Patient Satisfaction in Perineal Laceration Topics Provided by the “Spesialis Keliling” (Speling) Program: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Perineal laceration is a prevalent complication of vaginal delivery and may lead to adverse maternal outcomes when postnatal care and education are inadequate. In Indonesia, unequal access to specialist obstetric services remains a challenge. The Spesialis Keliling (Speling) program was introduced to enhance access through community-based outreach. This study aims to assess patient satisfaction and examine associated factors with the Speling program in obstetric and gynecological services. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among women aged ≥18 years who received Speling services, including counseling on birth canal trauma, in Surakarta, Central Java, in 2025. A total of 34 participants were included. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Overall patient satisfaction was reported by 58.8% of participants. Satisfaction was significantly higher among participants reporting easy access to services, good provider communication, and adequate understanding after counseling (p<0.001 for all). No significant association was found between satisfaction and history of perineal laceration (p=0.295). The Speling program achieved a favorable level of patient satisfaction. Accessibility, effective communication, and patient understanding emerged as key determinants, underscoring the importance of patient-centered and educational approaches in outreach-based obstetric services.