User satisfaction in the tuberculosis control program in a city in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

One way to evaluate health services is through the satisfaction of users. This study evaluates the satisfaction of users cared for by the Tuberculosis Control Program (TBCP) in a primary health care unit in Itaboraí, RJ, Brazil. Users satisfied with the services tend to adhere to their treatment, which is of course essential for successful TB treatment. This descriptive and quantitative study was carried out from December 2008 to February 2009; 88 individuals composed a non-probabilistic sample. A questionnaire validated and adapted to measure the satisfaction of individuals with tuberculosis was used. The study obtained high rates of user satisfaction. These positive evaluations can be explained by the fact these patients were included in the TBCP and were cared for by a health team with whom they established bonds and received support for treatment adherence. Studies with a qualitative approach could broaden the understanding of satisfaction and complement this study's findings. Satisfacción de los usuarios con el programa de control de la tuberculosis de un municipio de Rio de Janeiro, BrasilUna de las formas de evaluar los servicios de salud es a través de la satisfacción de los usuarios. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la satisfacción de los usuarios del Programa de Control de la Tuberculosis de una Unidad Básica de Salud en Itaboraí-RJ, ya que usuarios satisfechos con los servicios tienden a adherir a la terapéutica; relacionado a la tuberculosis, la adherencia es fundamental para el suceso del tratamiento. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, cuantitativo, de diciembre/2008 a febrero/2009, con 88 individuos, seleccionados de forma no probabilística, con un cuestionario validado y adaptado para evaluar la satisfacción del individuo con tuberculosis. El estudio tuvo como resultados altas tasas de satisfacción. Esas evaluaciones positivas pueden ser explicadas porque el enfermo se encuentra dentro del programa de tuberculosis, siendo acompañado por un equipo de salud que establece un vínculo con él y lo apoya a que adhiera al tratamiento. Otros estudios con abordaje cualitativo podrían ampliar la comprensión sobre la satisfacción complementando la investigación realizada.

Tuberculosis Control Program and patient satisfaction, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

“…There have been several studies of tuberculosis patient satisfaction regarding treatment received, 1 , 7 , 10 with descriptive national findings consistent with the observed trend of elevated satisfaction. Although these national studies suggest explanations or factors influencing user satisfaction, they are restricted to specific contexts, not based on probability samples and lacking analytical approaches capable of differentiating between levels of satisfaction.…”

“…This is consistent with the idea of an effect of ‘elevation’ of the rates of satisfaction measured, regardless of the variability of concepts and methods employed. 3 , 5 , 7 , 10 …”

“… 7 However, these were also among the reasons for dropping out of treatment by some patients who had had previous treatment, exposing the existence of negative and disruptive experiences in this dimension.…”

“…The results presented here for the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro confirm a trend of higher incidence of tuberculosis among relatively young men (average age approximately 41 years old) and with low level of education, in accordance with other studies conducted in Brazilian municipalities. 7 , 10 …”

“… 3 If this has led, on the one hand, to the studies’ validity being questioned, on the other, it has raised speculation including, for example, access to services themselves or establishing links with health care professionals as explanatory factors of the satisfaction shown. 3 , 7 The elevated levels of satisfaction observed also raise questions about possible gradients in the apparent homogeneity of the evaluations.…”