Knowledge and Attitude of Surgical Patients towards Anesthesia and Anesthetists: Institutional Based Cross-sectional Study
Study Summary
An institutional cross-sectional assessment of surgical patients’ knowledge and attitudes towards anesthesia and anesthetists at Werabe Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.
Anesthesia was misconceived as a behind-the-screen specialty. Despite considerable developments in its scope, anesthesia continues to have a poor public image, and patients may not be aware of the anesthetist as a qualified healthcare professional, particularly in developing settings.
To assess the knowledge and attitude of surgical patients towards anesthesia and anesthetists at Werabe Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from 1 to 30 March 2025.
An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 30 March 2025 at Werabe Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Data were collected through interviews using a structured digital questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis were performed to describe the study variables and identify associations between knowledge level and independent variables.
Of 151 respondents, 79 (52.3%) reported knowing about the concept of anesthesia. Among them, 86% described anesthesia as “putting patients asleep.” Almost all participants (92.1%) recognised that anesthesia is necessary for surgery, while fewer than half (39.7%) knew who decides whether a patient is fit for anesthesia.
Most patients perceived anesthesia primarily as “putting patients to sleep.” Knowledge regarding the role of anesthetists beyond the operating theatre was poor.
Study Profile
The research examined surgical patients’ awareness and perceptions of anesthesia and anesthetists in an institutional setting in Ethiopia.
Surgical patients included in the reported analysis.
Institution-based cross-sectional study.
Data collection took place from 1–30 March 2025.
Werabe Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.
What Did Surgical Patients Know?
The findings demonstrate an important difference between general awareness of anesthesia and understanding of the anesthetist’s broader professional role.
79 of 151 respondents reported knowing about the concept of anesthesia.
Among respondents who knew about anesthesia, 86% described it as “putting patients asleep.”
Participants recognising that anesthesia is necessary for surgical procedures.
Participants who knew who determines whether a patient is fit for anesthesia.
Anesthesia was commonly understood as simply “putting patients to sleep.”
The findings demonstrate that awareness of anesthesia does not necessarily translate into a comprehensive understanding of anesthetic practice or the wider professional responsibilities of anesthetists.
From Awareness to Understanding
The findings point to a gap between recognising anesthesia as part of surgery and understanding the wider clinical role of the anesthesia professional.
Anesthesia is recognised
Just over half of respondents reported knowledge of the concept of anesthesia.
“Putting patients asleep”
The dominant understanding centred on putting the patient to sleep rather than the wider scope of anesthesia care.
Professional role unclear
Understanding of the anesthetist’s responsibilities beyond the operating theatre remained limited.
Patient education
The findings support greater patient education and communication about anesthesia and anesthetists.
Implications for Perioperative Care
Improving patient understanding of anesthesia provides an opportunity to address misconceptions about the specialty and clarify the role of anesthesia professionals.
Preoperative Education
Clearer patient education can improve understanding of what anesthesia involves before surgical procedures.
Professional Visibility
Patients may benefit from greater awareness of the anesthetist’s professional role within perioperative care.
Patient Communication
Direct communication provides an opportunity to address misconceptions and improve understanding of anesthesia.
The study identified poor patient knowledge regarding the role of anesthetists beyond the operating theatre, highlighting an important area for patient information and perioperative communication.
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Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Conducted at Werabe Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from 1 to 30 March 2025.
Descriptive & Logistic Regression
Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to describe study variables and examine associations with knowledge.
Equal Contributions
All authors contributed equally.
Conflict of Interest & Funding
Conflict of Interest:
No conflict of interests.
Funding:
No funding received by the authors.
Editorial Timeline
Received: 11 July 2026
Accepted: 24 July 2026
Available Online: 31 July 2026
Volume 2 · Issue 3 · 2026
The Operating Room Global Journal (TORGJ).
DOI: 10.64573/torgj2607003
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