Access to primary care for persons with spinal cord injuries in the greater Gaborone area, Botswana

African Journal of Disability, 2019 · DOI: 10.4102/ajod.v8i0.539 · Published: September 23, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Disability

Simple Explanation

People with spinal cord injuries often need more healthcare than others due to their condition and potential complications. However, they frequently encounter difficulties in accessing healthcare services. This study aimed to identify the obstacles and supporting factors that individuals with spinal cord injuries face when trying to access primary healthcare in the Gaborone area of Botswana. The study found that while primary care services were generally affordable and adequate, there were still significant challenges related to availability, acceptability, and accessibility that created barriers for people with spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

6 Months

Participants

57 participants with traumatic and non-traumatic SCI

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional, observational study

Key Findings

1
A significant number of participants (71.9%) felt that healthcare providers lacked sufficient knowledge on SCI-related issues.
2
Many participants faced structural challenges, with 42.1% unable to enter facilities independently and 56.5% unable to use the bathroom.
3
A majority of participants (64.9%) incurred costs by using private health services due to the public services' inability to meet their needs.

Research Summary

This study investigated the barriers and facilitators to primary care access for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in Gaborone, Botswana. The results indicate that while primary care services are generally affordable and adequate, challenges persist in availability, acceptability, and accessibility. The study highlights the need for improved provider knowledge, structural accessibility, and affordability of services to enhance primary care access for individuals with SCI in Botswana.

Practical Implications

Improve Healthcare Provider Training

Implement targeted training programs for primary care providers to enhance their knowledge and understanding of SCI management and related health issues.

Enhance Structural Accessibility

Modify primary care facilities to ensure they are fully accessible, including ramps, accessible bathrooms, and height-adjustable examination couches.

Address Affordability Issues

Explore strategies to reduce the financial burden on individuals with SCI, such as subsidies for private health services or improved access to necessary consumables through public services.

Access to primary care for persons with spinal cord injuries in the greater Gaborone area, Botswana

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improve Healthcare Provider Training

Enhance Structural Accessibility

Address Affordability Issues

Study Limitations

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Was this summary helpful?

Access to primary care for persons with spinal cord injuries in the greater Gaborone area, Botswana

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improve Healthcare Provider Training

Enhance Structural Accessibility

Address Affordability Issues

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?