Abstract
Introduction: Patient satisfaction is associated with improved compliance and better health outcomes. However, the factors related to patient satisfaction are not fully understood.
Aim: To evaluate patient satisfaction and the associated factors with facilities, services, and treatment received at a dental institution in Saudi Arabia.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved a convenience sample of male and female patients who visited a dental college in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was designed using a five-point Likert scale to assess patient satisfaction. The instrument was piloted before its administration to study participants. Mann-Whitney U test was performed for statistical analysis.
Results: The response rate was 81.9% as 262 out of 320 patients returned the questionnaire. The mean age of the patients was 34.7 years (SD +/- 12.5). More males (65.3%) than females (34.7%) participated in the study. The highest mean score of patient satisfaction was reported for dental treatment (4.38), followed by facilities (4.34) and then appointments (4.27). Less educated patients (school education) than those with bachelor/master's degree were more satisfied with appointments (p=0.024), facilities (p=0.024), and treatment (p= 0.016). Similarly, subjects aged 41-74 years demonstrated more satisfaction with facilities (p=0.001), and treatment (p=0.02) than those aged 17-40 years. However, gender, ethnicity, and monthly income were not significantly associated with patient satisfaction. Good quality of treatment was the main reason for visiting the institution.
Conclusion: Most of the patients were satisfied with the dental services. Education and age of the patients were significantly associated with their satisfaction.