Assesment of Patients' Basic Knowledge and Concerns About Anesthesia: A survey study

Background/Aim: This survey study aimed to investigate the knowledge and concerns of patients about anesthesia in the preoperative period. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 patients scheduled for elective surgery, aged 18 to 65, with ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classification 1-2, were included in the study. Patients who come to the anesthesia outpatient clinic in the preoperative period were asked to complete survey forms. Results: It was observed that 47% of patients aged 60 and older had previous experiences with anesthesia (p=0.01). When the responses to the question "Do you know why you came to the anesthesia outpatient clinic?" were examined by age groups, it was found that 70% of patients aged 18-30, 70% of patients aged 31-60, and 29% of patients aged 60 and older did not know why they came to the anesthesia outpatient clinic (p=0.004). It was determined that as the level of education increased, the knowledge level about anesthesia increased and the level of concern decreased. Furthermore, it was found that as the socioeconomic status increased, the knowledge level about anesthesia increased. Conclusion: It was determined that the level of education and socioeconomic status were factors affecting the level of anesthesia knowledge. Furthermore, it was found that the level of concern related to anesthesia was also associated with the level of education.