Satisfaction with perioperative anesthesia care among general surgery patients at a secondary level hospital, Dodoma-Tanzania

IntroductionThis study aims to determine patients satisfaction with perioperative anesthesia care and its associated factors among patients planned for surgery at Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital (DRRH), Tanzania. MethodsAn analytical Cross-sectional study of 425 perioperative patients admitted at DRRH using an interview form modified from the Leiden Perioperative Care Patient Satisfaction questionnaire, was conducted. Data was collected using an Open data Kit (ODK) tool. Perioperative factors were analysed per specific objective and where applicable percentage, mean and standard deviations were used. Satisfaction was measured using demarcation threshold formula. Association between variables was tested via Chi-square test for categorical variables. The chi-square, odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, and p-value were computed to identify associated factors and determine the strength of the association. P-value of 0.05 was used for statistical significance. Independent factors in univariate analysis with a P-value < 0.2 were included in the multivariate analysis. SPSS computer program version 20 was utilized for analysis. ResultsAbout 65% (64.9%) of respondents were satisfied with the perioperative anaesthesia care services, Overall mean (SD) satisfaction score being 69 (8.0). Postoperative surgical pain, time spent in the recovery room and staff consideration of patients privacy in theatre were predictive factors for patient satisfaction after perioperative anesthesia service with AOR (95% CI) P value of 0.2 (1.36-3.08) 0.003, 4.9(2.4-9.9) <0.001, and 3.2 (1.1-9.46) 0.029 respectively. Discussion and ConclusionOverall patient satisfaction with perioperative anesthesia services was moderately low. Key factors influencing satisfaction were preoperative visits, postoperative pain, ASA status, patient privacy, and recovery room time. Future research should focus on patients willingness to return for surgery and explore the underlying reasons behind satisfaction to improve perioperative care quality.