Determinants of Patient Satisfaction in The United Arab Emirates Health Care Industry

Abstract

Background: The United Arab Emirates is aiming to provide 'world-class healthcare' to its citizens. This study aims to determine the association between overall satisfaction and various aspects of health care services in the United Arab Emirates on a country level. Methods: The data was collected from 5,855 respondents on the affordability, quality, accessibility, and responsiveness dimensions of health care. Besides frequency tables and descriptive statistics, statistical methods, such as Principal Component Analysis and Multiple Regression, were used to reduce and model the association between dependent (overall satisfaction) and independent (affordability, quality, accessibility, and responsiveness) variables. Results: The findings indicated higher satisfaction levels with quality and accessibility and lower satisfaction levels with affordability and responsiveness. Recommendations are provided to address the latter two factors. Conclusion: The study identifies issues in health care service provision in the United Arab Emirates and offers recommendations about enhancing affordability and responsiveness.