Perception of Patients with Chronic Illness on the Quality of Holistic Care Received at Family Medicine Clinics in Abia State

Background: Holistic care, encompassing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of health, is a defining philosophy of family medicine. Its practical delivery and patient perception in resource-limited settings in the South East geopolitical zone warrants empirical investigation. This study explores patient perceptions of holistic care quality at family medicine clinics in Abia State. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted, enrolling 30 patients with chronic conditions through purposive sampling at three family medicine clinics in Aba and Umuahia. In-depth interviews lasting 45 to 60 minutes explored experiences of care across the biopsychosocial and spiritual dimensions. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied. Results: Participants expressed high satisfaction with the physical management of their conditions. However, psychological and social dimensions of care were perceived as inadequately addressed. Spiritual care acknowledgement varied significantly between practitioners. Patients valued continuity of care and felt that longitudinal relationships improved holistic quality. Conclusion: Holistic care delivery at family medicine clinics in Abia State is predominantly biomedically focused, with significant gaps in psychosocial and spiritual dimensions. Family medicine training programmes should reinforce holistic assessment frameworks and patient-centred consultation models as core competency requirements. Keywords: holistic care, chronic illness, family medicine, patient perception, Abia State