The use of formal, informal and alternative health care in a rural Indian community in South Africa - Where do these patients go to and what do they believe and expect?

Abstract

A study was carried out among Indian families in a rural community in South Africa to ascertain their use of formal care (hospital, general practitioners, chemists ), informal care (traditional healers, traditional beliefs and practices) and, alternative health care (homeopaths, acupuncturists, chiropractors) over a one-month period. A high percentage of people (75% - 90%) reported that they were satisfied with the formal health care services and that they received some explanation regarding their health problem. A fairly high usage of informal resources and traditional healers was found (60%-80%), whereas the use of alternative practitioners was relatively law (13%). Although none expressed a greater degree of satisfactory care than that by the doctor, a fairly high percentage of satisfaction was reported from using informal health care options and alternative health care with regard to outcome of treatment or explanation concerning their illness. The findings serve to emphasise the more universal aspects of the choice of healer or use of traditional beliefs and, practices among Indians. Individual general practitioners should be able to piece together a much more detailed picture of the range of healing resources or options some patients are using.