Healthcare services utilisation, subjective perception of health and satisfaction with services in Patras, Greece

Aim The aim of the study was to examine the factors associated with health-service use, obtain a self-assessment of health status, and evaluate overall satisfaction with healthcare in adults living in the city of Patras, Greece. Subjects and methods We designed a cross-sectional study. A random sample of 312 people from Patras was collected to assess respondents' use of health services, their subjective perceptions of health status, and their satisfaction with healthcare services. Univariate analyses with Pearson's chi-square test and Student's t-test were followed by multivariate logistic regression models investigating the impact of socioeconomic factors on health-service use and satisfaction. Results Of the respondents, 17.9% hadused a healthcare service at least once within the last 12 months. Self-assessments of health status above average were reported by 66.3% of respondents, and 61.2% were satisfied with their healthcare services. Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified the predictive factors for healthcare visits, subjective perceptions of health status, and satisfaction with healthcare services. Below average subjective health perception was more likely in the older, female, and socioeconomically deprived population with chronic medical conditions. Females with chronic medical conditions were more likely to use healthcare services, and they had a greater likelihood to be satisfied with their healthcare services. Conclusions Recognition of people's needs and satisfaction with services will lead to more rational implementations of health-directed policies.