Patient's dissatisfaction with the public and private laboratory services in conducting HIV related testing in Tanzania

2008

Patient Satisfaction with HIV Testing Services in Tanzania

Sample size: 295 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Mfinanga SG, Kahwa A, Kimaro G, Kilale A, Kivuyo S, Senkoro M, Ngowi B, Mtandu R, Mutayoba B, Ngadaya E, Mashoto K

Primary Institution: Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The study aims to assess patient satisfaction with public and private laboratory services conducting HIV-related testing in Tanzania.

Patients visiting private facilities were generally less dissatisfied with cleanness and privacy compared to those visiting public facilities.

Patients who sought private laboratory services were less dissatisfied with cleanness and privacy than those who sought public services.
Patients with higher education were more likely to be dissatisfied with privacy and waiting time.
The study involved a total of 295 patients from 24 health facilities.

The study found that many patients were unhappy with how long they had to wait and how private their testing was, especially in public labs.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 24 randomly selected health facilities in Tanzania, interviewing a total of 295 patients.

Potential bias due to the first-come basis selection of patients and the dichotomy method used for satisfaction measurement.

The study may not be generalizable to all laboratories in the country due to the specific selection of facilities.

Majority of patients had completed primary school education, were married, and worked as peasants.

0.003

95% CI: 1.1–3.1

p<0.05

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