Factors Influencing Patients' Selection of Healthcare Providers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Riyadh

Abdulelah Bin Shihah; Mohammed Alqadhibi; Rakan Nahedh H Almutairi; Abdulaziz Saud Alanzan; Abdullah Fahad Abahussain; Abdulrahman Mohammed Althewaikh; Sulaiman Mohammed Al-Zamel; Mashael Al-Ghanem

doi:10.54293/smhj.v5i3.136

Authors

Abdulelah Bin Shihah Consultant, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, KSA. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7800-8529
Mohammed Alqadhibi Majmaah University, college of medicine, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5823-3474
Rakan Nahedh H Almutairi Majmaah University, college of medicine, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1868-3468
Abdulaziz Saud Alanzan Majmaah University, college of medicine, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9392-6559
Abdullah Fahad Abahussain Majmaah University, college of medicine, KSA. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3253-8692
Abdulrahman Mohammed Althewaikh Majmaah University, college of medicine, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5092-2740
Sulaiman Mohammed Al-Zamel Intern, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, KSA.
Mashael Al-Ghanem Intern, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1239-0277

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54293/smhj.v5i3.136

Keywords:

Healthcare Provider Selection; Patient Preferences; Social Media Influence; Al-Majmaah

Abstract

Background: In the current healthcare system, patients increasingly play a significant role in selecting their healthcare providers (HCPs). This decision-making process has the potential to enhance service quality and reduce expenses. Access to quality information about HCPs is essential for patients to make informed choices. This study aims to identify the factors influencing HCP selection among residents of Al-Majmaah, Saudi Arabia, to suggest improvements in healthcare satisfaction and efficiency.

Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in Al-Majmaah, Saudi Arabia (Feb-Apr 2024), targeting 414 adults aged ≥18 via an online questionnaire (Appendix A). Statistical analysis using R v 4.3 included linear regression, Sidak adjustment, and multinomial logistic regression to assess demographic associations with HCP preferences and trust in recommendation sources. Results were visualized with box/violin plots and tested at a 5% significance level.

Results: Analysis of 414 participants revealed reputation and experience as critical HCP selection factors. Family was the most trusted recommendation source (54.6%), followed by friends (20.1%) and social media (15.9%). The X platform was most trusted (61.4%), with TikTok (14.0%) and Snapchat (13.8%) nearly equal. A significant majority (85.5%) believed more information would improve decision-making. Age influenced social media preference: younger respondents (mean age 23.63 years) preferred TikTok, while older (mean age 38.50 years) favored Facebook.

Conclusion: This study emphasizes patient HCP preferences, highlighting family and social media influence, and provider reputation and experience. It suggests prioritizing transparency, reputation, and communication to enhance patient satisfaction.