Client Satisfaction with Maternal Health Service Provision to Pregnant Women in Rural and Urban Primary Healthcare Centers in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Kenneth Okeagu *
Department of Internal Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Collins Arinze Owoh
Department of Internal Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Nkosi Owen Neil Jupiter
Department of Medicine, University of Guyana, St. Albans, NY, USA.
Vikas Singh
Department of Medicine, St. Martinus University, Willemstad, Curaçao.
Daniel Eberechukwu Alo
Department of Internal Medicine, Bel Medicare Hospital, Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Ugwunna Ede
Department of Renal Center, David Umahi Federal University of Health Science, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Ekene Gabriel Okoli
Department of Cardiology, Living Heart Specialist Hospital, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Treasure Chinazaekpere Godwin-Uzor
Department of Family Medicine, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Chukwuemeka Miracle Okwuosa
Department of Prevention Care and Treatment, Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.
Nnaemeka Charles Okafor
Department of Medicine, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Nonso Francis Ifezuoke
Department of General Medicine, Walsall Manor Hospital, Walsall, West Midlands, United Kingdom.
Halimat Oziohu Shaibu
Department of O & G, Ask The Gynecologist IVF Center, Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Client satisfaction is an important indicator of perceived quality of maternal healthcare and may influence continued use of primary healthcare services.
Objective: This study assessed satisfaction with maternal health service provision among pregnant women attending rural and urban primary healthcare centres in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2021. A multistage sampling technique was used, and data were collected using an adapted patient satisfaction questionnaire. Of 427 questionnaires administered, 422 were suitable for analysis, giving a 98.8% response rate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 30.94 ± 3.52 years. Overall, 56.2% were satisfied with the healthcare services received. Satisfaction was highest for interpersonal manner (52.1%) and technical quality (51.7%). Lower satisfaction was reported for communication (48.3%), access, availability and convenience (38.9%), financial aspects (37.7%), and waiting time (29.9%). Marital status and occupation were significantly associated with satisfaction in bivariate analysis.
Conclusions: Overall satisfaction with maternal healthcare services was moderate, with interpersonal manner and technical quality rated more favourably than waiting time, financial aspects, and access-related domains. The findings identify specific service areas in which quality-improvement measures may be focused. Service improvement efforts should prioritise shorter waiting times, affordability, staffing, and accessibility while maintaining positive interpersonal care.
Keywords: Maternal health services, client satisfaction, antenatal care, primary healthcare, pregnant women, service quality, rural healthcare, urban healthcare