Evaluation of patients with schizophrenia satisfaction with out-patient care: a comparison of two diverse psychiatric settings in Nigeria

Abstract

Background Patient satisfaction with care is an important construct in determining the quality of care and adherence to treatment. This study was aimed at comparing patients with schizophrenia’s satisfaction with outpatient care in community caremental health setting with that of typical psychiatric hospital and identifies factors accounting for suchthe difference if any. Methods This is a comparative cross-sectional survey of patients who with the diagnosis of schizophrenia attending the outpatient clinic of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital (NPH), and the State Community Psychiatric Services Centre (OSCPSC), Oke Ilewo, both in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Patients’ satisfaction was assessed using the Charleston Psychiatric Outpatient Satisfaction Scale (CPOSS). Frequency distribution, mean scores with standard deviations, independent t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were calculated as deemed appropriate. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results Out of the 260 patients sampled, 22 opted out, thus giving a response rate of 91.5%; 121 from NPH and 117 from OSCPSC. Their ages ranged between 15-70 years with a mean of 37.78±11.50 years. With the exception of employment status, the two centers did not differ significantly on other socio-demographic variables. The overall mean CPOSS scores for the respondents at NPH and OSCPSC were 63.22 ±9.93 and 64.48 ±8.16 respectively (p = 0.287). Meanwhile, most items on CPOSS were significantly scored higher by participants at OSCPSC relative to those at NPH. comparable (p = 0.287). Meanwhile, participants at OSCPSC were significantly more satisfied with record officers’ help, clinic hours, waiting time and cost of treatment (p