AWARENESS REGARDING SPINAL ANESTHESIA AMONG NON- MEDICAL UNDERGRADUATE FEMALE STUDENTS IN PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN PESHAWAR

Original Article

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Spinal anesthesia is widely used for surgical and diagnostic procedures but remains poorly understood among the general population. Misconceptions and lack of awareness may lead to difficulty in making informed healthcare decisions, particularly among non-medical undergraduate students.

Objective: To evaluate the level of awareness regarding spinal anesthesia among female non-medical undergraduate students in private universities in Peshawar.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Anesthesia, Abasyn University Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, from August to December 2024.

Methodology: The study was conducted at the Department of Anesthesia, Abasyn University Peshawar, from August to December 2024. A total of 385 participants were recruited through convenience sampling from four private universities in Peshawar. Data regarding demographics, awareness, perceptions, and preferences about spinal anesthesia were collected using a structured questionnaire distributed through Google Forms. Ethical approval was obtained prior to data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 and descriptive statistics were calculated.

Results: Among the participants, 62.3% were unfamiliar with spinal anesthesia and had limited knowledge regarding its safety and possible side effects. Social media and family were identified as the primary sources of information. A majority of respondents (56.9%) were reluctant to undergo spinal anesthesia due to fear of pain, back problems, and paralysis.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that awareness regarding spinal anesthesia among non-medical female undergraduate students is limited. Educational programs and awareness campaigns are required to improve understanding and address misconceptions regarding spinal anesthesia.