
Comparison of Perceived Quality in Healthcare Services in Terms of Demographic Characteristics
Chapter from the book:
Dikici,
M.
S.
(ed.)
2025.
Current Issues in Consumer Behavior.
Synopsis
This study examines whether perceived quality levels in healthcare services differ according to individuals’ demographic characteristics within the framework of the SERVQUAL model. Data were collected through online and face-to-face surveys from 426 individuals who received hospital services within the last year in the districts located in the Edremit Gulf region. The data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software. The findings indicate that while there are no significant differences in expected service quality across gender, marital status, and income variables, there are statistically significant differences in the dimensions of empathy and responsiveness based on age, education, and occupational groups. Regarding the actual service quality, significant differences were found among demographic groups in dimensions such as assurance, reliability, and tangibles. The results reveal that individuals’ expectations from healthcare services vary depending on their socio-demographic characteristics, although the actual service delivery is perceived largely similarly. The study also includes recommendations for developing strategies to enhance healthcare service delivery.