Abstract

Background: In the technologically underdeveloped society, it is a common belief that patients are not aware of their rights and duties. The theory of paternalism dictated the medicine man and still continues to do so in third world, developing nations.Objective: To assess the awareness and knowledge regarding patient’s rights and duties, of upper and middle socioeconomic classes, living in a cosmopolitan city of Karachi, Pakistan.Methodology: After institutional permission, a 10-questions survey instrument was designed and tested. Data was collected at a public awareness program open for all residents of Karachi. Autonomy, beneficence, confidentiality, ‘do no harm’ and equality were considered as the patient’s rights. ‘Doctor-shopping’, non compliance with physician advice, hiding information from ones’ physician and asking for medical coverage were among the patient’s duties. Descriptive analysis and scoring was done using SPSSv.16.Results: Out of the total of 269, 200 knew that they have right over their doctor’s decision. Most 211 assumed their physicians did not share their information with others. Many, 167 thought that their doctor do not give favor to others over them. Just 18 reported non-compliance, while 102 revealed that they did consult and followed medications of two physicians for the same disease, simultaneously. Few, 19 hide important information from their physician. Conclusion: Contrary to the belief, our people from upper and middle socioeconomic classes are aware of their rights and duties as patients. However, the level of awareness and knowledge needs improvement.