Client satisfaction upon health services is important for public especially for those who have to undergo treatment for tuberculosis (TB) noted for its difficult regime. The purpose of this study is to measure client dissatisfaction level towards TB treatment & services among TB patients in government outpatient health services and the factors that influenced it. This study was carried out in all the districts of West Coast Division of Sabah. It was conducted from June 2002 to November 2002. Study design is cross-sectional, with population samples taken on those who are currently receiving outpatient TB treatment in government health facilities. Questionnaires forms were used as study tool and filled by either by respondent or through the help of trained interviewer. The outcome is based on the total score obtained through Likert scales to determine the proportion of dissatisfied group from the respondents. A total of 488 patients took part in this study. Results of study showed overall percentage of 31.8% dissatisfaction level towards TB
treatment & services, while dissatisfaction towards TB treatment and upon health services alone were 54.3% and 24.0% respectively. The predictive factors for client dissatisfaction towards TB treatment and services are those without education, longer waiting time and have opinion of insufficient number of health staff.
Key words: Tuberculosis, client satisfaction, TB treatment, services, Sabah.
Study site: Outpatient clinics, hospitals, Sabah, Malaysia