Title:
Infertility in South Africa: A Neglected Issue in Need of a Public Health Response. An exploration of Causes, Consequences, and Interventions
Authors:
Gorkom, Floor van
Place:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year:
2021
PAGE:
XLIX, 49
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Infertility, South Africa, Prevalence, Social Determinants, Public Health Response
Abstract:
This study about infertility in RSA identified the social determinants, consequences and interventions. The aim was to contribute to the development of context specific and evidence informed response. Infertility is a common yet neglected and understudied problem in RSA. The exact prevalence is unknown; estimates range from 15-20% in couples to 37% in women. The prevalence of male factor infertility is unclear. The main structural determinants are issues around the cultural value of children, gender and inequities within socio-economic position. These cross racial lines, gender and geographic location. The structural factors influence preventable determinants such as; environmental hazards, life style factors as obesity and smoking. And most importantly untreated chronic conditions such as diabetes, STIs and HIV as well as psychological factors due to high stigma and burden for individuals dealing with infertility. The health system is overburdened and understaffed and the cost for infertility treatment needs to be covered by the individuals themselves. There are many barriers in accessing fertility services of which costs and scarcity are the most important. The government did an excellent job in developing an integrated guideline for SRHR and a treatment guideline for infertility in 2019. Implementation and dissemination needs to be improved. The emphasis should be on a multisector and integrated approach with a focus on prevention, awareness and reducing stigma. As well as organizing psychosocial support for individuals facing infertility. The government should consider improving accessibility and coverage of costs of basic infertility treatment and low cost IVF
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute , VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Department:
Development, Policy and Practice
Country:
South Africa
Region:
Southern Africa
Training:
Master of International health (MIH)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2021 Gorkom
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
ExSR3pRc93_20230510100939995.pdf