https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4282-1427
Abstract
Background
Patient satisfaction is an indicator of healthcare quality service and involved as an outcome measure. Quality of healthcare service and patient satisfaction has been affected by the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It induced uncertainness and shortage of medical supplies due to a limited global movement. Therefore, this study aimed to assess patient satisfaction and associated factors among chronic patients who had a follow-up in North Shoa healthcare facilities.
Methods
An institutional-based cross-sectional study was used to select 410 study participants through a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected by a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, entered into Epi Info version 7, and transported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify the factors associated with satisfaction. The odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was computed, and p-value <0.05 was considered statistical significance in the multivariable model.
Results
The overall level of patient satisfaction was 44.6%. The presence of sign and direction indicators (AOR=3.26, 95% CI=1.1, 9.92), obtaining some ordered drugs (AOR=3.7, 95% CI=1.1, 12.54), getting alcohol for hand cleaning (AOR=2.66, 95% CI=1.1,6.65), obtaining sanitizer for hand cleaning (AOR=4.45, 95% CI=1.72,11.52), and maintaining social distancing (AOR=2.63, 95% CI=1.21, 5.70) were factors associated with patient’s satisfaction.
Conclusion
The level of patient satisfaction was very low during a COVID-19 pandemic. The presence of sign and direction indicators, availability of drugs, social distancing, availability of alcohol, and sanitizer were factors associated with patient satisfaction. The intervention targeted at increasing patient satisfaction and improving the quality of service during COVID-19 through maintaining social distancing and availing alcohol or sanitizers is necessary.
Abbreviations
AOR, Adjusted Odds Ratio; CI, Confidence Interval; COVID-19, Corona Virus Disease-2019; MPH, Master of Public Health; OPD, Outpatient department; OR, Odds ratio; SPSS, Statistical Package for Social Science; WHO, World Health Organization.
Data Sharing Statement
The data for this study are cannot be made publically available at present.
It will be made available from the corresponding author on a reasonable request.
Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate
This study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Salale University approved the ethical clearance of verbal informed consent and assent. A support letter was obtained from the North Shoa zone health office, and oral informed consent was obtained from the study participants whose age ≥18 years. The assent was obtained from parents/guardians for 15 to18 years old after clearing-up about the study’s objective and purpose for each study participant. The privacy and confidentiality of study participants were also be maintained strictly. Data collectors were informed about coding the questionnaire and not writing the study participants’ names.
Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge Salale University, all health facilities from where data were collected, and study participants for their cooperation.
Author Contributions
All authors made a significant contribution to the conception, study design, execution, and acquisition of data, analysis, and interpretation. All authors involved in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
The authors declare that they have no competing interests for this work.