Evaluation of patients’ knowledge about their rights and responsibilities at Kafr El-Sheikh University

Abstract Introduction The American Dental Association has emphasized the importance of patients being aware of their rights and responsibilities. These responsibilities include providing accurate medical history information, reporting any changes, communicating desires and expectations, participating in healthcare decisions, and speaking out if unsure about dental prescriptions or approaches. This study aimed to evaluate patients’ knowledge of their rights and responsibilities at Kafr El-Sheikh University. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Kafr El-Sheikh University Clinics starting in March 2024. A structured interview administered by the researcher was used to gather data from the patients. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: socio-demographic variables (sex, education, income), knowledge of patients’ rights, and patients’ responsibilities. Results The results showed that all patients (100%) were aware of their responsibility to maintain regular oral healthcare routines at home and to fulfill financial obligations towards healthcare. However, 74.9% of respondents were unaware of their responsibility for the consequences of declining treatment or not following the agreed-upon treatment plan. Conclusions The study concluded that patients had insufficient knowledge of their rights and responsibilities. It was also observed that patients’ knowledge of their rights and responsibilities increased with higher income and education levels.