Analysis of equity in the pattern of health care utilisation in South Africa

Includes bibliographical references (p. 96-103).The study seeks to assess South Africa’s health care utilisation pattern in the post apartheid era. This is based on the equity driven policy objectives of the health care system that were meant to have impact on individuals’ health care utilisation patterns. A framework of factors influencing health care utilisation is outlined to explain the determinants of health care utilisation. It gives some insights into the socio-economic and racial differences influencing the use and choice of health care in South Africa. It also attempts to investigate how these factors have changed and whether the pattern of health care utilisation among those with higher need has changed over time