Doctoral Degrees (Nursing and Midwifery)

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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Nursing and Midwifery) by Subject "Health surveys -- South Africa -- Western Cape"

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    An investigation into the factors influencing the health status of the coloured people of the Western Cape in an urban setting
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2000-12) Stellenberg, Ethelwynn L. (Ethelwynn Linda); Welmann, E. B.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Nursing Science.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Guided by the researcher's clinical experience and through recent outreach research projects (Stellenberg, 1996 and 1997) the factors influencing the health status of two communities were identified through health screening. It was further identified that these problems affecting the health status of these communities were magnified through the poor accessibility, availability, and affordability of health services. According to the researcher, despite the efforts of the Government and attempts to remedy the disparities of the past, the introduction of any such policy should be based on scientific evidence. The researcher decided to investigate the factors influencing the health status of the Coloured people of the Western Cape. This population group is the largest in the Western Cape, being 60,8%. Its domination in this province determines the health status of the province. By acquiring knowledge about the factors influencing the health status of the Coloured population, it will be possible for the policy makers in health care to direct their emphasis on health care policies more appropriately. Currently differences in socio-economic and knowledge levels, along with existing inequalities in health service pose major challenges for the policy makers in health care. Therefore, knowledge about the health status, health practices and health beliefs of minority groups will improve the average health status of the general population. It is against this background, that this research study was undertaken. Specific objectives were set for the study. • To determine the health status of economically active Coloured people in an urban area as defined with specific reference to the indicators as identified by the researcher • To determine the prevalence of factors influencing the health status of economically active Coloured people in an urban area as defined. • To determine the relationship between the health status and the factors influencing the health status of economically active Coloured people in an urban area as defined. • To determine an association between factors influencing the health status of economically active Coloured people in an urban area as defined. • To make recommendations to the health policy-makers concerning factors influencing the health status of the economically active Coloured people in an urban area as defined and possibly related ethnic groups. These objectives were met through an in-depth research study of this population group in six identified suburbs. Factors influencing the health status of an individual as described in the literature were explored and described. The recommendations based on the findings confirmed that the health status of the Coloured population is influenced by the following factors: • Socio-economic Level (education, financial income and occupation) • Lifestyle of individuals (High Risk Behavioural Practice such as smoking, use of alcohol and illegal drugs, dietary intake, minimal exercise, stress management and leisure time) • Ethno-cultural Beliefs: health and illness • Religion, health and illness • Environmental factors • Health Services: accessibility and affordability of services Recommendations based on the findings • Emphasis on re-development and health education of all age groups. • The introduction of social grants for those who are unable to support themselves and their families have become essential in order to improve their health status. • The creation of jobs to improve the socio-economic circumstances of the populations. • Current health services at primary health care level and environmental factors influencing the health status of the population require urgent attention.