Maternal Satisfaction With Care Provided to Neonates Admitted in New Born Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Patient satisfaction is a vital indicator of quality of care. For neonates, this depends on the viewpoint of the mother. Studies have shown that mothers are more satisfied with neonatal care when they participate in care and receive timely and continued communication. Mothers’ sociodemographic factors, neonatal characteristics and institutional structures and processes influence a mothers’ satisfaction regarding neonatal care. To establish maternal satisfaction with care provided to neonates admitted in new born unit at Kenyatta National Hospital. A descriptive cross- sectional study was carried out in new born unit at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. Data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire and key informants’ guide. Systematic sampling method was used. Quantitative data was analysed by statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23.0, while qualitative data was coded through content analysis manually according to the themes. 108 mothers participated in the study. The mean age of the mothers interviewed was 25.58 years, with 52 (48.1%) having secondary education and majority (56.5%) being unemployed. 56 (51.9%) of the neonates in the study were male and the leading cause of admission to NBU was prematurity (38.9%). Neonatal characteristics which demonstrated a statistical significance to maternal satisfaction were; gestation in weeks at birth (p=0.021) and mode of delivery (p=0.042). There was a significant association between information and maternal satisfaction with care; being informed right away when the child’s condition worsens(p=0.001), questions being clearly answered (p<0.01). Mode of delivery and gestation in weeks at birth greatly influences maternal satisfaction with care provided to their neonates. Mothers receiving daily, timely and honest information concerning their infants’ diagnosis, treatment, investigations and expected health outcome increases maternal satisfaction with care provided.