Impact of Patients' Ignorance of Their Rights on Equity in Access to Care and the Quality of Nursing Care
Alain Fernand Ingabire *
Food Security and Human Nutrition Program, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O. Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi, Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O. Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O. Box 137, Bujumbura, Burundi and Doctoral School, Pole of Natural Sciences, Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Burundi, P.O. Box 2700, Bujumbura, Burundi.
Esperance Bedetse
Food Security and Human Nutrition Program, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O. Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi, Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O. Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O. Box 137, Bujumbura, Burundi.
Julie Bigirimana
Food Security and Human Nutrition Program, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O. Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi, Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O. Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O. Box 137, Bujumbura, Burundi.
Jean Bosco Nduwayo
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O. Box 137, Bujumbura, Burundi.
Jean Bosco Cishahayo
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ngozi, P.O. Box 137, Bujumbura, Burundi.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: In contemporary health systems, quality of care and equity in access to health services are major governance challenges. The recognition of patients' rights forms part of a human rights-based approach, under which every individual has the right to accessible, equitable, and dignified care. However, in many healthcare settings, particularly in resource-limited countries, the effective implementation of these rights remains insufficient. This study aimed to assess the impact of patients' lack of awareness of their rights on equity in access to care and the quality of nursing services.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 4 May to 2 June 2026 and involved 36 patients hospitalised in the internal medicine department of Mivo Hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and processed and analysed using Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were calculated for all variables.
Results: The study showed that 66.7% of patients had a low level of knowledge of their rights. All patients (100%) identified the rights to dignity and confidentiality as the best-known rights, whereas the right to information was perceived as the least respected. Regarding access to care, all patients perceived access as equitable but identified economic status, knowledge of rights, and geographical distance as influencing factors. All patients rated the quality of nursing care as good and reported that nurses often explained the care provided and that nurse-patient communication was satisfactory. Responses also indicated limited provision of information about patients' rights during care. Factors limiting knowledge of patients' rights included educational level, lack of information in healthcare facilities, and the absence of sensitisation.
Conclusion: Patients' lack of awareness of their rights remains an important challenge that may affect equity in access to care and the quality of nursing services. Targeted patient education, systematic provision of information about rights, and stronger nurse-patient communication may help improve the quality of care and patient outcomes.
Keywords: Patient rights, rights awareness, health equity, access to care, quality of nursing care, patient education, health literacy, nurse-patient communication, patient participation