Assessment of HIV/AIDS Service Quality Using SERVQUAL Model in Iran: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of services provided in Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) centers from the perspective of clients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) in Shiraz, Iran, in 2019. The data were collected using a SERVQUAL questionnaire. Results: The mean scores of expected and perceived service qualities were 4.81 (95% CI: 4.741 - 4.864) and 3.96 (95% CI: 3.901 - 4.019) in male subjects and 4.85 (95% CI: 4.80 - 4.89) and 4.09 (95% CI: 4.01 - 4.135) in female subjects, respectively. There was a significant difference between the expectations and perceptions of clients in all dimensions of service quality in VCT centers. The gaps in the dimensions of responsiveness and empathy were greater than all other dimensions. Conclusions: Due to the high dissatisfaction of PLWH with the quality of services in the responsiveness, accessibility, and empathy dimensions, priority should be given to these dimensions in any improvement effort. The low education level of this group should be taken into account for any educational programs to be successful.