Evaluation of anesthesia knowledge level and anxiety of patient WHO will have surgery

Introduction and Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the level of thought and knowledge of the patients who will undergo surgery about the concept of anesthesia and anesthetist, and to simultaneously evaluate the preoperative fears and anxiety states of the patients. Materials and Methods: After obtaining approval from the ethics committee, 410 patients who would be operated on at DÜTF Hospital between May 2021 and September 2021 were included in the study. Those who have deficiencies in vision, hearing, speech, perception, mental and cognitive functions, those who have language problems and need an interpreter, and patients under the age of 18 were not included in the study. The data of the study; It was collected using a 30-question questionnaire and 2 different anxiety scales (APAIS and BAI) prepared to determine anesthesia/anesthesiologist knowledge levels and the causes of anxiety/fear about anesthesia. With the anxiety scales used, both anxiety/stress states and their desire to obtain information were measured. In the preoperative period, after the necessary explanations were made in the operating room and their consent was obtained, the questionnaire forms were distributed to the patients and they were asked to fill in. The obtained data was analyzed with SPSS version 26 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Among the patients who participated in the study, it was seen that the 18-65 age group, male gender, and the education level increased, and those residing in the city center had a higher level of knowledge about the concept of anesthesia and anesthesiologist. Again, in the 18-65 age group, and the education level increased, and in those residing in the city center but female gender was found to be higher the average of anesthesia and/or surgery-induced anxiety. It was observed that the most feared reason among the patients was not being able to wake up/dying. Younger age groups and patients with higher education levels have a higher desire to obtain information. Past surgery/anesthesia experience has not been observed to have a positive or negative effect on patients. Conclusion: As a result of our findings, despite the presence of positive data, it was determined that the majority of our patients did not have sufficient knowledge about anesthesia and the concept of anesthetist and their anxiety levels were high. It has been concluded that the society needs more information about anesthesia. It is believed that patients who are properly informed with the help of easily accessible audio/visual materials and media may reduce their anxiety/stress levels. Keywords: anesthesia, anesthetist, anxiety, questionnaire, APAIS, BAI