RESUMO
Background Understanding patient experiences and opinions is crucial to improving the quality of treatment given as healthcare services in Riyadh continue to expand. This study attempts to evaluate various aspects of patient satisfaction with clinic visits. Objectives To assess and analyze patient satisfaction with clinic visits in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in order to identify areas for improvement and enhance the overall quality of healthcare services in the region. Methods This cross-sectional study collected data from 350 adults aged 18 and above in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A paper-based questionnaire was distributed using a snowball convenience sampling technique at various locations. The survey assessed different aspects of patient satisfaction, including demographics, accessibility, quality of care, and patient experience. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was acquired from all participants. Results The study's demographic distribution revealed that the majority of participants were female (77.4%), with the largest age group being 24-35 years old (34.9%). Saudi nationals constituted the majority (72.6%). Regarding accessibility and convenience of healthcare services, a significant proportion of participants agreed that the distance between their residence and the health center was reasonable (73.4%). However, opinions were mixed regarding waiting times, with some considering it reasonable (47.4%) and others disagreeing (25.4%). Participants also had varying views on appointment availability, with a notable percentage finding it difficult (33.7%). In terms of continuity of care and communication, most participants agreed that the clinic proactively contacts them for appointments (67.4%), but there were mixed responses regarding the ease of transferring patients to a hospital (37.7% agreed, 13.1% disagreed). The agreement on seeing the same doctor at each visit was moderate (41.1%), and a majority agreed that doctors had easy access to medical records (74.9%). Regarding the quality of care and patient experience, most participants agreed that doctors treated them with respect (83.7%) and that nurses and staff members were respectful and cooperative (54.3%). The majority agreed that health centers provided services during emergencies (78%). In terms of evaluating the quality of medical services and facilities, most participants agreed that vital signs were checked during each visit (78.6%), while satisfaction with laboratory facilities was moderate (60.3%). When it came to doctor-patient communication and counseling, most participants agreed that doctors provided detailed information about their disease and medications (73.4%) and addressed patients' queries (74.9%). However, some participants said that doctors did not inform them well about their disease (23.4%). Most participants agreed that doctors showed empathy and friendliness (73.7%) and allocated adequate time during visits (71.7%). However, satisfaction with post-visit accessibility to the doctor was mixed (35.1% agreed it was easy). Conclusion The findings revealed that while participants expressed satisfaction with certain aspects of care, there were areas requiring improvement. These areas included reducing waiting times, enhancing appointment availability, improving transfer procedures, ensuring consistency in doctor-patient relationships, and enhancing communication and counselling.
RESUMO
Background Hepatitis C, a highly contagious viral infection transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, poses a significant threat to public health owing to its potential to induce extensive liver damage, leading to the development of life-threatening conditions such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, commonly known as liver cancer. Objective This cross-sectional study aims to assess the level of awareness of hepatitis C among the general population in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methodology The study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A national cross-sectional survey was conducted using a predesigned self-administered validated electronic questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed electronically to the general population from April to September 2023. Results Out of the 800 participants, most were females (472, 59%), and the largest age group was between 23 and 29 years old (305, 38.1%). Saudi Arabians constituted the highest proportion of participants (609, 76.1%), and most participants were single (437, 54.6%). In terms of occupational status, 288 (36%) worked in occupations not listed. The study found that 463 (57.9%) participants had a low level of awareness about the global prevalence of hepatitis C. Additionally, 489 (61.1%) were aware that hepatitis C can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis, and 441 (55.1%) knew that most infected patients may develop chronic hepatitis. A majority (484, 60.5%) were aware of the importance of washing with soap and water after an accidental needle stick injury. Most participants (574, 71.8%) were aware of the common modes of hepatitis C transmission, such as unsterilized instruments, needle stick injuries, and sharing contaminated needles during drug use. Furthermore, 548 (73%) were aware of the transmission risk through unscreened blood transfusion, and 561 (70.1%) were aware of the higher risk of infection for individuals with multiple sexual partners. Conclusion The study highlights a low level of awareness among participants regarding the treatment and prevention of hepatitis C. To address the low level of awareness regarding the treatment and prevention of hepatitis C, targeted strategies and interventions are needed. This includes the development and implementation of public awareness campaigns, creation of informative educational materials, specialized training programs for healthcare professionals, establishment of support groups and counseling services for individuals living with hepatitis C, and continued support for research efforts and knowledge dissemination. By increasing awareness about hepatitis C, its treatment, and prevention, we can improve outcomes for individuals affected by the disease and reduce its overall burden on communities.
