Attitudes and experiences towards state provided health services in the case of Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal.
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Date
2020
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Abstract
This study investigated the attitudes and lived experiences of the community of Inanda towards
state provided health services. The study included an investigation of how the attitudes and lived
experiences impact on the individuals’ inclination towards the utilization of public health
services. A mixed method approach was adopted for this research to enable an in-depth
exploration of the attitudes and lived experiences of the community of Inanda towards state
provided health services. A survey, conducted through an electronically administered
questionnaire, which focused on individuals’ attitudes towards their experiences when accessing
health services, was sent to 50 participants from Inanda. Furthermore, 10 in-depth interviews
which were conducted telephonically provided elaborate details of individuals’ experiences at the
health facilities, and how those experiences shape their attitudes towards health services.
Data collected in the survey were analyzed using the google forms built in analyzing tool, as well
as the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The results were presented in the form of graphs and
narratives. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. The interview recordings
were transcribed and then coded for the identification of themes and codes.
The study found out that participants had easy access to public health facilities, most of them
being able to walk to the facility. It was established that the public health system is faced with a
multitude of challenges which impact on the individuals’ attitudes towards them. These include
a lack of resources, a lack of poor work ethics among the staff at the facility which includes verbal
abuse and humiliation of patients and others.
It can be concluded that health services available at public health facilities are substandard and
result in negative attitudes among patients. It is recommended that government strives to improve
communication at its facilities which will improve patient knowledge. It is also recommended
that the government put in place consequence management to address issues of unethical conduct
from staff member.
The study serves to provide evidence of the challenges encountered by individuals whilst utilizing
the public health services. It contributes towards the formulation of policies which aim to improve
the efficiency of services in this sector and, ensuring the provision of streamlined services.
Description
Masters. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.