Satisfaction with hospital meal service and associated factors among adult patients admitted to public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024

Background A sound healthcare system is indispensable for fast and better recovery of patients which involves best medication along with adequate and balanced diet. In public hospitals, hospital meal is the source of nutrition for most patients. Despite the critical role of appropriate hospital feeding in the recovery process of hospitalized patients, there is little understanding of satisfaction with food service in regular hospital settings among adult patients admitted to public hospitals. Objective To assess satisfaction levels with hospital meal service and associated factors among adult patients admitted to public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024. Methods An Institution-based cross sectional study was conducted from June to July, 2024. Representative samples of 567 adult patients admitted to public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia were included in the survey. Result The overall satisfaction towards hospital meal services was 32.5% (95% CI: [29, 36]). Multivariable logistic regression shows Meal flavour (AOR = 4.65; 95%CI: [2.26-10.97]), meal type (AOR = 2.35; 95%CI:[1.912-4.49]), provision of well cooked meals for easily chewing (AOR=0.483; 95%CI:[0.294-0.792]), meal provider’s behaviour (AOR = 2.20;95%CI:[1.252-3.195]), and nutritional status (AOR = 0.389; 95%CI: [0.271-0.558]) of respondents were identified as influencing factors of patient satisfaction on meal service at hospitals. Regarding nutritional status 343 (60.5%) of admitted patients were well nourished and 224 (39.5%) were malnourished. Conclusion and recommendation This research revealed low patient’s satisfaction with hospital meal service among adult patients admitted at public hospitals so health managers and health care providers need to work on how to maintain the good aspects of hospital meal services.