Evaluation of the Levels of Satisfaction with the Utilisation of Institutional Maternal Delivery Services: A Case Study of Mangochi District Hospital

Maternal satisfaction is a key indicator of the quality of institutional delivery services and plays an important role in improving maternal health outcomes and service utilization. The experiences and perceptions of postpartum women provide valuable insights for strengthening maternity care services. This study assessed maternal satisfaction with institutional delivery services at Mangochi District Hospital and examined the association between selected socio-demographic characteristics and overall satisfaction. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 125 postpartum women aged 18 years and above at Mangochi District Hospital. Participants were recruited using consecutive sampling. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire that assessed socio-demographic characteristics and maternal satisfaction. Satisfaction levels were measured using a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, with descriptive statistics used to summarize satisfaction levels and Chi-square tests applied to examine associations between socio-demographic variables and overall maternal satisfaction. Overall maternal satisfaction with institutional delivery services was high, with 74.4% of respondents reporting being satisfied or very satisfied. The mean overall satisfaction score was 3.9 (SD = 1.0). High satisfaction was observed in interpersonal care, respect and dignity from healthcare providers, emotional support, and cleanliness of labour and delivery rooms. Moderate satisfaction was reported regarding waiting time, involvement in decision-making, and availability of amenities such as beds and water. Chi-square analysis showed that marital status was significantly associated with overall maternal satisfaction (p = 0.043), while age, educational level, and parity were not significantly associated with satisfaction (p > 0.05).The findings indicate that maternal satisfaction at Mangochi District Hospital is generally high, particularly in relation to interpersonal care and provider competence. However, areas such as facility comfort and service organization require improvement. Strengthening respectful maternity care, improving physical amenities, and promoting patient involvement in care decisions may further enhance maternal satisfaction.