A Study on Public Perception Towards Reproductive Care Services in Health Care Facilities in Kerala, India

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the study is to understand and explore the beneficiaries’ perceptions regarding reproductive health care services in Thrissur. Methods: A predesigned in-depth interview guide were prepared to collect the data for the qualitative cross-sectional study. Data collected in two-phase, in the first phase data collected from the 15 reproductive beneficiaries in the private hospitals and in second phase data collected from the 13 public hospital beneficiaries identified from the community level, those who recently utilized the public hospitals. Results: The significant problems by private hospital beneficiaries towards government hospitals are the lousy behavior of the medical staff and cleanliness. However, Public hospital beneficiaries are satisfied with the services and treatments provided. The primary concerns by the private hospital beneficiaries towards the public hospitals are contradicting in the present reality and major problems concerned towards public hospitals are not seen Conclusion: Both private and government hospitals in Thrissur providing excellent services in reproductive cases. Public hospitals have various limitations, such as less infrastructure, workforce, and technical availability. However, within limits, public hospitals are delivering an excellent service in recent times. Key Words: Patient satisfaction, Private hospitals, Public hospitals