How consultation-relational empathy and demographics influence satisfaction with primary antenatal health care: evidence from rural Nigeria

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 mortality 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.