LEVEL OF PARENTAL SATISFACTION ON PEDIATRICS IN-PATIENT SERVICE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AT HIWOT FANA COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, HARAR, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Parental satisfaction in pediatric inpatient care is crucial for assessing the quality of healthcare services provided to hospitalized children. Understanding and addressing parent satisfaction levels can help improve service quality and bridge information gaps. However, there is limited information about pediatric inpatient parental satisfaction levels at study setting. Objective: To assess the Level of Parental Satisfaction on Pediatrics In-Patient Service and Associated Factors at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Univerisity Hospital, Harar, Eastern Ethiopia. Method: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 413 study subjects who were parents or guardians of children admitted to the pediatric ward department at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive specialized Univerisity Hospital from February 1 to March 30, 2024. A systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. The data were collected from the primary caregivers or parents. Trained nurses were collected the data using a structured questionnaire and face-to-face interviews. The EMPATHIC was used to assess parental satisfaction. Then the collected data were entered using Epi Data 3.1 versions, and then analyzed using SPSS version 27. The results were explained by using descriptive, and logistic regression analyses. Those factors with a p-value < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant. Results: The proportion of parental satisfaction of admitted children was found to be 61.5% (95% CI: .56–.66%). This study found that parents of children aged 2–6 years [AOR = 1.671 (1.014– 2.753)], physicians and nurses’ commitment [AOR = 1.744 (1.105–2.754)], moderate social support [AOR = 2.062 (1.301–3.747)], and good caring behavior [AOR = 6.619 (4.014–10.916)] were all associated factors of the overall satisfaction score (P <0.05). While parental dissatisfaction was strongly associated with poor health status of8 the child [AOR = 0.474 (.286–.787)], and poor services in pediatric emergency unit [AOR =.313(.176-.558)]. Poor parental satisfaction was reported for emergency ward due to lack of food supply, poor access to pipe water, and poor quality and access to latrine for parents as well as for children. Conclusion: - The finding showed that about three out of five parents of children adimitted to the Hospital pediatrics wards were satisfied. Being parents of children aged 2–6 years, moderate social support, good caring behavior, poor health status of the child and poor services in pediatric emergency unit were associated factors of parental satisfaction. xi Recommendation: -Health professionals, hospital managers, and other stakeholders in the Hospital have to consider parental-centered care and work to improve the quality of care in the pediatric ward particular in pediatric emergency unit.