Dimensions, social and healthcare setting determinants of client satisfaction for HIV/AIDS services: a systematic review

Introduction Quality HIV/AIDS care affects clients’ health-seeking behaviour and adherence to services, which can be evaluated through the patient’s satisfaction with the services. There was an information gap on the status and contributors to HIV/AIDS clients satisfaction, which supports comprehending universal health coverage. This review presented dimensions and comprehensive determinants of HIV/AIDS clients satisfaction. Methods We conducted a systematic review based on articles from Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed, Google Scholar, and grey literature sources. Studies that have reported satisfaction of people living with HIV or at least one determinant and are written in English with full-text available were included. Findings from each study were described in a narrative description. Results There was a heterogeneous level of HIV/AIDS clients’ satisfaction in different settings and countries. Accessibility of services, confidentiality, waiting time to receive care, technical competency, knowledge, and attitude of health care workers were frequently reported determinants. Educational and employment status were common modifiable social factors. Conclusions Public health programmes should follow a multi-pronged approach to fulfil people living with HIV clients’ healthcare needs. It is vital to improve HIV care integration with primary healthcare, improve financing of HIV care, digitalise healthcare settings, invest in pre-service education and in-service training, provide culturally sensitive services, strengthen social works and behavioural change communication services.