Patient satisfaction with TB care among patients attending clinical consultation by GeneXpert Access: a comparative study of Goma and Kojja health facility, Mukono district

Abstract

Background: Uganda is still among the high TB endemic areas with TB being among the major causes of morbidity and mortality. Patient satisfaction with TB services would contribute an understanding of the existing gaps in TB care. Objectives: This study aimed at comparing patient satisfaction with TB care among clients attending health Centre IV’s with access to GeneXpert (Kojja Health Centre) and one without access to GeneXpert (Goma Health centre). Methodology: The study enrolled a total of 134 patients receiving TB care at Goma and Kojja health centres. A Pre tested interview questionnaire was used to collect data. the Data was edited, coded and entered to Epi data version 3.1, Data analyzed using Stata version 12.0 software. Chi- Square test was done, variables which had a P-value of less than 0.005 were considered to be significantly associated with patient satisfaction. Finding: Patients attending Goma HC were slightly more satisfied with TB care with a mean score of 45.5 as compared to Kojja Health Centre with a mean score of 45.0 however, the difference was not statistically significant at P value>0.862. Socio-demographic characteristics such as level of education, main livelihood activity and distance from the Health Centre were significantly associated with patient satisfaction at P value <0.005 for both Goma and Kojja health Centre. Patients attending Kojja HC were more satisfied with psycho social support compared to Goma HC however, the difference was also not statistically significant (P value>0.224). Family and Health professionals support was significantly associated with patient satisfaction at P<0.005. There was no relationship between patient satisfaction with treating primary health worker regardless of who treated them at both Goma and Kojja health centre’s, this was not statistically significant at P value>0.605. Conclusion: GeneXpert Despite the introduction of GeneX pert at Kojja health centre, access had no major impact on patient satisfaction with TB care, to GeneXpert wouldn’t increase patient satisfaction with TB care without improving the health systems linked to care that not only affect client satisfaction, but also influence their expectations such patient follow up, waiting time, availability of health workers , as loss of TB test procedure and information about TB all are crucial of which were significantly associated with patient satisfaction and in the control and treatment of Tuberculosis and thus patient satisfaction. Recommendation: Ministry of health needs to provide access to TB care and the availability of GeneXpert at all health facilities in order to increase case detection and drug initiation so as to combat multi drug resistant tuberculosis.