Cognizance of patients’ rights towards health in a teaching hospital in Sindh, Pakistan: A comparative study

Objectives The objective of this study is to compare cognizance of patients’ rights among patients and doctors. Material and Methods The comparative cross-sectional study was undertaken in various wards of a teaching hospital in Sindh, Pakistan to explore cognizance of patients’ rights among patients and doctors. A total of 390 patients and 417 doctors were selected from the general medicine and general surgery wards of a teaching hospital in Sindh, Pakistan, from December 01, 2021 to February 28, 2022, through convenience sampling. A validated, pre-guided questionnaire was used for data collection. SPSS version 26.0 was used for analysis. The cumulative and segregated analysis of mean ± standard scores of patients’ and doctors’ cognizance regarding patients’ rights were assessed using an independent t-test. Results The segregated analysis of the mean scores of cognizance of patients’ rights among patients and doctors revealed that the majority of associations were statistically significant (p < 0.05), with a few exceptions. These included the right to receive the best available care and respect (p = 0.29), the right to know about their treatment in an understandable language (p = 0.23), and the right to receive healthcare in a hygienic, clean, and safe environment (p = 0.79). Conclusion There is a significant difference in the levels of cognizance regarding patients’ rights between patients and doctors.