Abstract

This study investigated doctor-patient communication, patient trust and patient satisfaction among PLWHA in Federal Medical Centre Makurdi. The study employed cross-sectional survey design where 150 PLWHA comprised of 85(56.7%) males and 65(43.3%) females were enlisted. Age range was from 42-68years with a mean age of 55.60years (SD=9.70). The researchers used Accidental sampling to draw the participants for the study. Three instruments were used for data collection; Doctor-Patient Communication Questionnaire, Trust in Physician Scale and the Patient Satisfaction Scale. Simple Linear Regression and Standard Multiple Regression were used for data analysis. Results indicated that there was a significant influence of doctor-patient communication on patient satisfaction among PLWHA in Federal Medical Centre Makurdi. Secondly, there was a significant influence of patient trust on patient satisfaction among PLWHA in Federal Medical Centre Makurdi. Also, there was a significant joint influence of doctor-patient communication and patient trust on patient satisfaction among PLWHA in Federal Medical Centre Makurdi. Since communication was found to be key in the medical setting, the researchers reiterated the need for doctors to enhance the relay of information concerning treatment procedures and outcome to their patients. This will also energize them to adhere to medications especially among those living with HIV/AIDS.

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