Socio-demographic determinants of women’s satisfaction with prenatal and delivery care services in Italy

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the extent to which socio-demographic variables affect women’s satisfaction regarding antenatal and perinatal care.DesignTo take into account the role of the context in shaping women’s satisfaction, we used multilevel models, with women at the lower level, and the health districts of residence, or the hospitals in which the delivery took place, at the higher level.SettingTuscany (Italy)ParticipantsThe study is based on a representative survey focused on the satisfaction and experience of 4598 new mothers who gave birth in one of the 25 hospitals in Tuscany (Italy) in 2012.Main Outcome MeasuresWomen’s overall satisfaction in the prenatal period and their overall satisfaction during hospitalization for delivery.ResultsRegarding pregnancy, women’s satisfaction increased with age, and was generally higher among foreign women coming from non-Western countries and among highly educated women. Regarding delivery, age proved insignificant, whereas citizenship and education maintained the same association with satisfaction. Contrary to our expectations, the number of previous pregnancies turned out to be insignificant.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the quality of maternity services was perceived differently in different socio-demographic groups: women’s expectations affected satisfaction, but in different ways, in various socio-demographic groups, both during pregnancy and at delivery. Keeping these socio-demographic factors into account in the analysis of satisfaction may help organisations to identify areas where pregnancy and delivery services can be better targeted and where increasing awareness among professionals in their everyday practice is most needed.

Associated factors of labor satisfaction and predictor of postnatal satisfaction in the north-east of Peninsular Malaysia

“…One study found that vaginal delivery offered more satisfaction based on WOMBLSQ than instrumental or cesarean delivery [12]. Similar findings have been reported by other studies [69,72,73,76]. In contrast, one study found that delivery via cesarean section offered higher labor satisfaction [77].…”

Satisfaction with malaria care among pregnant women and mothers of under-five years children in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria

“…This study's nding is similar to that of one of the few studies that used the PSQ-18 to evaluate satisfaction with non-malarial aspects of care in South-East Nigeria, where educational level signi cantly facilitated satisfaction with healthcare received [30]. Other studies conducted in Ethiopia [31] and Italy [32] which assessed maternal satisfaction with non-malarial aspects of care using a different data collection tool also highlighted education as signi cant predictors of satisfaction with care. Moving on, this study nding on satisfaction with communication and interpersonal manner of care by the health providers supports the evidence that good communication between physicians and patients has a positive impact on patient satisfaction, thereby leading to improved compliance to treatment, decreased anxiety, increased recall and understanding of healthcare [33].…”

Pre- and during-labour predictors of low birth satisfaction among Iranian women: a prospective analytical study

“…However, the studies are limited and there are contradictory results about the associated factors. For example, in a study conducted in Italy, the results showed that women with a higher level of educational attainment undergoing vaginal birth were more satisfied with childbirth compared to less educated ones [21]; or a study conducted in Iran indicated that there was no correlation between mode of childbirth and level of satisfaction [22]. Also, in most of the previous studies, only a few number of possible risk factors have been investigated.…”