Satisfaction of older people with Primary Health Care services

Satisfaction of older people with health services

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the satisfaction of older individuals with the care received in Primary Health Care (PHC) in a medium-sized city in Brazil. Method: Cross-sectional study with a probabilistic sample of 162 older individuals in Campina Grande, Brazil, conducted in 2017. Data were collected using an instrument containing sociodemographic variables, access to and use of health services, and satisfaction with care. The survey was conducted in person at the participants’ homes. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Poisson regression with Stata® software, considering a 95% confidence interval and statistical significance at p < 0.05. Results: The satisfaction rate of older people with PHC services was 70% (CI: 63%–77%). The adjusted estimate was 64% higher when the user had an appointment with a healthcare professional during their last visit (aRP = 1.64 [compared to those who did not]; CI: 1.11–2.43; p = 0.013) and 21% higher when they received a home visit from a healthcare professional in the last 30 days (aRP = 1.21 [compared to those who did not receive one]; CI: 1.02–1.45; p = 0.029). However, satisfaction was 36% lower when participants reported waiting in line for over two hours during their last appointment (aRP = 0.64 [compared to waiting up to two hours]; CI95: 0.43–0.96; p = 0.030). Conclusions: The satisfaction of older people with PHC services is consistent with existing findings and is associated with factors such as access and use of services, including receiving care when needed, home visits, and waiting times for appointments.