Comparison of patients’ satisfaction with eye care and family medicine services at a primary health centre in Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Patient satisfaction need to be assessed to enable the health care provider assess the quality of care from the patients’ perspective. This study aimed to assess and compare the level of patient satisfaction with the two main health services (primary eye care and family medicine services) at primary health centre (PHC), Pakoto, Ifo local government area of Ogun State, Nigeria.Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 280 adult patients attending the eye clinic and family medicine clinic at the PHC, Pakoto were recruited. A structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire-the patient satisfaction questionnaire (PSQ-III) was used. Data analysis was done using Epi Info 7.0.9.7 version.Results: The average overall mean score was higher in the eye clinic (3.7±0.4) than the family medicine clinic (3.5±0.3) and mean difference was statistically significant (p=0.004, t=-2.876). Most listed areas of dissatisfaction by respondents in the eye clinic were waiting period (17.2%) and number and visiting days of doctors (19%). However, at the family medicine clinic the most listed areas of dissatisfaction were all aspects of medical care (17.7%), electricity (17.7%) and toilet facilities (14.7%). There was significant association between income and general satisfaction (p=0.001)Conclusions: Most patients were generally satisfied with medical care at both clinics studied at the PHC, Pakoto. However, areas of dissatisfaction included waiting period, number of doctors and visiting days and provision of basic amenities. The study recommends that doctors should be encouraged to reside at the PHC, Pakoto and there should be provision of good basic amenities.