MEDICAL TOURISM DETERMINANTS AND SATISFACTION: A CASE OF TURKIYE

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ÇINAR Ş., Sivuk D., Wang J., Uysal M.

Tourism and Hospitality Management, cilt.32, sa.3, ss.469-480, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 32 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.20867/thm.32.3.10
  • Dergi Adı: Tourism and Hospitality Management
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, CAB Abstracts, EconLit, Hospitality & Tourism Complete, Hospitality & Tourism Index, Directory of Open Access Journals, East & Central Europe Database (ProQuest)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.469-480
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: demographic factors, medical tourism, patient satisfaction, service quality, Türkiye
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Purpose – This study aims to provide fresh insights into the primary factors influencing foreign patients’ satisfaction in medical tourism. Specifically, it seeks to understand how the quality of medical services in Türkiye, environmental factors, and demographic variables affect international patient satisfaction. Methodology/Design/Approach – Data were collected from 412 international patients in Türkiye. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to identify dimensions of satisfaction. Subsequently, correlation and multiple regression analyses examined the relationships between these satisfaction dimensions and variables such as patient age, treatment budget, and revisit intention. Findings – Results reveal significant variation in satisfaction levels across hypothesized factors (e.g., service quality, environmental aspects). Notably, patients from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East exhibited meaningful differences in satisfaction linked to demographics, budget, and intent to return. Originality of the research – This study is among the first to systematically model the key determinants of patient satisfaction in international medical tourism within the Türkiye context. Quantitatively analyzing regional and demographic distinctions, it contributes novel theoretical and practical insights into literature.