Assessment of Patients’ Knowledge and Perception on Anesthesia and Role of Anesthetists and Associated Factors in University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, North West Ethiopia, 2018

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