Journal of Service Science and Management, 2023, 16, 642-659 https://www.scirp.org/journal/jssm ISSN Online: 1940-9907 ISSN Print: 1940-9893 DOI: 10.4236/jssm.2023.165034 Oct. 26, 2023 642 Journal of Service Science and Management Patient-Provider Interaction in Primary Healthcare Facilities in Tanzania: Findings from Star Rating Assessment Erick Kinyenje 1* , Mbwana M. Degeh 1 , Omary A. Nassoro 1 , Radenta P. Bahegwa 1 , Joseph C. Hokororo 1 , Talhiya A. Yahya 2 , Chrisogone J. German 1 , Mohamed A. Mohamed 3,4 , Ruth R. Ngowi 1 , Yohanes S. Msigwa 1 , Laura E. Marandu 1 , Syabo M. Mwaisengela 5 , Upendo Kimaro 6 , Janeth S. Masuma 7 , Faraja Msemwa 7 , Michael Habtu 7 , Grace Saguti 7 , Eliudi S. Eliakimu 1 1 Health Quality Assurance Unit, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania 2 Management Science for Health, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania 3 Tanzania Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (TFELTP), Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania 4 East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania 5 Division of Policy and Planning; Ministry of Health, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania 6 Health Quality Assurance and Clinical Audit Unit, Muhimbili National Hospital, United Republic of Tanzania 7 World Health Organization, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania Abstract Background: Effective patient-provider interaction plays a critical role in ensuring high-quality healthcare. Tanzania implemented the Star Rating As- sessment (SRA) program since 2015/2016 to evaluate service delivery quality in primary healthcare (PHC). The SRA evaluates various aspects, including patient-provider interaction. This study analyzes data from the latest nation- wide assessment conducted in 2017/2018 to provide insights into the status of Tanzanian facilities in this area and identify potential influencing factors. Methods: The quality of patient-provider interaction was assessed using five indicators: provider’s friendliness, thorough history-taking, complete exami- nation, effective communication of diagnosis and treatment, and sufficient time spent with the patient. Facilities scoring at least four indicators ( ≧80%) were deemed to have good interaction. Proportions of facilities with good in- teraction overall and for each indicator were determined. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the associations between good interaction and different characteristics of PHC facilities, including lo- How to cite this paper: Kinyenje, E., De- geh, M. M., Nassoro, O. A., Bahegwa, R. P., Hokororo, J. C., Yahya, T. A., German, C. J., Mohamed, M. A., Ngowi, R. R., Msigwa, Y. S., Marandu, L. E., Mwaisengela, S. M., Kimaro, U., Masuma, J. S., Msemwa, F., Habtu, M., Saguti, G., & Eliakimu, E. S. (2023). Patient-Provider Interaction in Primary Healthcare Facilities in Tanzania: Findings from Star Rating Assessment. Journal of Service Science and Manage- ment, 16, 642-659. https://doi.org/10.4236/jssm.2023.165034 Received: July 9, 2023 Accepted: October 23, 2023 Published: October 26, 2023