Health education (HE) is gaining popularity and recognized as a key in achieving better health outcome. Objectives of this study were to determine the patient’s satisfaction regarding health education in primary health care centers (PHCCs). And to strengthen the capacity of health education services by identifying the gaps. A cross sectional study was conducted for 3 months in different PHCCs of Jeddah targeting the patients after their consultation. Two centers from each region were selected through stratified random sampling. A validated questionnaire was used to assess patient’s satisfaction regarding health education provided. Overall moderate to high satisfaction with the health education methods was 58% and 38% respectively. However, around 68% overall high satisfaction was noted with the quality of health education. More than 50% females reported not receiving health education during their consultation with the physicians (the most preferred way identified) as compared to 94% by the male patients (p < 0.001). More printed health education material was available to the male patients (79%)(p < 0.001). Overall satisfaction level for the quality was satisfactory but needs improvement for the method of health education. One to one educational clinics preferably by the physicians were the most desired method identified for the health education by the study participants. A need to strengthen the health education services by introducing professional development programs was highlighted.
Keywords: Health education, patient satisfaction, primary health care, quality.
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