Patients’ Satisfaction with the Diabetes Control and Prevention Program in Tehran, Iran, 2013: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Although diabetes control and prevention program has been initiated in Tehran, Iran and five other large cities in the country since 2010, patients' satisfaction with the services provided by this program has not been evaluated yet. The aim of this study was to determine the patient satisfaction with this program in Tehran. Methods: This cross-sectional study, were conducted in 15 primary health care centers in Tehran, Iran in 2013. We enrolled 386 people aged older than 30 yr referred to primary health care centers. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the degree of patients’ satisfaction with the services (the questionnaire included six domains: access to services, continuity of care, the humanness of staff, provision of health education materials, effectiveness of services, comprehensiveness of care). The chi-square test, independent t test and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. Results: Overall, 239 patients (62%) were female. The mean age (SD) of the patients was 51±11 yr. Overall, 263 patients (68%) were highly satisfied with providing services. The highest levels of patients’ satisfaction were in the domains of continuity of care, the humanness of staff, and effectiveness of services. The lowest level of satisfaction was in the domain of provision of health education materials. Conclusions: Diabetes control and prevention program seems to be a suitable program in health care centers in Tehran, however, it is necessary to make further plans to improve the level of training materials provided to patients and comprehensiveness of care.