Research Healthcare Utilization for Common Infectious Disease Syndromes in Soweto and Klerksdorp, South Africa
Open Access Research Healthcare utilization for common infectious disease syndromes in Soweto and Klerksdorp, South Africa Karen Kai-Lun Wong1,2, Claire von Mollendorf3,4, Neil Martinson5,6, Shane Norris4, Stefano Tempia1,3, Sibongile Walaza3, Ebrahim Variava 4,7, Meredith Lynn McMorrow1,2, Shabir Madhi3,4, Cheryl Cohen3,4,&, Adam Lauren Cohen1,2 1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia USA, 2United States Public Health Service, 3National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa, 4University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, 5MRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, 6Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland USA, 7Klerksdorp- Tshepong Hospital Complex, Klerksdorp, South Africa &Corresponding author: Cheryl Cohen, Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, 2131, Gauteng, South Africa Key words: Diarrhea, health services, meningitis, respiratory tract infections, South Africa Received: 24/11/2017 - Accepted: 27/12/2017 - Published: 10/08/2018 Abstract Introduction: Understanding healthcare utilization helps characterize access to healthcare, identify barriers and improve surveillance data interpretation. We describe healthcare-seeking behaviors for common infectious syndromes and identify reasons for seeking care. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among residents in Soweto and Klerksdorp, South Africa. Households were
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