Kwabena A. Kyei
Head (Chair) of the Department of Statistics at the University of Venda, Thohoyandou
Title: Accessing health care services by students at the university of venda, thohoyandou, South Africa
Biography
Biography: Kwabena A. Kyei
Abstract
South African youth experience obstacles related to accessing age-specific health care services. School-based health centers
provide youth-friendly services tailored to meeting the healthcare needs of young people. Are there obstacles preventing
students from accessing healthcare services? The study aims to assess the level of awareness regarding the University of Venda
(UNIVEN) campus health services and to determine the availability and acceptability barriers experienced by students in
accessing the campus health services. Five hundred and thirty-four respondents drawn from all the residences in the University
campus and comprising students from all the schools and levels were sampled using two stage sampling. Questionnaires were
administered face-to-face to respondents. The validity and reliability of the study was ensured. Ethical considerations, such as
informed consent, right to privacy, and no-harm to participants, were observed and addressed. The results from data analysis
indicated that the average age of the study population was 21.85 years with almost all the respondents (95%) being aware of
the existence of a health clinic in the University campus. However, only 63% had gone for consultation at the clinic. Awareness
of the clinic’s services appears to be poor. HIV counselling and testing was the most known service, while minor illnesses’
management was the most utilised service (48%). Barriers experienced by the respondents were related to waiting times and
opening hours of the clinic, with only 33% and 39% respectively, describing them as ideal. The study provides evidence that
although University health services may be provided at no cost, students still experience barriers in accessing them. Effective
measures are needed to increase students’ awareness of the clinic’s services and to shorten waiting times and improve clinic
opening hours.