Patient Satisfaction with Care and Its Predictors in a Secondary Hospital in Kaduna State, North-western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Satisfied patients adhere more to counselling, prescribed treatment and referrals. Few studies reveal the sub-scales of satisfaction and predictors of satisfaction in north-western Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES

To determine patients' overall satisfaction with healthcare provision and their predictors at a secondary hospital in Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna State, North-Western Nigeria.

METHODS

A descriptive, cross-sectional exit survey of 390 consenting patients selected by systematic sampling from outpatient clinics in June 2022. The data collection tool was a standardized, structured questionnaire electronically administered using the "Kobo Collect" app. Data were analysed using SPSS (version 23); the chi- square (x ) test was used for bivariate analysis (at P<0.05) and ordinal regression (using the generalized linear model method) was used to determine predictors of satisfaction.

RESULTS

The general satisfaction among respondents was 60.5%; age, sex, highest education attained and employment status were significantly associated with general satisfaction (p<0.05). Positive predictors of satisfaction were financial aspects, time spent with doctors, communication as well as accessibility and convenience.

CONCLUSION

Patients' overall satisfaction was above average. Predictors of satisfaction included financial aspects, time spent with doctors, communication, accessibility and convenience. Careful attention to these domains will enhance patient satisfaction with care in our secondary hospitals.