Factors influencing the waiting time of clients attending services at Kitgum General Hospital, Kitgum district. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/gyzbr249Keywords:
Client-related factors, Facility-related factors, Waiting time, Kitgum General HospitalAbstract
Background:
Patient waiting time remains a persistent challenge worldwide. Waiting time is defined as the total duration a patient spends in a healthcare facility, from registration to receipt of the required service. The study aims to determine the client-related factors and facility-related factors influencing waiting time at Kitgum General Hospital.
Methodology:
The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design. Participants were selected through simple random sampling, and data collection was done using self-administered questionnaires, direct observation, and document review. The collected data was first analysed manually using paper and pen tallying, after which the researcher presented it in tables, graphs, and pie charts generated in Microsoft Excel version 2013.
Results:
The highest percentage of 33.3% (N=10) of the respondents was in the age group of 31-40 years. The majority had ever been treated in a facility 17(56.7%). Most respondents arrived at the OPD between 7:00 am and 8:00 am 14(46.7%). Most rated the time spent at the facility as too long, 16(53.3%). The most sought treatment for fever was 12(40.0%). The majority were taken for investigation after seeing the doctor, 22(73.3%). The majority reported that workers were not available 20(68.0%). Most stated that staff shortage was not reported, 16(55.0%). The majority indicated that there was no long diagnostic testing time 19(65.0%). Most respondents reported that guidance to service points was provided 18(60.0%).
Conclusion:
Age and gender were the client-related factors most strongly associated with waiting time. On the facility side, shortage and unavailability of health workers were the main causes of delay.
Recommendations:
To minimise waiting time, the hospital should strengthen staffing, improve triage efficiency, and enhance nurses’ training. Clients should also be guided immediately upon arrival to ensure faster service delivery.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Patrick Wokorach, John Anywar, Ronald Awoi, Filder Monica Odela, Denis Obong (Author)
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