The utilisation of different healing systems by the residents of Daveyton township on the East Rand.

Abstract

Purpose . A study of the different utilisation patterns of alternativ e healing systems by the residents of Daveyton township on the East Rand.

Methods . A structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used on adults (18 and older) found in households in Daveyton, which were selected using a stratified random cluster sampling method during the month of July 2000.This method was chosen so as to include all the socio -economic characteristics of the township from informal settlements, old council houses to modern housing.Of the 210 households sampled, 204 were interviewed and 187 had experienced a recent illness or injury in the family.Of these 23.5% were from informal housing, 26.7% modern houses, 40.1 % old council houses, 5.3% new low cost housing and 4.3% from other type of housin g. The questionnaire which was administered by interviewers proficient in the all the languages of the respondents asked questions on the personal characteristics of the respondents, socio - economic profile of the family and questions on their help seeking behaviour.

Results . Of the 187 household that had experienced recent illness or injury, the vast majority (70.1%) sought help from the formal health care system - 38.0% consultin general practitioners, 32.1 % visiting a clinic or hospital. A surprisingly low figure, 5.3% sought help from traditiona healers and 2.7% from spiritual healers.Of the 16.1% of individuals who chose self treatment only 20% used traditional medicines.

Conclusion . There appears to be a strong reliance on western type of health care among the community of Daveyton which amounts to be about 83.5%.