Spatial distribution and factors predicting perceived respondents’ satisfaction with confidentiality and protection of personal health information: an analysis of the 2014 Ghana demographic and health survey

Confidentiality and protection of personal health information are crucial for the smooth functioning of healthcare organisations. Seeking feedback from patients concerning confidentiality and protected personal health information is among the key ways to improve healthcare services in Ghana. This paper aims to determine the prevalence of patient satisfaction with confidentiality and protection of personal health information (CPPHI) geospatially, as well as to determine factors that influence patient satisfaction with CPPHI among Ghanaian health seekers. Secondary data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) complex survey was used. A total of 9,777 participants were sampled from the 10 regions in Ghana for this study. An adjusted Logistic regression model with robust standard error was conducted to examine predictors of patient satisfaction with CPPHI in Ghana. Based on 9,777 total respondents, the prevalence of patient satisfaction with CPPHI in Ghana was 98.9% in 2014. Participants from the Brong Ahafo (12.6%), Upper East (12.5%), Upper West (12.4%), and Northern (11.8%) regions of Ghana reported the highest levels of satisfaction regarding how health facilities ensure the confidentiality and safety of their personal health information. Eastern (9.3%), Greater Accra (9.3%), Volta (8.7%), Western (8.2%), and Central (7.84%) were the least satisfied regions. The adjusted logistic regression model analysis revealed that age (aOR = 0.72, 95%CI [0.55–0.94]; p = 0.014), level of education (aOR = 1.96, 95%CI [1.28–3.00]; p = 0.002), occupation (aOR = 2.52, 95%CI [1.62–3.93]; p < 0.001), region of residence (aOR = 1.19, 95%CI [1.11–1.26]; p < 0.001), hold valid national health insurance scheme (NHIS) card (aOR = 0.34, 95%CI [0.15–0.76]; p < 0.009), type of health facility (aOR = 2.00, 95%CI [1.01–3.99]; p = 0.047), and ease of access to care (aOR = 8.53, 95%CI [5.53–13.16]; p = 0.047), were determinants of perceived patient satisfaction with CPPHI. The overall satisfaction with CPPHI was very high. The study revealed some predictors of patients’ satisfaction with CPPHI in Ghana. Age, level of education, region of residence, household wealth index, occupation, health facility type, ease of access to care, and quality of service provided by holding an NHIS card were predictors of patient satisfaction with CPPHI. Widespread patient and provider education on ethical principles of privacy, confidentiality, and transparency in the handling of personal health information should be ensured by healthcare providers and stakeholders.