OBJECTIVE To evaluate factors associated with users’ satisfaction in the Tuberculosis Control
Program.METHODS A cross-sectional study of 295 patients aged ≥ 18 years, with two or more outpatient
visits in the Tuberculosis Control Program, in five cities in the metropolitan region of
Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Southeastern Brazil, in 2010. Considering an estimated population of
4,345 patients, the sampling plan included 15 health care units participating in the
program, divided into two strata: units in Rio de Janeiro City, selected with
probability proportional to the monthly average number of outpatient visits, and units
in the other four cities. In the units, four temporal clusters of five patients each
were selected with equal probability, totaling 300 patients. A questionnaire
investigating the users’ clinical and sociodemographic variables and aspects of care and
service in the program relevant to user satisfaction was applied to the patients.
Descriptive statistics about users and their satisfaction with the program were
obtained, and the effects of factors associated with satisfaction were estimated.RESULTS Patients were predominantly males (57.7%), with a mean age of 40.9 and with low level
of schooling. The mean treatment time was 4.1 months, mostly self-administered (70.4%).
Additionally, 25.8% had previously been treated for tuberculosis. There was a high level
of satisfaction, especially regarding medication provision, and respect to patients by
the health professionals. Patients who were younger (≤ 30), those on self-administered
treatment, and with graduate level, showed less satisfaction. Suggestions to improve the
services include having more doctors (70.0%), and offering exams in the same place of
attendance (55.1%).CONCLUSIONS Patient satisfaction with the Tuberculosis Control Program was generally high,
although lower among younger patients, those with university education and those on
self-administered treatment. The study indicates the need for changes to structural and
organizational aspects of care, and provides practical support for its improvement.