Utilisation of primary curative services in Diepkloof, Soweto.

A study was undertaken to compare characteristics of attenders at primary curative services in Diepkloof, Soweto, and their reasons for the utilisation thereof. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of patients attending a provincial clinic and two general practitioners (GPs) in the Diepkloof area. The demographic characteristics, utilisation characteristics and reasons for choosing the service are compared. The most important characteristic determining choice of primary care was an individual's access to medical aid: 14% of clinic attenders compared with 67% of GP attenders. Other significant differences between the service users were employment and income. Perceived quality of care, attitude of health workers, distance to the service, availability of credit, waiting time, and the type of illness were also important determinants of choice of service. Methodological issues with regard to the heterogeneity of GP practices and ways of dealing with attitudinal data from a facility-based survey are illustrated.