Residents’ satisfaction with primary medical and health services in Western China

BACKGROUND: Currently, China is in the process of medical and health care reform, and the establishment of primary medical and health services covering urban and rural residents is an important aspect of this process. Studying the satisfaction of residents of underdeveloped areas with their primary medical and health services and identifying the factors that can increase the satisfaction of different groups may improve patient compliance and ultimately improve health. Moreover, such research may provide a reference for the development of medical and health undertakings in similarly underdeveloped areas. METHODS: A face-to-face survey was conducted on a stratified random sample of 2200 residents in Gansu by using structured questionnaires. Demographic characteristics were collated, and questionnaires were factor-analysed and weighted using SPSS software to obtain scores for each factor, as well as total satisfaction scores. The characteristics of poorly satisfied populations were determined by a multiple linear regression analysis using SAS software. A cluster analysis was performed using SAS software for classification and a separate discussion of populations. RESULTS: The hypertension self-awareness rate (11.29%) of the sampled population was lower than the average hypertension prevalence (23.85%), as recorded in the 2014 Health Statistical Yearbook of the region. The disease knowledge awareness factor was the lowest factor (2.857), whereas the policy awareness factor was the highest factor (4.772). The overall satisfaction was moderate (3.898). The multivariate linear regression model was significant (p <0.05). The regression coefficients were -0.041 for minors; 0.065 for unemployed people; and 0.094 for people with an elementary school educational level, a value lower than that of other population groups. A cluster analysis was used to divide the respondents into five groups. The overall satisfaction was lowest in the second population group (rural, middle-aged)(Fz = 3.64) and was highest in the fourth population group(minors) (Fz = 4.13). Different population groups showed different satisfaction rates in F1 to F6. CONCLUSION: Hypertensive patients had low self-awareness, and residents had a poor grasp of disease and limited health knowledge. Their overall satisfaction was moderate. Residents expressed comparatively high satisfaction with the current policy. Minors, adults with low level of education, unemployed people and other vulnerable groups expressed low overall satisfaction. The degree of satisfaction varied greatly among the different groups. Targeted medical and health practices should be implemented for different groups; additionally, the public health practice should be strengthened. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-017-2200-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.