Browsing by Author "Tshaka, Babalwa Blossom"

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    Exploring the experiences of persons with mobility impairments in accessing health care in Cofimvaba, South Africa
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-12) Tshaka, Babalwa Blossom; Ned, Lieketseng; Visagie, Surona; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Centre for Rehabilitation Studies.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Background: Persons with disabilities are experiencing difficulties when accessing health care due to barriers despite the existing policies. Persons with disabilities in urban areas experience fewer barriers in accessing health care as compared to those in rural areas. There still is inequality in accessing health care for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Some persons with disabilities stopped accessing public health care hence this study explored experiences of persons with mobility impairments in accessing health care who stopped accessing health care in Cofimvaba, a rural isiXhosa community in the Eastern Cape. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to explore experiences of persons with mobility impairments in accessing health care as why persons with mobility impairments stopped accessing health care in Cofimvaba, Eastern Province, South Africa. Study Objectives ● To identify challenges faced by persons with mobility impairments in accessing health care in Cofimvaba. ● To explore why persons with mobility impairments stopped accessing health care in Cofimvaba. Method: A qualitative methodology was followed using a descriptive approach study design to explore lived experiences of persons with mobility impairment who stopped accessing health care before December 2018. Snowballing sampling was used which involved building a sample through referrals. Referrals were received from the Community Health Workers who identified participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in isiXhosa with five participants who stopped accessing health care using a self-developed interview guide. I used an inductive approach which is a bottom up approach, and data and themes were derived from the content of the data itself. Data analysis: The six phases of inductive thematic analysis, as a bottom up approach, was used to analyse all interview data. Findings: Themes that emerged from the semi-structured interviews conducted with participants revealed challenges experienced by PWDs in accessing health care. Persons with mobility impairments in Cofimvaba experienced major challenges such as geography (long distance,) broader transport challenges (lack of transport and accessibility of transport), indirect costs to care (transportation cost), not having sickness needs and minor challenges such as physical infrastructure difficulties (inaccessible toilets and acceptability issues), attitude of health professionals and attitudes of public taxi drivers during the process of accessing health facilities. Psychological and social factors Conclusion: The study findings indicated that persons with disabilities are experiencing a combination of structural environmental and service delivery process challenges, especially those in rural areas, when accessing health care that leads to them stopping to access health care. The recommendations include intervention strategies that will assist in improving access to health care for persons with disabilities in Cofimvaba.