Prevalence of untreated disease in rural Zimbabwe
Levy, L.F.; Chigwanda, P.C.; Mauchaza, B.; Hatfill, S.; Bakasa, R.
Central African Journal of Medicine 32(7): 159-163
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-9176 PMID: 3495341 Document Number: 269803
A study consisting of 2 rural surveys in the same area with a 9 year interval between was undertaken to investigate the amount of untreated disease present. In 1972-1973, 38% of people interviewed had some disorder, while in 1981-1982 the figure was 59%, showing that there is an enormous amount of neglected disease in Zimbabwe, and that the situation apparently worsened during the 9 years. The range of disease was in accordance with the pattern of conditions seen elsewhere in the country. Many factors were responsible for patients' non-attendance at the hospital. These included belief in traditional medicine, lack of confidence in and fear of Western medicine, and lack of access to hospitals and clinics. It is felt the increasing use of health services will occur as living and educational standards rise, and that this will be accelerated by easier access to, and better understanding of the services offered.