An investigation into the factors influencing the health status of the coloured people of the Western Cape in an urban setting

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Guided by the researcher's clinical experience and through recent outreachresearch projects (Stellenberg, 1996 and 1997) the factors influencing the healthstatus of two communities were identified through health screening. It wasfurther identified that these problems affecting the health status of thesecommunities were magnified through the poor accessibility, availability, andaffordability of health services.According to the researcher, despite the efforts of the Government and attemptsto remedy the disparities of the past, the introduction of any such policy shouldbe based on scientific evidence.The researcher decided to investigate the factors influencing the health status ofthe Coloured people of the Western Cape. This population group is the largestin the Western Cape, being 60,8%. Its domination in this province determinesthe health status of the province. By acquiring knowledge about the factorsinfluencing the health status of the Coloured population, it will be possible for thepolicy makers in health care to direct their emphasis on health care policies moreappropriately. Currently differences in socio-economic and knowledge levels,along with existing inequalities in health service pose major challenges for thepolicy makers in health care. Therefore, knowledge about the health status,health practices and health beliefs of minority groups will improve the averagehealth status of the general population.It is against this background, that this research study was undertaken. Specificobjectives were set for the study.• To determine the health status of economically active Coloured people inan urban area as defined with specific reference to the indicators asidentified by the researcher• To determine the prevalence of factors influencing the health status ofeconomically active Coloured people in an urban area as defined.• To determine the relationship between the health status and the factorsinfluencing the health status of economically active Coloured people in anurban area as defined.• To determine an association between factors influencing the health statusof economically active Coloured people in an urban area as defined.• To make recommendations to the health policy-makers concerning factorsinfluencing the health status of the economically active Coloured people inan urban area as defined and possibly related ethnic groups.These objectives were met through an in-depth research study of this populationgroup in six identified suburbs. Factors influencing the health status of anindividual as described in the literature were explored and described. Therecommendations based on the findings confirmed that the health status of theColoured 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, stressmanagement and leisure time)• Ethno-cultural Beliefs: health and illness• Religion, health and illness• Environmental factors• Health Services: accessibility and affordability of servicesRecommendations 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 supportthemselves and their families have become essential in order to improvetheir health status.• The creation of jobs to improve the socio-economic circumstances of thepopulations.• Current health services at primary health care level and environmentalfactors influencing the health status of the population require urgentattention.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University