A qualitative study on the barriers to accessing health services: perspectives and experiences of men in rural areas of South Africa.
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Date
2018
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Abstract
The need to improve men's usage and access to essential health care services remains an
important global concern. In South Africa, as elsewhere, health is one of the most
fundamental human rights, and a strong and available healthcare system is important to
satisfy this right. There is also a growing body of literature to suggest that men are less likely
than women to seek assistance from healthcare professional, with women and children in
South Africa having been the main focus of health services. The time has come to include the
health needs of men, as those in rural areas remain neglected from the health services
framework of South Africa. The aim of the study was to explore the barriers to accessing
health services among men in rural areas of South Africa. For the study in-depth face to face
interviews were used to collect data. In total 20 in-depth interviews were conducted among
men aged 18 and over in a rural area at Umgababa (Mnini area). The findings suggest that
rural men experience multiple barriers accessing health services including cost, transport,
fear, distance and so on. In addition there are underlying factors that contribute to barriers in
accessing health care such as poverty, culture, notions of masculinity, gender and health care
providers. The study suggests that more community engagement and consulting needs to be
done in order to encourage more rural men to visit health services. Moreover, the idea of
‘health literacy’, which is characterized as the capacity to make sound health decisions on a
regular day to day basis, at home, in a group, at work, in health care systems, the commercial
centre and the political field. It is a basic strengthening technique to build individuals' control
over their health, their capacity to look for information and to accept responsibility. Health
education is important for promoting health and prosperity.
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.