Patient satisfaction with psychiatric outpatient care and associated factors among patients attending public hospitals in the Harari Region, Eastern Ethiopia

Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of healthcare quality and is closely linked to treatment adherence, service utilization, and clinical outcomes in mental health care. Although access to mental health services has improved in Ethiopia, evidence regarding patient satisfaction with psychiatric outpatient services in Eastern Ethiopia remains limited. This study aimed to assess the level of patient satisfaction and identify factors associated with satisfaction among psychiatric outpatients attending public hospitals in the Harari Region.

An institution-based multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 psychiatric outpatients selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire incorporating standardized assessment tools. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with patient satisfaction. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05, and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.

Overall, 216 participants (52.8%; 95% CI: 47.75%–57.60%) were satisfied with the psychiatric outpatient services they received. Factors independently associated with higher patient satisfaction included a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.62–6.02), strong social support (AOR = 3.29; 95% CI: 1.86–5.80), consistent availability of prescribed medications (AOR = 4.11; 95% CI: 2.54–6.67), payment through health insurance (AOR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.04–2.66), and waiting times of less than 30 minutes (AOR = 4.19; 95% CI: 1.34–13.09).

Slightly more than half of psychiatric outpatients were satisfied with the services they received. Patient satisfaction was significantly influenced by clinical diagnosis, social support, medication availability, health insurance coverage, and waiting time. Interventions aimed at improving service efficiency, ensuring uninterrupted medication supply, strengthening social support systems, and expanding health insurance coverage may enhance patient satisfaction and improve the quality of psychiatric outpatient care.