Factors associated with healthcare service satisfaction among rural residents: a cross-sectional study in the mountainous areas of Southern Anhui Province, China

Healthcare service satisfaction is an important indicator of healthcare performance and residents’ experiences with healthcare delivery. Rural areas often face challenges related to healthcare accessibility and resource allocation. This study aimed to examine healthcare service satisfaction and associated factors among rural residents. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the mountainous areas of Southern Anhui Province, China. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey, and an ordered probit model was used to examine factors associated with healthcare service satisfaction, including healthcare security, healthcare resources, and individual characteristics. A total of 486 valid responses were analyzed. Overall healthcare service satisfaction was generally positive, with a mean score of 3.79 (SD = 0.95). Perceived balance in healthcare resource allocation showed the strongest association with healthcare service satisfaction (β = 2.869, p < 0.01), followed by healthcare security-related factors, including perceived fairness (β = 0.198, p < 0.01). Self-rated health was positively associated with satisfaction in the initial model (β = 0.322, p < 0.01), but this association became weaker after structural factors were incorporated. Healthcare service satisfaction among rural residents is associated with healthcare security, resource allocation, and individual characteristics. Perceived balance in healthcare resource distribution showed the strongest association with satisfaction. Improving rural healthcare satisfaction requires promoting equitable resource allocation and accessible healthcare services.