Background: Patient satisfaction influences the outcomes of the physician-patient encounter. Patient satisfaction has become a significant health care outcome and a useful indicator of the quality of care. The aim of the study was to assess the level of satisfaction among Obafemi Awolowo University Health Centre attendees in relation to physician-patient interaction and ascertain the relationship between the different aspects of physician-patient interaction, patient satisfaction and adherence intent.

Methods: Demographic information and information on patients' feelings about their doctors was collected from 300 consenting patients in a cross-sectional survey, using an adapted Medical Interview Satisfaction Scale self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed with SPSS version 11. Logistic regression was conducted to identify the factors predicting patient satisfaction and adherence intent.

Results: Of the 300 patients studied, 63.3% were generally satisfied with their physician-patient interaction. Nineteen per cent of patients were uncertain of their level of satisfaction. Patient satisfaction was positively associated with adherence intent. Patient confidence in the doctor and good communication skills and information provision on the part of the doctor predicted patient satisfaction, while patient confidence in the doctor and information provision by the doctor predicted adherence intent.

Conclusions: A fifth of the study subjects were dissatisfied with their doctor-patient relationship. This study suggests the need for primary care physicians to be aware of the important place of interpersonal skills development in the application of medical knowledge and expertise in the provision of health care.