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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Perceptions of Disease, Illness and Health Care among Working and Middle Class Residents in Port Elizabeth
Authors:Booyens, JohanISNI
Cloete, Janine
Venter, DanieISNI
Year:1998
Periodical:South African Journal of Ethnology
Volume:21
Issue:4
Pages:153-164
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:attitudes
public health
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Urbanization and Migration
Health and Nutrition
Abstract:In 1997 a small survey on perceptions of illness and health was carried out in Forest Hill, a white working-class suburb, and Humewood, a white middle-class suburb, both situated in close geographic proximity in the city of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Structured personal interviews were used to gather data on respondents' views on the meaning of illness, different kinds of illness, the efficacy of medical experts, the difference between serious and less serious illnesses, diseases associated with children, causes of illness, and health maintaining behaviour. Data were also gathered on how the respondents obtained their knowledge regarding health and illness issues, how local health services could be improved, and on the role of the government in providing health care. Analysis of the data shows that similarities between the perceptions of middle and working-class people were common in relation to childhood diseases, the difference between serious and less serious diseases and health maintaining behaviour. Differences between the two suburbs were evident when considering the sources of knowledge, the causes of childhood illnesses, and the distinction between various kinds of illnesses. Middle-class residents were also found to be more critical concerning the efficiency of the formal health sector and more receptive to informal health practices. Bibliogr., sum. in Afrikaans and English.
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