Use and perceptions of public Sexual and Reproductive Health services: A quantitative situational analysis in OR Tambo and Gert Sibande districts

Abstract

This report presents the findings of a quantitative situational analysis of the use and perceptions of the quality of health care services among healthcare users in two districts, using survey methodology. The report was commissioned by the AIDS Foundation of South Africa (AFSA) as part of their three-year Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) programme. The study is framed within a Sexual and Reproductive Justice framework. This conceptual approach expands the rights-based perspective to consider wider contextual factors like socio-economic status, gender, disability, race, and sexuality as potential barriers to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). The primary aim of the study was to identify the key advocacy strategies and levers for change with respect to access to SRHR, identified from a situational analysis of selected facilities. These will inform the work of AFSA’s implementing partners. Survey methodology was used to ascertain people’s own perceptions and experiences of services in terms of access, quality, and satisfaction with general as well as SRH-specific services in the public health system.