Client Satisfaction with Maternal Health Service Provision to Pregnant Women in Rural and Urban Primary Healthcare Centers in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Client satisfaction is an important indicator of perceived quality of maternal healthcare and may influence continued use of primary healthcare services. Objective: This study assessed satisfaction with maternal health service provision among pregnant women attending rural and urban primary healthcare centres in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2021. A multistage sampling technique was used, and data were collected using an adapted patient satisfaction questionnaire. Of 427 questionnaires administered, 422 were suitable for analysis, giving a 98.8% response rate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 30.94 ± 3.52 years. Overall, 56.2% were satisfied with the healthcare services received. Satisfaction was highest for interpersonal manner (52.1%) and technical quality (51.7%). Lower satisfaction was reported for communication (48.3%), access, availability and convenience (38.9%), financial aspects (37.7%), and waiting time (29.9%). Marital status and occupation were significantly associated with satisfaction in bivariate analysis. Conclusions: Overall satisfaction with maternal healthcare services was moderate, with interpersonal manner and technical quality rated more favourably than waiting time, financial aspects, and access-related domains. The findings identify specific service areas in which quality-improvement measures may be focused. Service improvement efforts should prioritise shorter waiting times, affordability, staffing, and accessibility while maintaining positive interpersonal care.