Assessing Parental Satisfaction with Pediatric Healthcare Services in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: Parental satisfaction reflects pediatric care quality. We assessed satisfaction with Saudi pediatric services across communication, environment, perceived child outcomes, and determinants. Methods: Cross-sectional online survey (2024) of parents/caregivers whose children received care in the prior year. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey using an adapted instrument derived from the PSQ-18 and P-MISS (communication, environment, and perceived outcome subscales; 5-point Likert). Analyses included Spearman correlations and multivariable linear regression. Results: Among 323 respondents. Most respondents were mothers (71%); More than two thirds of children were <10 years; most respondents had higher education. Overall satisfaction was moderately high (mean 3.1/5). Communication and environment each correlated with overall satisfaction, while perceived child outcomes showed no association. In regression, communication and environment together explained 60% of the variance in overall satisfaction; outcome satisfaction was not predictive. No notable differences by gender or education. Open-ended feedback highlighted clearer communication, staff responsiveness, and better facility comfort/amenities. Conclusion: Parents reported generally positive experiences driven more by provider communication and a welcoming environment than by perceived clinical outcomes. Pediatric services should prioritize family-centered communication and environment improvements, use validated tools for ongoing monitoring, and incorporate children’s perspectives in future longitudinal work.