Inequities in health outcomes and access to health care in South Africa: a comparison between persons with and without disabilities

Abstract

Health is a fundamental human right and if health care is to be universal and equitable it should not be less accessible to some sectors of society than to others. The objective of this study was to compare health outcomes and access to health care between persons living with disabilities and their non-disabled counterparts. The research was based on secondary data analysis of wave 1 of the National Income Dynamic Survey. Results from the study indicated that people with disabilities reported a higher incidence of communicable and non-communicable diseases, lower access to medical insurance and greater use of public health care than their non-disabled counterparts. In conclusion, the findings highlight the inequities in health outcomes and access to health services for people with disabilities and emphasise the need for disability-friendly health care policies that reduce barriers to accessing health care.

Keywords:

• disability
• health care
• access
• inequities
• poverty
• South Africa

Acknowledgements

The research team on this project at the Centre for Social Development, University of Johannesburg was inclusive of Dr Lauren Graham, Dr Edson Munsaka, Ms Zenobia Ismail, Ms Reem Mutwali and Dr Marguerite Schneider.

Disclosure statement

Neither of the authors has any financial interest or benefit arising from the direct application of the research.

Notes

1. In South Africa, the term Coloured is an ethnic label for people of mixed ethnic origin. The government requires all organisations to report on the number of people registered in terms of the four official categories so that it can monitor transformation.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) [grant agreement 58766]. DFAT is responsible for the Australian Government’s international relations, trade and development assistance programmes. The views expressed and information contained in this report are not necessarily those of or endorsed by DFAT, which can accept no responsibility for such views or information, or for any reliance placed on them.