INFLUENCE OF THE DOCTORS GENDER IN THE SATISFACTION OF THE USERS

This study was carried out in the framework of a wider research projec t concerning the degree of patient satisfaction with the various types of primary health care. We have studied the relationship among the ge nder of the doctor, the gender of the patient and the type of primary health care center involved. In 1 type of primary care center (health centers) the medical staff work as a team, whereas in the other (ambul atory care services), the doctor works alone. The survey was conducted among 86 doctors and 860 patients from urban areas in Andalusia, Spai n. The degree of patient satisfaction was tested on Likert scales. Bot h male and female patients attended by female doctors were more satisf ied than those attended by male doctors (P < 0.005). Both male and fem ale patients were attended in equal proportions by both male and femal e doctors (P > 0.20). Overall patient satisfaction values were not aff ected by the patient's gender (P > 0.40). In comparing overall satisfa ction among patients according with the doctor's gender and type of pr imary health care center, there was a greater degree of satisfaction w ith female doctors working in health centers (P < 0.01) and no differe nce existed in ambulatory care services in this area.