SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS AS CORRELATES TO SATISFACTION WITH NURSING CARE AMONG ONCOLOGY PATIENTS IN A TEACHING HOSPITAL IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the sociodemographic factors associated with patient satisfaction with nursing care among oncology patients in a teaching hospital in Lagos, Nigeria

Methodology: Using a descriptive-correlational design, 157 patients with cancer who were receiving treatment from the oncology clinic and surgical wards were purposively selected to complete a modified patient satisfaction with nursing care questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, Pearson Product Moment of Coefficient correlation and Chi-square test at P value set at 0.05.

Findings: Out of the 180 questionnaires that were distributed, 157 was fully completed and returned. Descriptive analysis and Pearson Product Moment of Coefficient Correlation and Chi-square test was used to test the associations between variables. Out of 157, 139 (88.5%) participant claimed they were satisfied with the care provided in oncology unit which motivates them to recommend this facility to others. Participants perceived the health information and professional competence of nurses to be of high quality (Mean = 3.3 SD = ±0.9; Mean = 3.26, SD=±1.0) while the lowest rated aspect of nursing care was decision control (Mean = 3.05, SD =± 0.9).  Statistically significant relationships were found for the overall level of satisfaction and participants’ age (p=0.735), educational level (p=0.909), gender (p=0.396) marital status (p=0.359) and stage of treatment (p=0.709)

Unique contribution to theory, practice, and policy: Satisfaction with nursing care was related to some socio-demographic characteristics of patients (gender, stage of treatment). Nurses should take patients decision-making ability serious when rendering care. Autonomy should be encouraged among patients to strengthened their decision-making power. Additionally, greater attention needs to be given to the interplay between patients’ socio-demographic factors and satisfaction with nursing care delivery. A concerted effort is needed to constantly improve on patient satisfaction for a better and improved patient patronage.