A different approach to sociodemographic predictors of satisfaction with health care

The current literature reports greatly inconsistent relationships of sociodemographic variables to satisfaction with health care, so much so that attention has turned away from sociodemographic prediction of satisfaction. In this exploratory article, we propose that two intervening variables, orientation toward care and conditions of care, should produce consistency and refine the role of sociodemographic variables. When an individual's conditions of care match his orientations toward care, satisfaction results. Lack of comparability of expectations and experience thus alter the sociodemographic satisfaction correlations between studies. The model's predictions are supported with data from a community survey. If this model is further validated, it may redefine the importance of the current methodological search for dimensions of satisfaction.