Publication:

Assessment of satisfaction level among postnatal women delivered in a government hospital in urban Bengaluru: a cross-sectional study

Background Postnatal care (PNC) satisfaction has been defined as the level at which mothers’ immediate postnatal health care needs are met, in regard to their expectations, giving them a sense of happiness and it is considered one of the desired outcomes of health care. To assess the level of satisfaction among postnatal women delivered in a Government Hospital in Urban Bengaluru by using a semi-structured interview-based questionnaire.

Method It was an analytical cross-sectional study which was done among postnatal mothers who delivered in Government health facilities. The sample size estimated was 178.

Results The mean age of the postnatal mothers was 27.75 (SD=4.4). Nearly 40% belong to the age category of 25-29 years. More than a third, had graduate degree whereas, only 14% were employed. Only 42% were satisfied overall in all the four domains of healthcare. The level of satisfaction was poor in informative aspects of healthcare (10.6%). The antenatal features like birth weight and early initiation of breastfeeding practices were significantly associated with level of satisfaction.

Conclusion The level of satisfaction was higher in interpersonal and technical aspects of care than in informative aspects and health facility-related statements. The higher the education level, the lower the level of maternal satisfaction, and multiparous are more likely to be satisfied with delivery service than primiparous.