Views of health care services consumers in rural communities on provision of health care in KwaZulu- Natal Province
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Date
2004
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Abstract
The main aim of this study was to determine the views of health care services consumers on the provision of health care in rural areas. It also aimed at highlighting challenges that faced health care service managers about rural health care service delivery.
The study was undertaken in six (6) health districts in KwaZulu-Natal Province. A qualitative and quantitative descriptive survey was conducted. From six (6) health districts selected, six rural hospitals were selected, and out of each hospital two rural clinics were sampled. Twelve rural clinics were selected, and from each clinic twenty five (25) respondents were selected. The total sample consisted of three hundred (300) respondents.
The study revealed that people living in rural areas are still faced with a problem of inaccessibility and unaffordability of health care services. It was evident that rural clinics still experience shortage of nurses and doctors, and that health care services in rural areas are still faced with problems of lack of material resources, lack of electricity, insufficient water supply, absence of emergency services, absence of night health care services and inadequate obstetric health services. Poverty, lack of transport and inaccessibility of health care services are still a major
problem in rural communities.
Recommendations based on the findings of the study highlighted the need for health care authorities, health care planners and managers to focus more on equitable distribution of human and material resources.
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Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of Doctor in Philosophy in the Department of Nursing Science at the University of Zululand, 2004.
Keywords
Rural nursing--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal--Evaluation, , Health care services accessibility--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal, Consumer satisfaction, Outcome assessment (Medical care)