Perceived Quality of Care and Level of Satisfaction of Patients on Tuberculosis Directly Observed Therapy Short-course during the Postpandemic Transition in a Rural Health Unit in the Philippines
Janecska Arha B. Desacada, Ma. Raphaella M. Francia, Katrice Anne C. Castillo, Princess G. Chua, Francesca Marie B. Manansala, Diana Dalisay A. OrolfoAbstract
Introduction:
Tuberculosis (TB) is the 13
th
leading cause of mortality and the second-most common infectious killer after COVID-19. TB directly observed therapy short-course (TB-DOTS), the globally recognized efficient and cost-effective strategy globally for the disease, was among the national health programs disrupted by the pandemic. This study aimed to determine factors affecting the perceived quality of care (PQC) and satisfaction level of patients enrolled in TB-DOTS during the postpandemic transition in a rural health unit (RHU) in the Philippines. This study utilized a cross-sectional design through a validated paper-based survey (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.867). 129 out of 150 patients enrolled in TB-DOTS from October 2022 to March 2023 participated in the study. Most of the respondents were 53–60 years old (31.80%), male (67.40%), married (52.70%), unemployed (51.20%), and finished high school only (43.40%). Overall, PQC ratings ranged from good to very good across the six quality areas, with respondents reporting high satisfaction (mean = 3.78) with services. Patients with formal education, a monthly household income below PHP 9000 (USD 160), and larger family sizes reported higher PQC scores in various quality areas. All PQC domains were significantly correlated with patient satisfaction (
Context:
TB is the 13 th leading cause of mortality and second-most common infectious killer after COVID-19. Its mainstay treatment, TB-DOTS, is recognized as an efficient and cost-effective strategy globally. The implementation of national health programs, including TB-DOTS, was challenged by the pandemic.
Aims:
This study aimed to identify factors affecting the PQC and patient satisfaction among those enrolled in TB-DOTS during the postpandemic transition in a RHU in the Philippines.
Settings and Design:
This study utilized a cross-sectional design wherein 129 out of the 150 patients enrolled in TB-DOTS in the RHU from October 2022 to March 2023 participated in the study.
Subjects and Methods:
A total enumeration of the study population was undertaken using a validated paper-based survey instrument (Cronbach’s α =0.867), with questionnaire items adapted from QUOTE-TB Light and Syachroni.
Statistical Analysis Used:
Descriptive statistics, specifically frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, with corresponding verbal interpretation, were utilized to present the results. Inferential statistics assessed relationships and correlations between variables.
Results:
Most respondents were 53–60 years old (31.8%), male (67.4%), married (52.7%), unemployed (51.2%), and high school graduates (43.4%). PQC ratings ranged from good to very good across six quality domains, with overall high satisfaction (mean = 3.78). Higher PQC scores were observed among patients with formal education, monthly income below PHP 9000 (USD 160), and larger family sizes. All PQC domains significantly correlated with satisfaction (
Conclusions:
Enhancing staff training on effective communication and fostering an inclusive, safe environment is recommended. Prioritizing quality areas with strong correlations to satisfaction can further improve TB-DOTS service delivery and patient outcomes.