<![CDATA[Background: Preoperative patients often experience fear, anxiety, and reduced confidence when facing anesthesia and surgical procedures. Nurse anesthetists’ caring behaviors may help patients feel safer, more supported, and more confident during the preoperative phase.Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between nurse anesthetists’ caring behaviors and preoperative self-efficacy among surgical patients at RSUD Sleman, Indonesia.Methods: This study employed a quantitative correlational design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 80 preoperative patients were selected using purposive sampling. Eligible participants were aged 18–55 years, had undergone pre-anesthesia assessment, were conscious and cooperative, and were scheduled for their first or second surgery. Nurse anesthetists’ caring behaviors were measured using a modified 24-item Caring Behaviors Inventory questionnaire, while preoperative self-efficacy was assessed using the Indonesian version of the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Spearman rank correlation test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.Results: Most participants perceived nurse anesthetists’ caring behaviors as good (67.5%), and most had high preoperative self-efficacy (80.0%). The Spearman rank correlation test showed a significant positive association between nurse anesthetists’ caring behaviors and preoperative self-efficacy (p = 0.044; r = 0.226), indicating a weak positive correlation. Conclusions: Nurse anesthetists’ caring behaviors were significantly associated with preoperative self-efficacy among surgical patients. Strengthening caring-based communication, reassurance, and emotional support may contribute to patients’ confidence and psychological readiness before surgery.]]>
