Farming communities are unreceptive towards health survey fieldworkers      

South African Demographic and Heath Survey (SADHS) fieldworkers are experiencing challenges in some areas of the country, which is delaying the completion of data collection for the survey. Most of the areas in which fieldworkers find themselves not welcome are farming communities and high-walled suburban areas.

Some semi-urban and informal areas have also proven to be difficult for fieldwork, as a result of refusals to be surveyed and inaccessibility. These include Khayelitsha in Western Cape, and Harry Gwala in Free State.

Stats SA would like to reiterate that this survey will be of benefit to the participants and South African’s in general as it would highlight areas that requires health intervention from government and other non-governmental organisation.

It is critical that the SADHS 2016 receives a high response rate, as information emanating from it will be used to make key public health decisions and policies. On completion, the survey will enable Stats SA to compile estimates on child and maternal mortality, fertility rates, and the prevalence of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, among others.

A comprehensive list of problematic areas can be found below.

About the survey

The South African Demographic and Health Survey is a sample survey conducted by Stats SA and the South African Medical Research Council on behalf of the National Department of Health. The survey collects data from 15 000 sampled dwelling units between June and November 2016 and asks a wide range of questions on health, fertility, nutrition and family planning, among others. The results of the survey will be used to measure the health status of South Africans as well as the coverage and quality of selected health programmes.

Issued by Statistics South Africa

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Email: LesediD@statssa.gov.za