Factors associated with the quality of the doctor-patient relationship in Brazil

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of patient-and doctor-related factors on the quality of this relationship, measured by the Patient-Doctor Relationship Questionnaire (PDRQ-9), within the primary care setting of Brazil’s SUS (Unified Health System). Data were collected from 5,971 adult patients and 494 doctors from Family Health Units (USF) across all regions of Brazil. Multivariate analysis indicated that only patient characteristics were significantly associated with the quality of the doctor-patient relationship. These included living in urban areas, being male, having ten or more years of education, obtaining a same-day consultation, having more than three consultations per year with the same doctor, and being seen at a USF with high-quality primary care. The findings highlight inequalities in the doctor-patient relationship, showing that patients who share common characteristics with their doctors (urban background and higher education) or consult in higher-quality primary care settings report more satisfactory relationships. This underscores the importance of developing doctors’ cultural competence and the impact of service organization on relationship quality.