Predictors and barriers to access and utilization of public health services among African female migrants in South Africa, Cape Town: a multivariate analysis

Abstract

The global phenomenon of migration has persisted since the dawn of humanity and remains prevalent today. A notable portion of countries’ populations, particularly South Africa, consists of African female migrants, both of documented and undocumented status. The ongoing and significant nature of this mobility has resulted in persistent obstacles in terms of healthcare access and utilisation. Female migrants often encounter challenges in accessing public healthcare facilities in their destination countries, with difficulties arising from issues such as stigmatisation, xenophobia and their migration status. This paper explores the complex connection between African female migrants and accessibility of healthcare facilities, shedding light specifically on the multifaceted challenges the women face in Cape Town, South Africa. The study adopts a quantitative cross-sectional research design, drawing on primary data collected from 300 African female migrants residing in Cape Town. Data were collected over a four-month period using a structured survey instrument designed to capture healthcare utilisation patterns, experiences within healthcare facilities and perceived barriers to access. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was employed using SPSS to examine the relationship between healthcare experiences and key predictors, including migration status, type of healthcare facility utilised, income level, education, employment status, occupation, age, language proficiency and marital status.The findings reveal significant disparities in healthcare experiences among African female migrants. Migration status emerged as an important determinant, with asylum seekers and study permit holders reporting poorer healthcare experiences compared to permanent residents and refugees.