Inpatient satisfaction with nursing care at the selected public hospitals in the Mopani District, Limpopo Province: Cross-sectional study

This study aimed to determine factors associated with patients’ satisfaction regarding nursing care provided at the selected public hospitals in the Mopani District, Limpopo Province. A quantitative cross-sectional survey of 201 inpatients, chosen by simple random sampling, was conducted using an adapted questionnaire with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.85. Data were analysed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-Square Test of Independence were used to determine the relationship between socio-demographic and patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction was compared among marital status using a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The study found that 77 % of the respondents were satisfied with the nursing care. Greater satisfaction was observed in the aspects of nurses’ respect for patients’ rights (89 %); I have been given privacy by nurses (88 %), nurses deliver care competently (87 %), and nurses are skilful in performing procedures (86 %). Participants’ marital status ( p = 0.043*) and patients’ satisfaction in the decisional control domain were significantly associated. The results of this study indicate that the predominant factor contributing to the respondents’ satisfaction was affective support, followed by professional technical competencies. The majority of the respondents were least satisfied with the health information provided to them and the decisional control given to them, particularly on the aspects of nurses’ involvement of the family in care. The findings of this study provide valuable empirical evidence on the factors influencing patient satisfaction with nursing care and may assist the Limpopo Provincial Department of Health and policymakers in developing targeted strategies to improve the quality of nursing services and enhance patient experiences.