Parental satisfaction with the quality of neonatal care services provided at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Ethel Muthalika Nursery Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi

Abstract

Background: Parental satisfaction is a crucial indicator of the quality of neonatal care standards. Satisfied parents comply with treatment, thereby reducing readmission and neonatal mortality rates. Malawi had a Neonatal mortality rate of 24 per 1000 live births and minimal evidence of parental satisfaction levels with neonatal care services.

Objective: The study assessed levels and factors associated with parental satisfaction with neonatal care at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Ethel Mutharika Nursery Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Methods: The research involved 250 systematically selected parents whose neonates were admitted for 48 hours. Satisfaction was measured using an Empowerment of Parents in THe Intensive Care-Neonatology (EMPATHIC-N) questionnaire translated to Chichewa, and pre-testing was done. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results: The results showed overall parental satisfaction of 68%, with the highest satisfaction in the care and treatment domain at 99.2% and lowest levels in the information domain at 88.8%. Factors such as education level, tribe, neonate's health condition, and admission ward were associated with parental satisfaction with neonatal care. Tribe, income, and admission ward were important in predicting parental satisfaction levels.

Conclusion: The study found that parental satisfaction with neonatal care services is moderate at 68%, indicating a need for improved communication and overall satisfaction.