Determinants of Health Facility Preference and Client Satisfaction in Primary Healthcare Settings: A Logistic Regression Analysis of Service Quality and Ac cessibility Indicators
Abstract:
Understanding the determinants of health facility preference and client satisfaction is critical to improving the qual ity and equity of primary healthcare delivery in Ghana. This study examined key predictors influencing patients’ choices and levels of satisfaction within primary healthcare settings, drawing on data from 422 respondents through a structured questionnaire. Using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses, the study explored how cli ent knowledge, perceived facility effectiveness, accessibility, and service quality shaped healthcare-seeking behavior and satisfaction outcomes. The results revealed that individuals who understood the role of the health centre were significantly more likely to prefer it (OR = 4.57, p = 0.007). Additionally, the belief in the effectiveness of the facility was also a strong predictor of preference (OR = 2.82, p = 0.046). For client satisfaction, critical determinants in cluded perceived competence of health workers (OR = 3.91, p = 0.023), availability of drugs (OR = 3.00, p = 0.028), and cleanliness and comfort of the facility (OR = 4.40, p = 0.017). The models yielded high predictive power with classification accuracies of 78.3% and 80.1%, respectively. These findings highlight the central role of subjective cli ent experiences trust, awareness, and perceived quality in shaping healthcare utilization patterns. The study contrib utes to policy and practice by recommending targeted quality improvement strategies that enhance client-centered service delivery, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Strengthening patient education, improving service readiness, and addressing facility-level challenges may foster greater client trust, improve satisfaction, and ultimate ly enhance the efficiency and equity of primary healthcare systems in Ghana.
