Knowledge and attitude of surgical patients and their families toward anesthesia

TL;DR

This study found that surgical patients and their families in Wenzhou, China have limited knowledge about anesthesia but a positive attitude, with sociodemographic factors influencing their understanding.

Contribution

The study identifies specific sociodemographic factors influencing knowledge and attitudes toward anesthesia in a Chinese surgical population.

Findings

Participants had inadequate knowledge of anesthesia but a positive attitude.

Age, education, and income were significant predictors of knowledge and attitude scores.

Customized educational programs are needed to improve understanding, especially for older and lower-income groups.

Abstract

Anesthesia plays a critical role in modern surgical procedures by ensuring patient pain management and safety. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitude of surgical patients and their families toward anesthesia.

This prospective, cross-sectional study included patients and their families in Wenzhou, China. Data collection and the measurement of knowledge and attitude scores were administered using a self-administered questionnaire.

503 participants (69.98% patients, 30.02% families) were included. The mean knowledge and attitude scores were 7.93 ± 6.11 (possible range: 0–26), and 32.64 ± 2.59 (possible range: 8–40), respectively, indicating an inadequate knowledge and positive attitude. Moreover, a multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age [odd ratio (OR) = 0.394, p = 0.018], residence (OR = 0.424, p = 0.002), household income per month (OR = 0.297 ~ 0.380, p < 0.05), gender (OR = 1.680, p = 0.017), education (OR = 2.891, p = 0.017), and experienced anesthesia (OR = 4.405, p = 0.001) were independently associated with knowledge score. Additionally, knowledge score (OR = 1.096, p < 0.001), relationship with the patient (OR = 1.902, p = 0.009), and household income per month (OR = 0.545, p < 0.031) were independently associated with attitude score.

In conclusion, surgical patients and their families in Wenzhou, China had inadequate knowledge while positive attitude towards anesthesia, which might be influenced by their sociodemographic characteristics, including age, gender, residence, education, household income, relationship with patient, and experienced anesthesia. These findings emphasize the necessity of customized educational programs aimed at improving anesthesia knowledge and attitudes of patients and their families, especially among those with older age and lower socioeconomic status.

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