Abstract:
Background: Patient compliance is a key factor in treatment success. Satisfied patients are more
likely to utilize health services, comply with medical treatment, and continue with the health care
providers. However, to investigators knowledge there is no reliable information found on the
relationship between patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment in Sidama zone. Thus,
assessment of patient satisfaction and adherence to TB treatment a great input to improve the
treatment service.
Objective: To assesses patient satisfaction on tuberculosis treatment service and adherence to
treatment.
Methods: A facility based cross sectional study was employed using quantitative method of data
collection from March 14-April 7/2011. A sample of 531 respondents on anti TB treatment from 11
health centers and 1 hospital were included in the study. The sample size for each facility was
allocated by probability proportional to size allocation and individual study population were selected
by systematic random sampling. A Pre tested, interviewer administered questionnaire was used to
collect data and then the data was edited, coded and entered then double data entry verification was
applied using Epi data version 3.1. and exported to SPSS version 16. Confirmatory factor analysis
was done to identify factors that explain most of the variance observed in most of manifested
variables. Regression analysis (liner and binary logistic) were performed.
Result: Generally, 90% of the respondents were satisfied with TB treatment service. The study
shows that 138 (26%) of respondents had poor adherence to their TB treatment. Patient
perceived on professional care, time spent with health care provider, accessibility, technical
competency, convenience (cleanliness) and consultation and relational empathy were
independent predictor of overall patient satisfaction (P < 0.05). In addition to this, perceived
waiting time was significantly associated with patient satisfaction (Beta = 0.262). In logistic
regression analysis model occupational status, area of the residence, perceived time spent with
health care provider, perceived accessibility, perceived waiting time, perceived professional care
and over all patient satisfaction were significantly associated with adherence to TB treatment (P
< 0.05). Moreover, patient waiting time at reception room (Adjusted OR= 1.022, 95% CI 1.009,
1.0035) and Patient treatment phase (Adjusted OR=0.295, 95% CI 0.172, 0.507) were
independent predictor of adherence to TB treatment.
Conclusion and recommendation: The finding of this study showed that patient perception on
health care provider interaction had a significant influence on patient satisfaction and adherence to
TB treatment. Moreover, an increased the overall patient satisfaction score had a positive outcome on
patient adherence to TB treatment. Therefore, the health care provider should emphasis more on the
improvement of patient provider interaction to enhance patient satisfaction and adherence to TB
treatment.