How consultation-relational empathy and demographics influence satisfaction with primary antenatal health care:evidence from rural Nigeria / 《全球健康杂志（英文）》

ABSTRACT

Objectives:This study aims to explore the role of consultation and relational empathy(CARE)and socio-demographic profile as predictors of patients'satisfaction among pregnant women attending antenatal care(ANC)in selected public primary health facilities in rural sub-districts of Saki,Oyo State,Nigeria.Methods:This cross-sectional study recruited a total of 582 pregnant women in four primary health centers.Expectant mothers responded to a questionnaire covering demographic characteristics,clinic visitation,CARE,and patients'satisfaction.All data was analyzed using descriptive,univariate and multivariate statistical tools.P＜0.05 level was considered statistically significance.Results:Findings revealed that the participants had a mean age of 23.15±5.23 years.The pattern of patients'satisfaction revealed that 13.40％(78/582)were highly satisfied with the health care received compared to 86.60％(504/582)with moderate to low satisfaction ratings with ANC.Highly satisfied patients placed higher value on technical quality,interpersonal relation,communication,financial aspects,time spent and accessibility convenience(P=0.001).Multiple linear regression model indicated that relational empathy(β=0.28,P＜0.001),2nd trimester of pregnancy(β=0.13,P=0.01),age categories of 30-＜40 years(β=-0.12,P=0.02),and 40-＜50 years(β=-0.11,P=0.04),religious affiliation(β=0.10,P=0.03)predicted satisfaction with ANC.Conclusion:Low patients'satisfaction with antenatal healthcare services resulting from hostile attitudes from health workers has implication for the delivery and acceptability of services offered to eradicate maternal mor-tality globally.Thus,regular training and re-training of health care personnel in frequent contact and interaction with patients will go a long way in reducing untoward work attitude and maternal mortality in rural ANC centers globally.