Perception and satisfaction with received information regarding treatment for intestinal parasitic infections in Cuban patients

Objective: To determine patients'perceptions and satisfaction with received information regarding treatment for intestinal parasitic infection in a public health institution. Methods: Data from this descriptive, cross-sectional study were collected through an open questionnaire administered to patients who sought treatment for intestinal parasite infection during December 2013 at the provincial Centre of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology, in Matanzas, Cuba. Seventy-eight out of 152 patients agreed to participate in the study, signed the informed consent form and were included in the final analysis. Results: Seventy-eight patients (51.32%) completed the questionnaire with a balanced proportion by gender. The majority of respondents (87.18%) was aware of intestinal parasites and their impact on human health but did not recognize that clinical parasitologist were the most appropriate professionals to treat parasites. The majority (89.74%) agreed that it was ethically correct to receive full information about the parasite's characteristics, the available drugs or alternatives to treatment and the adverse events associated with medication. Most of the respondents were willing to return in case of need declaring their satisfaction with the care they received. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that more inclusion of patients in the treatment process will increase their positive perceptions and satisfaction with health providers.