A Comparison of Client Perception of the Quality of Child Welfare Service at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and a Primary Health Centre in Mushin LGA, Lagos State

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare client perception of the quality of child welfare service at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and Palm Avenue health centre in Mushin LGA. A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in March 2004. Study instrument was an interviewer–administered questionnaire. Exit interviews were conducted at Community Health Outpatient Clinic, (CHOP) LUTH and at the Palm Avenue Primary School Health Care Centre over a 3-week period. Data was analyzed with EPI-INFO.
A total of 100 respondents and 99 respondents were interviewed at CHOP and Palm Avenue Health Centres respectively. The mean age at CHOP was 30.2yrs while it was 29.1yrs at Palm Avenue. The mean waiting time to see the primary care giver at CHOP was 92.4 mins. compared to 55.9mins at Palm Avenue Health Centre. Overall, majority of clients (above 80%) were satisfied with service at both centers, through the proportion was higher at Palm Avenue. Age of respondents was significantly associated with client satisfaction with the staff attitude.; the older respondents were more satisfied than the younger ones.
Majority of clients were satisfied with services at the health centre. However, there is a need for client flow analysis and a plan of action to reduce the time spent at these clinics to further improve client satisfaction with health services.


Keywords: client, perception of child welfare service.

NQJHM Vol. 15 (4) 2005: pp. 150-154