Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of People of Rural India towards Anesthesia: An Observational Study

Anesthesiologist plays a major role in operation theatre, intensive care unit, resuscitation and pain management. Despite the greater evolvement of the branch of anesthesiology over the past few years, the knowledge about the various aspects of anesthesia are limited and poorly understood among the general population both in developed as well as developing countries. Preanesthesia checkup (PAC) is an essential part for the better outcome of the patient. But the large number of patients believe that PAC is unnecessary and they try to rush through the PAC. This study was undertaken to evaluate the knowledge of the adult patients in rural set up presenting for elective surgery in secondary care institution regarding the importance of PAC. Patients aged 18-75 years were asked to fill modified Singla and Mangla questionnaire. Majority of the patients felt that PAC was one of the instruction by surgeons and most were not aware about the importance of PAC. It was also observed that graduates and post graduates had higher knowledge about anesthesia as compare to illiterates, primary and secondary educates.We conclude that patients have poor knowledge about pre anesthesia assessment in rural set up. So, efforts should be made to increase the knowledge of patients regarding PAC by the anesthesiologist.