RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Noise exposure is one of the most common occupational hazards worldwide. Studies have shown that the prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus is higher in military personnel than in other occupations. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hearing impairment in military personnel in Eastern Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 409 military personnel. A self-administered questionnaire collected data on level of awareness, hearing impairment, and protection of hearing. Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) was conducted on 141 participants to determine the prevalence and pattern of hearing impairment. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the predictors of hearing loss in military personnel. RESULTS: More than half of the participants (54.3%) were unaware of the consequences of noise exposure and none used proper hearing protection. A small percentage (5.9%) complied with the annual hearing examination, and only 23% had had a previous hearing evaluation. More than half of the participants (58.4%) had one or more abnormal hearing-related symptoms, with tinnitus as the most common symptom (43.8%). PTA showed hearing impairment in 71.6% of the participants. Multivariate analysis showed older age as only significant factor associated with hearing impairment in military personnel. CONCLUSION: Noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus are common occupational disabilities in military personnel. Hearing conservation programs have to be initiated to ensure the application of hearing protection measures and control the effects of exposure to noise.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Patient satisfaction is an important indicator for assessing the quality of health care because it affects the timely, efficient, and patient-centered delivery of quality health care, and patient satisfaction is associated with the clinical outcomes. This study aimed to examine the relationship between waiting time and patient satisfaction in a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at family medicine and other specialized clinics. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire distributed to patients seen at the outpatient clinics. Variables collected were sociodemographic information and patient satisfaction scores to evaluate the association between waiting time and satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 406 patients participated in the study. Half of the patients reported being satisfied with the waiting time, while the remaining were dissatisfied (mean satisfaction score 38.4 ± 6.63). Family medicine clinic scored better in waiting time than other specialized clinics; between arrival and registration (P < 0.01), between registration and consultation (P < 0.01), consultation time (P < 0.01), and overall waiting time (P < 0.01). Patients treated at the family medicine clinic were more likely to be satisfied than those seen in other specialized clinics (61.2% vs. 40%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Overall satisfaction was lower than shown in previous literature. Gender and clinic type were significantly associated with satisfaction score; those who attended the family medicine clinics were more satisfied than those attending other specialized clinics. Findings may be used to inform researchers, clinicians, and policy-makers' decisions on quality improvement programs.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Establishing rapport is an important step in physician-patient communication resulting in a positive effect on patient satisfaction and overall clinical outcomes. However, there is a dearth of studies on the condition of doctor-patient relations in Saudi Arabia. This study was performed to estimate the proportion of physicians who have a good rapport with patients in their practice and the proportion of satisfied attendees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a Primary Health Care Center, Dammam, KSA. The data were collected through a structured self-administered questionnaire given to samples of attendees and physicians to estimate patient satisfaction and the practice of rapport by physicians. RESULTS: A total of 374 attendees and 27 physicians participated in the study. The percentage of physicians who had good rapport was 51.9%. Factors that showed significant relationship with rapport practice were: Physician's age (p = 0.016), physician's experience (p = 0.043), and professional status (p = 0.031). The attendees satisfied with their physician's rapport with them were 50.5%. Factors that showed significant relationship with satisfaction were: Attendee's age (p < 0.0001), educational level (p < 0.0001), having a chronic illness (p < 0.0001), having appointment (p < 0.0001), physicians' professional status (p < 0.0001), and a nonsurgical specialty (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Physicians' rapport with patients and patients' satisfaction with physicians' empathy is not high. Training is required to optimize physician-patient communication.