Assessment of Patient Satisfaction with Access to Healthcare Services at Mbozi District Hospital, in Songwe Region, Tanzania

Abstract

This study assessed patient’s satisfaction on access to health services in public health facilities particularly at Mbozi District Hospital, using a convenience sample of 112 patients. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentary reviews. The study had two specific objectives: the first was to determine the level of customer satisfaction in accessing health services, and the second was to examine factors for patient satisfaction. Descriptive statistics were used to show the demographic characteristics of respondents and frequencies and percentages were obtained. The Likert scale was used to measure the level of patient satisfaction based on their opinions while a Multiple Linear Regression model was used to examine the determinant factors for patient satisfaction. The results revealed that the level of satisfaction was inadequate where availability of experts in the hospital, such as medical doctors and specialized doctors; staff attitude (traits towards the patient); availability of medicine, and improved sanitation infrastructure (clean washrooms) were the significant determinant factors. Therefore, more efforts should be made to improve patient satisfaction by providing better health services. The local government authorities should continuously sensitize health workers to be available at their working stations. Furthermore, the hospital Management should ensure that sanitation infrastructures, especially washrooms, are constantly cleaned and should also make follow ups to ensure medicines are always available.