Women's Attitudes, Concerns, and Experiences About Confidentially In Maternity Health Care Settings in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Global health agendas emphasize improving newborn and maternal health and ensuring maternal confidentiality. Confidentiality is particularly important for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. The patient’s concern about keeping confidentiality has a drastic impact on their trust. Aim: This study examines women's knowledge of, and attitudes toward, confidentiality in maternal health care settings. The study also determined women's concerns about keeping medical information confidential. Patients and Methods: analytical, cross-sectional study. The study was done at the maternal inpatient and outpatient departments in 3 public and 3 private hospitals in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The enrolled 383 participants from various disciplines were randomly selected. Data collection was conducted from June 1 to November 10, 2021, utilizing the Confidentiality Self-Report Instrument. Results: Seventy-six percent (76%) of the participants had a good understanding and knowledge of confidentiality. In terms of patient experiences with confidentiality and disclosure, (63.7 %) of participants rated it as well. Confidentiality concerns significantly affected the decision to seek care in (78.1%) of the participants. Participants' attitudes were positive about regulations relating to patient confidentiality, with (92.4%) of the participants believing it is very important. There was a significant correlation between experiences with disclosure and the effect of confidentiality concerns on seeking care. Conclusion: Most of the patients in the maternity wards had concerns that prevented them from providing all of the required information. 2) The majority of participants believed that regulations regarding patient confidentiality were extremely important. 3) Disclosure experiences and confidentiality concerns were significantly correlated when it came to seeking treatment.