is not even aware that whether an
anesthetist is a medically qualified health professional. Studies have been conducted throughout
the world to assess the public perception of anesthesia and anesthetists but, knowledge and
perception of patients and the public regarding the profession remains poor. Even other
healthcare personnel do not know the role of anesthetist in or outside the operating room in the
hospital.
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the level of patients’ knowledge and
perception on anesthesia and role of anesthetists in University of Gondar Comprehensive
Specialized Hospital northwest Ethiopia, 2018.
Method: Institution based, prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted from March to
May 2018. Descriptive statistic was used to explain the study participants in relation to study
variables, to describe their perception about anesthesia and role of anesthetists. Binary logistic
regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors that affect patients’ level of knowledge
about anesthesia and role anesthetists. The strength and significance of the association between
the independent variables and the level of knowledge of patients on anesthesia and role of
anesthetists was presented by odds ratio and 95% Confidence Interval. Finally, data were
presented by using numbers, frequencies, tables, charts and figures. P-value less than 0.05 were
considered as statistically significant.
Results: A total of 307 study participants were involved in this study with a response rate of
100%. Of these 113(36.8) were males and 194(63.2) were females. 220 (71.7%) study
participants had poor level of knowledge and the rest 87 (28.3%) had good level of knowledge
and the mean knowledge score was1.72 ± 0.45. Previous anesthesia history (p value= 0.001) and
occupation (p value= 0.022) of participants had effect on the level of knowledge.
Conclusion and recommendation: We have found that patients had very limited (poor)
knowledge and perception regarding anesthesia and the role of anesthetists. Anesthetists should
do a complete preanesthetic assessment which helps them to achieve a good patient recognition.
Key words: knowledge, perception, anesthetists and perioperative care
