User satisfaction with pharmacy services in the Brazilian National STD/AIDS Program: validity and reliability issues

Cad Saude Publica. 2009 Jul;25(7):1597-609. doi: 10.1590/s0102-311x2009000700018.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of a user satisfaction scale regarding the Brazilian National STD/AIDS Program, specifically related to dispensing AIDS medicines. The scale was developed and applied in a study covering 10 Brazilian States that evaluated the quality of medicine dispensing. The questionnaire was answered by 1,412 people living with HIV and undergoing antiretroviral therapy. Construct validation involved two stages of factor analysis. The item-total correlation matrix was analyzed, and tests for associations between the target variable, socio-demographic variables, and related constructs were performed. Reliability was studied by means of the sub-scales' internal consistency, estimated by Cronbach's alpha. Five relevant satisfaction dimensions were identified. A moderate level of internal consistency was found for these dimensions, suggesting they were adequate. The results of the association tests agreed with other studies reported in the literature. We conclude that the instrument is appropriate for application in similar populations with adequate psychometric characteristics and serves to measure users' assessments of the pharmaceutical services received and helps to orient improvements in such services.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / supply & distribution*
  • Brazil
  • Community Pharmacy Services / standards*
  • Community Pharmacy Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • National Health Programs
  • Patient Satisfaction / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychometrics
  • Quality of Health Care / standards
  • Quality of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents