Satisfaction with maternal health services and associated factors among parents in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Satisfaction with maternal health services serves as a vital indicator of the overall quality of care and significantly influences child healthcare outcomes. However, there remains a deficiency of comprehensive evidence concerning parents' satisfaction with these vaccination services. This review aimed to evaluate the level of satisfaction with maternal health services and identify the factors that influence it among parents in Ethiopia. Method(s): Satisfaction with maternal health services serves as a vital indicator of the overall quality of care and significantly influences child healthcare outcomes. However, there remains a deficiency of comprehensive evidence concerning parents' satisfaction with these maternal health services. This review aimed to evaluate the level of satisfaction with maternal health services and identify the factors that influence it among parents in Ethiopia. Result(s): In this review, a total of 13 studies comprising 6,023 participants were included in the analysis. The findings indicated that the level of parental satisfaction with maternal health services was 63.5% (95% CI: 58.74, 72.44%). Several factors were identified as contributors to parental satisfaction with maternal health services, including knowledge about vaccination services (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.09, 3.42), favorable attitudes toward maternal health services (AOR = 3.23; 95% CI: 1.86, 5.62), welcoming approaches (AOR = 3.89; 95% CI: 1.80, 8.42), and the experience of waiting less than 30 min to receive services (AOR = 2.59; 95% CI: 1.25, 3.35). Conclusion(s): Overall, only two-thirds of parents reported satisfaction with maternal health services. Key factors influencing this level of satisfaction included the healthcare providers' welcoming approach, waiting times of under 30 min at health facilities, and parents' knowledge and attitudes toward vaccination. To enhance parental satisfaction, it's essential to address these identified factors. Improving timely and welcoming interactions in healthcare service delivery is highly recommended. Ultimately, boosting parental satisfaction with maternal healthcare services calls for a comprehensive approach that emphasizes respectful interactions and efficient service delivery. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO ID CRD42024577054. Copyright © 2025 Zeleke, Tassew, Bayeh and Ayale Ferede.