Utilization of Rehabilitation Services at a Public Health Facility in KwaZulu-Natal

BACKGROUND- Rehabilitation services are recognized as part of an essential service within all levels of care across the health system. The aim of the study was to assess the utilization of rehabilitation services at a public health facility. METHOD- A cross-sectional design was implemented. Data were collected utilizing a questionnaire. A systematic random sampling strategy was used. Descriptive statistics were summarised using frequencies and binary logistic regression model was used. A p-value less than 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. RESULTS- Eighty-three (26.3%) participants utilized rehabilitation services. The most common reason for utilizing rehabilitation services at the public health facility was close proximity 23 (28%) whilst 18 (22%) of the participants highlighted that they had been referred to the hospital. Fifteen participants (18%) reported that they utilized the chosen health facility due to personal preference and 12 (14%) indicated that the facility was the only one they knew. Nine (11%) participants utilized the facility due to reduced transport cost incurred and six (7%) of participants chose a facility due to the perceived reduced waiting times in comparison to other facilities. Race was strongly associated with utilization of rehabilitation services. CONCLUSION- The utilization of rehabilitation services in the public health facility was low. Convenience and patient referral to the hospital were the main reasons why patients chose a facility. The health professionals involved in rehabilitation services should raise awareness about the services available in the facility.