Patient satisfaction and its predictors in emergency department services at debre tabor comprehensive specialized hospital in Ethiopia: an ordinal logistic regression analysis

BACKGROUND: Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of the quality of emergency department care, influencing health service utilization and outcomes. Evidence on patient satisfaction and its predictors in Ethiopian emergency settings remains limited. This study aimed to assess patient satisfaction and its predictors among adult patients attending the Emergency Department of Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 1 to October 30, 2025, among patients attending the adult Emergency Department of Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A total of 394 participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using an adapted Brief Emergency Department Patient Satisfaction Scale, comprising 20 items on a five-point Likert scale. Data were entered into EpiData 4.7 and analyzed using Stata 17. Ordinal logistic regression was performed to assess associations between independent variables and patient satisfaction. The proportional odds assumption was tested, and a partial proportional odds model was applied to variables that violated it. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: All 394 participants completed the survey. Overall, patient satisfaction was high, with 54.1% of respondents reporting very satisfied and 31.7% satisfied. In the multivariable analysis, longer waiting time (AOR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.97-0.98), questionnaire completion with assistance (AOR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.26-0.65), and evening visits (AOR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.22-0.69) were associated with reduced odds of satisfaction. In contrast, admission to wards or intensive care units (AOR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.04-2.58) and a second Emergency Department visit (AOR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.13-3.86) were associated with increased satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Patient satisfaction with emergency department services was generally high. Waiting time, time of visit, questionnaire completion method, admission status, and prior Emergency Department visits were significant predictors of satisfaction categories. Interventions aimed at reducing waiting times, optimizing service delivery during peak hours, and enhancing patient engagement are essential for improving the patient experience in emergency care settings.