The Influence of Socio-Demographic Characteristics on Patient Satisfaction in Family Medicine Clinics of Karachi

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association of patients' satisfaction with demographic and socio-economic characteristics of patients visiting the family medicine clinics of the Aga Khan University. Design: Cross-sectional study Place and duration of study: The study was conducted at family medicine clinics at the Integrated Medical Service Centers, Aga Khan University, Karachi, from 10th January 2017 to 9th July 2017. Material and Methods: A total of 160 consecutive patients (48 males and 112 females, age range 18 – 65 years) visiting the family medicine clinics were recruited with informed consent. A validated questionnaire consisting of 18 items was administered to all patients who consented to participate in the study. The reasons for dissatisfaction were also assessed. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Stratification was done, and the association of satisfaction with age, gender, marital status, education, and economic status was investigated using the chi-square test. The p-value ≤0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of a total of 160 study participants, 86.3% indicated their satisfaction, while 13.8% were found to be dissatisfied with the services at the family medicine clinic. The most common reason (50%) for dissatisfaction among the dissatisfied patients was the state of OPD facilities. On chi-square analysis, gender (p=0.028), education level (p=0.010) and socioeconomic status (p=0.002) were found to be significantly different among satisfied and dissatisfied patients. On multivariable analysis, education, marital status and socioeconomic status were found to be independently associated with patient satisfaction. Conclusion: The results showed that higher satisfaction was associated with higher education, higher socioeconomic status and higher among the widowed population.