Apprehension of Paraplegia after Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia in the Central Region Population of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of paraplegia-related fear in spinal anesthesia among the general population in the central region of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A total of 371 participants were given a pretested, precoded, questionnaire was used to collect data to assess the prevalence of fear of paraplegia in spinal anesthesia. The questionnaire contained questions to assess variables like the extent of fear, causes, gender preponderance, any false information about paraplegia in spinal anesthesia, and complications experienced after receiving spinal anesthesia. Results: It was noted that 80.1% of the respondents were familiar with the term spinal/regional/epidural anesthesia. Forty one point eight percent of the respondents their reference of knowledge about regional anesthesia was family of friends. Thirteen point nine percent of the responses were paralysis, 8.2% of the responses were feeling of pain during the operation, and 7.9% of the responses were nausea or vomiting. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the participants exhibited a certain degree of apprehension stemming from their inadequate understanding and awareness regarding spinal anesthesia.