GENDER DIFFERENCES IN SATISFACTION WITH THE SERVICES PROVIDED IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTERS (PHCC): A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Gender differences may exist in the utilization of health care services. Such gender-based disparities could influence patient satisfaction. Aim of the study: To compare the satisfaction with PHC services between men and women in Mansoura City, Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. Subjects and methods: The study was conducted in three randomly selected PHC centers in Mansoura city, Dakahlia governorate, Egypt using a comparative cross-sectional analytic design on 120 men and 120 women attending the study settings. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on satisfaction with the structure, process, and outcome aspects of service. The tool was rigorously revised by experts in Community Health Nursing, and it had good reliability. Results: The male and female participants in the study groups had generally similar socio-demographic characteristics, with higher prevalence of chronic diseases (p=0.001) and previous surgery (p<0.001) among women. Maximum women were satisfied with the space of the examination rooms (p=0.01), while satisfaction with comfort of the waiting area (p=0.01), behavior of technicians (p=0.006), cooperation of the healthcare team (p=0.02), and the problems being solved by the administration (p=0.02) was higher among men. In multivariate analysis, female gender was a negative predictor of the scores of the outcome aspect and total satisfaction. Conclusion and recommendations: The study indicates low satisfaction with PHC services regardless gender, but women are less satisfied with outcomes and total satisfaction. Further qualitative research is proposed to explore the factors underlying gender differences in satisfaction with PHC services.