Hospitals' Food Services Quality and Factors Associated with Patients' Satisfaction in University Hospitals in the North of Iran.

ABSTRACT

This cross-sectional study evaluated patients' satisfaction with hospital meals in seven urban public hospitals using a validated questionnaire. The quality of food services based on the hospital standards was assessed using a checklist prepared by Iran's ministry of health. Of 800 subjects, the quality and quantity aspects of hospital meals, in general, were nearly satisfactory to the patients (mean score 2.13, range 1-3, SD 0.39, 40% good and 36% moderate). The mean score of hospitals' food service quality based on hospital standards was 2.17 (range 0-4, SD 0.59). Females, younger patients and those with higher education level reported to be less pleased with hospital meal services. No relationship between patients' satisfaction and hospital food quality assessment based on hospital standards was found.