Patients? Perception of Patient-Centered Care and Associated Factors Among Patients Admitted in Private and Public Hospitals: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: The provision of patient-centered care is challenging around the globe, including in Ethiopia. There is a scarcity of information on this issue. Therefore, this study aimed to assess patients' perceptions of patient-centered care and associated factors among patients admitted to public and private hospitals in Bahir Dar city. Methods: A facility-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from May 8-June 15, 2022. Using a multistage sampling approach, the study participants were selected. An interviewer was used to collect the data. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. Statistical significance was declared using a p value< 0.05. Results: Overall, 53.7% of patients reported poor patient-centered care. And it was higher among public hospitals (66.3%) than private hospitals (40.3%). Length of stay (AOR = 4.2; 95% CI [1.1, 15.3] and AOR = 4.3; 95% CI [1.4, 13]), intimacy with providers (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI [1.2, 4.6] and AOR = 3.9; 95% CI [1.1-9.6]), privacy during care (AOR = 4.2; 95% CI [1.93, 8.9]and AOR=3.3;95% CI: [1.5-7]), easy access to service (AOR=2.76;95% CI [1.33, 5.74] and AOR=3.8;95% CI [1.15, 12.7]) were associated with patient-centered care in public and private hospitals respectively. Awareness of the disease (AOR = 2.3; 95% CI [1.12, 4.8]), information on plans of care (AOR = 4.6; 95% CI [1.9, 10]), and being involved in decisions (AOR = 2.7; 95% CI [1.28, 5.9]) were associated factors in private hospitals. The following factors were associated with the practice of patient-centered care only in public hospitals: residence (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI [1.4, 5.5]), medication information (AOR = 2.88; 95% CI [1.34, 6.2]), and external appearance of hospital (AOR = 2.27; 95% CI [1.04, 4.97]). Conclusion: This study showed that the practice of patient-centered care in public hospitals was poor compared to that in private hospitals. Hence, hospitals should train their staff regarding a culture of patient-centered care in order to deliver high-quality and safer care.