Magnitude and Associated Factors of Dignity Preservation Among Hospitalized Patients, Mwanza Region Northwestern Tanzania. A cross sectional study

Abstract

Dignity is considered a fundamental human right and is recognized as one of the core concepts in patient care. Human beings have an intrinsic value that differentiates them from other creatures and thus deserve respect and privacy irrespective of their position. Therefore, a violation of human dignity is also regarded as a violation of human rights. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of dignity preservation and its associated factors among hospitalized patients. Material and Methods: Thiscross-sectional study was conducted on 270 hospitalized patients in the two teaching hospitals of Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) and Mwanza Regional Referral Hospital. Data were collected by a questionnaire of two sections: (a) Demographic characteristics and (b) Patient dignity scale, including 32 statements. Data were analyzed by Stata version 15E software, whereby a student’s t-test statistic was used to compare the total dignity mean score of demographic variables with two categories and the ANOVA test statistic for comparison of the total dignity mean score of demographic and other variables with more than two categories. Results: Majority of patients 175(64.8%) were not informed about their basic rights. There was a significant difference in the mean score of total dignity among males and females (p=0.016), single and married people (p=0.005), those who attended Bugando Medical Centre and Mwanza Regional Referral Hospital (Sekouture) (p=0.002), and those who were admitted to a private and general ward (p=0.029). Conclusion: The healthcare system should consider dignity preservation through comprehensive education to healthcare providers about the importance of dignified care and patient rights in hospitals.