Shemsu Nuriye Hagisso, Lakew Abeba Gebretsadika, Abata Lette Wodera and Temesgen Sidamo Summoro
Background: Patient satisfaction is the most important attribute of any health service providing system. However, health service qualities or patient satisfaction in developing countries are low.
Objective: To assess patient’s satisfaction levels with the services at Out Patient Departments (OPDs) and the associated factors in rural health center in Shashogo district, Hadiya Zone, South Ethiopia.
Method: A mixed study design was implemented on 407 patients and four key informants purposively form three health centers in Shashogo district, South Ethiopia from February 1 to June 30, 2016 using a structured questionnaire. The respondents were selected by using consecutive sampling technique. The data was entered to computer by using SPSS version 20.0. When the items identified then the factor score was computed by using varimax rotation method and regression factor score of independent variables.
Results: The model explained 63.8% variation of patient satisfaction means score. Socio demographic and facility related factors were determinant factors in our study. Furthermore, not getting all ordered services (β= -0.967), not getting ordered drugs from health center pharmacy (β=-0.541) and waiting for laboratory results <1 hour (β= -0.929) were evaluated. These had negative impacts in patient satisfaction. On the other hand, less attending time by other staff for injection for 1-2 hour (β=0.461) had positive impact on patient services.
Conclusion: The study showed that the patient’s satisfactions were rated low when compared to other studies in the same context. Accessibility of medicine with supplies, long waiting time, lengthy attending time by professionals for injection, and lack of all necessary services were major factors related to patients’ dissatisfactions.