Maternal Health Care Utilization in the Eastern Cape, South Africa A Qualitative Investigation

Mr. Mluleki Tsawe; A. Sathiya Susuman

Authors

Mr. Mluleki Tsawe
A. Sathiya Susuman

Keywords:

utilization; antenatal care; postnatal care; public health; maternal health; private health; primary health care; millennium development goals

Abstract

Background: This study presents qualitative investigations showed in Mdantsane a township in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The aim of the study is to examine the socio-demographic determinants of maternal health care utilization in this province. MethodsThe qualitative investigation revealed some information with regard to the determinants of maternal health care utilization in the study area. Results: The investigation suggests that lack of awareness about the maternal health services offered within the public health system is an important determinant of the frequency in which maternal health services are used. Conclusion: The study has indicated that most health professionals and patients (women) are not aware of the available maternal health services, and this lack of awareness leads to a minimal utilization of such services.

Downloads

How to Cite

Maternal Health Care Utilization in the Eastern Cape, South Africa A Qualitative Investigation. (2015). Global Journal of Medical Research, 15(11), 65-70. https://medicalresearchjournal.org/index.php/GJMR/article/view/

Download Citation

Author Biography

Mr. Mluleki Tsawe

Appunni Sathiya Susuman is a Professor and Deputy Head of the Department of Statistics and Population Studies at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa. With a career spanning over a decade at the institution, his research focuses on demographic transformation, maternal and child health, family planning, and socio-economic determinants of health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. He has authored numerous studies examining critical issues such as teenage pregnancy, maternal mortality, and the impact of socio-economic factors on health service utilization. His work has been widely cited, reflecting his influence in the field of population studies and public health. Professor Susuman is dedicated to advancing evidence-based policy through rigorous quantitative and qualitative research, contributing significantly to the understanding of demographic challenges in the region.

References

M. Cadegan, R. English, Y. Pillay, P. Barron (2012) A Brief Summary of the Strategic Planfor Maternal, Newborn, Child and Women's Health (MNCWH) and Nutrition in South Africa.

Karl Peltzer, Donald Skinner, Sakhumzi Mfecane, Olive Shisana, Ayanda Nqeketo, Thabang Mosala (2005) Factors influencing the utilisation of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services by pregnant women in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. 10(1), 26-40. https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v10i1.186

T. Nteta, M. Mokgatle-Nthabu, O. Oguntibeju (2010) Utilization of the Primary Health Care Services in the Tshwane Region of Gauteng Province, South Africa. 5(11), 13909. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0013909.2010

T. Naledi, P. Barroni, H. Schneider (2011) Primary Health Care in SA since 1994 andimplications of the new vision for PHC re-engineering. http://www.hst.org.za/publications/south-african-health-review-2011.2011

Frank Tanser, Brice Gijsbertsen, Kobus Herbst (2006) Modelling and understanding primary health care accessibility and utilization in rural South Africa: An exploration using a geographical information system. 63(3), 691-705. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2006.01.015

M. Beksinska, B. Kunene, S. Mullick (2006) Maternal Care: Antenatal, peri andpostnatal. http://www.hst.org.za/generic/29.2006