Systematic Review and Metaanalysis of Parents’ Satisfaction with Childhood Vaccine Services and Associated Factors in Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction

Satisfaction with childhood vaccination services is a vital indication of care quality and it significantly influences healthcare outcomes. However, there is a paucity of comprehensive evidence on parents’ satisfaction with vaccination services. This review aimed to evaluate the level of satisfaction with childhood vaccination services and identify the determinants influencing this satisfaction among parents in Ethiopia.

Methods

Studies were systematically searched from April 3, 2024 to 30, 2024 using Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, African Journal Online, and the Wiley Online Library. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale quality assessment tool designed for quality assessments was used to assess the scientific strength and the quality of each primary study. A random effects model was employed to calculate the pooled estimates. The Cochran’s Q test and I² statistic were used to assess the heterogeneity of studies. The symmetry of the funnel plot and Egger’s test were used to check for publication bias. Percentages and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to pool the effect measure.

Results

In this review, a total of 146,987 articles were retrieved. Ultimately, 13 studies involving 6,023 participants were included in the analysis. The level of parental satisfaction with childhood vaccination services was found to be 65.6% (95% CI: 58.74, 72.44%). Knowledge about vaccination services (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.09, 3.42), favorable attitudes toward vaccination (aOR = 3.23; 95% CI: 1.86, 5.62), welcoming approaches (aOR = 3.89; 95% CI: 1.80, 8.42), and waiting less than 30 minutes to receive services (aOR = 2.59; 95% CI: 1.25, 3.35) were the factors which contributed significantly to parental satisfaction with childhood vaccination services.

Conclusions

Overall, only two-thirds of parents were satisfied with the childhood vaccination services. Key factors of the level of satisfaction included healthcare providers’ greeting or welcoming approach, waiting times of less than 30 minutes at health facilities, knowledge, as well as their attitudes. To improve parental satisfaction in Ethiopia and similar contexts, it is crucial to address these risk factors. Policymakers should establish guidelines for compassionate and respectful care provision and develop strategies to implement patient-centered care services. Furthermore, it is recommended to improve timely and welcoming approaches to healthcare service delivery. Finally, enhancing parental satisfaction with healthcare services requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes respectful interactions and efficient service delivery.

Systematic Review Registration: (PROSPERO ID CRD42024577054)