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Child health and health care utilisation. A community-based survey in Mitchell's Plain, CP
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town.
Insights
This study in Mitchell's Plain found respiratory infections and asthma to be common childhood illnesses. Healthcare access, especially after-hours care, varied significantly based on medical aid status, highlighting public sector service needs.
Area of Science:
- Community health
- Pediatric health
- Healthcare utilization
Background:
- Childhood illness patterns and healthcare-seeking behaviors are crucial for public health planning.
- Understanding healthcare access disparities is vital for equitable service provision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of illness and patterns of healthcare use among children under 15 in Mitchell's Plain.
- To identify factors influencing access to acute and after-hours care for pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- A community-based study utilizing proxy-reported data on illness and healthcare utilization.
- Analysis of consultation rates for acute illnesses and the roles of private and public healthcare sectors.
Main Results:
- Respiratory infections and asthma were the most frequently reported acute and chronic childhood illnesses, respectively.
- An average of 1.82 consultations per child per year for acute illness was estimated.
- Private general practitioners provided 50% of first-contact acute care, while the public sector managed severe acute and chronic conditions.
Conclusions:
- Medical aid significantly impacts access to after-hours pediatric care.
- There is a clear need for expanded public sector after-hours services to improve healthcare accessibility for children.
- Replication of this study in other communities is recommended to inform broader health strategies.
Abstract:
A community-based study of proxy-reported illness and health care use by children under 15 years of age in Mitchell's Plain, CP, is reported. The most commonly reported acute illness was respiratory infection and the most commonly reported chronic illness was asthma. There are estimated to be 1.82 consultations/child/year for acute illness. Fifty per cent of first-contact acute care was provided by private general practitioners. The public sector provided the remainder, and also care for the more severe acute illness and treated chronic illness. Medical aid was an important determinant of access to after-hours care. There is a need for an extended after-hours public sector service and similar studies elsewhere would be beneficial.