AUTHOR=Eleyyan Saeed Y. , ELssyed Etewa Bothyna B. , Al’Haj Ahmad Fatma , El Bilbeisi Abdel Hamid 

TITLE=Evaluation of the quality of care in pediatric hospitals in the Gaza Strip using the WHO integrated tool: the healthcare providers' perspective

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pediatrics

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2025.1589092

DOI=10.3389/fped.2025.1589092

ISSN=2296-2360

ABSTRACT=BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the quality of pediatric care in Gaza Strip hospitals using the World Health Organization (WHO) integrated tool.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 before Gaza war, with a census sample of healthcare providers at three major governmental pediatric hospitals: Al-Nasr, Al-Durra, and Al-Rantisi. Data were collected through an interview-based questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.ResultsA total of 336 participants were included (59.5% male, 40.5% female). Of these, 13% were pediatricians, 16% general doctors, 1% pediatric nurses, and 70% were general nurses. The overall total scores for healthcare providers' responses to the eight WHO quality standards was 29.5%; in addition, it was varied across hospitals: Al-Nasr (29.1%), EL-Rantisi (31.9%), and Al-Durra (28.4%). The lowest score was for Standard VIII (8.3%), related to the physical environment, while the highest score was for Standard V (70.9%) related to rights of children. Statistically significant differences were found for standards I, II, IV, VII, and VIII between the hospitals (P-values < 0.05 for all). Additionally, the health care providers aged 31–35 years were three times more likely to have better overall total scores compared to other age groups [Adjusted Odds Ratio = 3.014, 95% Confidence Interval = (1.255–7.241), P value = 0.014].ConclusionThe study revealed suboptimal pediatric care quality in Gaza Strip hospitals. The lowest scores for the healthcare providers, was 8.3% for standard (VIII), which pertains to the physical environment, emphasizing the need for infrastructural improvements, while the highest scores 70.9% was for standard (V) shows the providers respectful view and acts for children rights without discrimination. There is a need to prioritize upgrading the physical environment and ensuring the availability of essential resources, such as water, sanitation, and medical supplies, to enhance the overall quality of care for children in these hospitals. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare professionals working to improve pediatric care in Gaza.