Patient Satisfaction and Its Determinants in Outpatient Clinics of Ministry of Health Maternal and Child Hospitals in Saudi Arabia

A Survey Analysis

Bibliographic Data

ID13776296
AuthorsMervat M El Dalatony (0000-0002-2399-439X, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt, corresponding author), Majidah A Aldawsari (Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), Khaled M Alghamdi (Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), Lamis Alabdullatif (0000-0002-4007-1554, Ministry of Health), Lamis M Alabdullatif (Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), Nada M Fussi (Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), Norah A Alothman (Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), Randah M Alalweet (0000-0003-4507-8189, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), Sanaa S Alrahily (Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), Mohammed Aldossary (Ministry of Health), Mohammed S Aldossary (0000-0002-0380-7905, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
Year2026
Volume63
Pages469580251398362-469580251398362
Publication date2026-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueINQUIRY The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0046-9580 • E-ISSN: 1945-7243
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00469580251398362
PMID41504017
OpenAlexW7118784025
LanguageEN
References cited22

Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of healthcare quality, influencing patient adherence, health outcomes, and service utilization. This study evaluated patient-satisfaction in outpatient maternity and child hospitals, considering demographic factors such as age, gender, and regional differences. Findings were compared with international healthcare systems to identify strengths and areas for improvement. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a validated electronic questionnaire distributed to patients attending outpatient maternal and child clinics. Data from 14 718 respondents were analyzed to assess satisfaction across service domains and identify demographic determinants. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, correlation, and regression to explore associations between satisfaction scores and gender, age, and regional differences. A total of 14 718 participant surveys were analyzed of which 72.8% were females. The mean age was 22.4 ± 16.5 years, with 46.4% aged ≤ 18 years, and 93.5% were Saudi nationals. The overall satisfaction score was 75.9 ± 26.4 with Pharmacy services (83.3%) and Laboratory services (82.5%) scoring highest and Moving Through (waiting times) the lowest (67.5%). Males reported higher satisfaction (77.9 ± 26.2%) compared to females (75.1 ± 26.4%; P P P < .001). The findings highlighted disparities in patient-satisfaction across different demographic and regional groups emphasizing the need to improve waiting times, communication, and digital services. Limitations included potential response bias and varying expectations. Future research should focus on digital transformation and policy reforms to support Vision-2030 goals and international standards

Christian ministry · Cross-sectional study · Focus group · Health care · Maternal health · Outpatient clinic · Patient satisfaction · Service (business · Customer Service Quality and Loyalty · Patient Satisfaction in Healthcare · Pharmacy · Primary Care and Health Outcomes

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