Evaluating Public Awareness and Understanding of Anesthesia Practices in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study on Patients’ Confidence in and Perceptions of Anesthesiologists

Background: Adequate public awareness of anesthesia practices and the role of anesthesiologists is essential for informed consent, patient confidence, and perioperative safety. Despite advances in anesthetic care, gaps in patient knowledge and misconceptions remain common. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged 18 years or older with a prior history of elective anesthesia. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered online questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The survey assessed demographic characteristics, prior anesthesia exposure, knowledge of anesthesia types, perceptions of anesthesiologists’ roles, fears, communication quality, trust, and satisfaction. Results: A total of 298 participants were included, of whom 155 (52.0%) were female. General anesthesia was the most frequently reported type (190, 63.8%). Awareness of general anesthesia (272, 91.3%) and local anesthesia (263, 88.3%) was high, but knowledge of regional techniques was limited, including spinal anesthesia (47, 15.8%), epidural anesthesia (39, 13.1%), and peripheral nerve blocks (45, 15.1%). Familiarity with the anesthesiologist’s role was reported by 239 participants (80.2%), and 212 (71.1%) correctly identified that the anesthesiologist remains in the operating room throughout surgery. The most common anesthesia-related fear was experiencing pain during the procedure (138, 46.3%). Communication outcomes were favorable, with 106 participants (35.6%) receiving complete explanations and 268 (89.9%) reporting either being satisfied or very satisfied. Female participants demonstrated significantly higher awareness scores than males (P < 0.001). Being informed about anesthesia consent (208, 69.8%) and preferring to meet the anesthesiologist preoperatively (208, 69.8%) were associated with significantly higher awareness and perception scores (both P < 0.001). Regression analysis identified preference to meet the anesthesiologist as the strongest positive predictor of both awareness and perception while receiving regional anesthesia negatively predicted perception scores. Conclusions: Although patient trust and satisfaction with anesthesiologists were high, significant gaps remained in knowledge of regional anesthesia. Preoperative education regarding anesthesia can enhance public awareness and perceptions of anesthesia care.