Original Research

Barriers to accessing and utilising under-five primary health care services in Vhembe District

Livhuwani Tshivhase, Idah Moyo, Sophie M. Mogotlane, Sophy M. Moloko
African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine | Vol 16, No 1 | a4429 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v16i1.4429 | © 2024 Livhuwani Tshivhase, Idah Moyo, Sophie M. Mogotlane, Sophy M. Moloko | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 04 December 2023 | Published: 26 June 2024

About the author(s)

Livhuwani Tshivhase, Department of Nursing, School of Health Care, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Idah Moyo, Department of HIV Services, Faculty of Population Solutions for Health, College of Human Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; and Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
Sophie M. Mogotlane, Department of Nursing, School of Health Care, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Sophy M. Moloko, Department of Nursing, School of Health Care, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the region with the highest under-five mortality rate globally, with 74 deaths per 1000 live births. Even though under-five child primary health care (PHC) services are free in South Africa, accessing such services remains challenging. Children under 5 years reportedly die from common illnesses such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria, which are treatable in PHC facilities.

Aim: The study explored the barriers to accessing and utilising under-five PHC services in the Vhembe District.

Setting: The study was conducted in two PHC centres in Vhembe District among guardians accessing care for under-five child health services.

Methods: An interpretative phenomenology design was followed using a semi-structured individual interview guide. Sixteen participants were purposively sampled for the study. Colaizzi’s steps of data analysis were followed, and trustworthiness as well as ethical principles were ensured throughout the study.

Results: Four themes emerged as health system barriers, health personnel-related behaviours, health facility infrastructure barriers and guardians-related barriers. Subthemes emerged as distance from the facility, lack of resources, long waiting times; poor time management, lack of commitment and work devotion, insufficient waiting space; challenges with water and sanitation, guardians’ healthcare beliefs and the urgency of the illness.

Conclusion: It is imperative that an enabling professional and friendly environment is created to facilitate better access to PHC services for children under 5 years.

Contribution: The study’s findings brought insight into considering the context of the guardians in improving quality care for under 5 years.


Keywords

access; barriers; guardians; primary health care; under-five child

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

Metrics

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Crossref Citations

1. Iron and Vitamin A Status of Children Aged 0 to 36 Months in Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District, South Africa
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Children  vol: 11  issue: 8  first page: 1018  year: 2024  
doi: 10.3390/children11081018