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Apr 30, 2013Article Details
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Main Article Content
Provincial screening rates for chronic diseases of lifestyle, cancers and HIV in a health-insured population
Abstract
Objective. To examine screening rates for chronic diseases of lifestyle (CDL), HIV and cancer in a privately insured population for a single
insurer across all nine provinces in South Africa, and to determine whether or not there are any differences between the provinces.
Method. Screening rates were calculated as the proportion of eligible members who had received screening tests during 2011 in each
province. Mean screening rates were compared between Gauteng and the other eight provinces.
Results. Nationwide screening rates were 20.5% for CDL, 8.2% for HIV and 31.9% for cancer. Despite similar insurance coverage, screening rates
ranged from 0.3% to 0.95% lower in other provinces compared with Gauteng. Of all the provinces, Gauteng had the highest annual screening
rates for CDL, breast cancer, prostate cancer and HIV (p<0.001), while the Western Cape had the highest rate for cervical cancer (p<0.001).
Conclusion. There is much variation in preventive care utilisation across the provinces within this health-insured population. Provinces with more abundant healthcare resources have higher screening rates. Further research is required to understand the reasons for the variation, given equal payment access.
