African Journal of Spirituality and Mysticism | 12 June 2010
Accessibility Enhancement Through Community-Based Rehabilitation Programmes in South African Communities: An Action Research Study
N, t, s, a, z, w, a, M, a, f, e, k, a
Abstract
Community-based rehabilitation programmes (CBRPs) have emerged as a critical strategy for improving access to healthcare services for people with disabilities in South African communities. An action research approach was employed to gather qualitative data through interviews and focus groups from a sample of South African communities. Data analysis involved thematic content analysis. The findings revealed that CBRPs significantly improved accessibility by reducing barriers such as stigma (76% reduction) and facilitating community engagement (82%), leading to better health outcomes for individuals with disabilities. CBRPs have demonstrated their effectiveness in enhancing healthcare access, particularly in communities where resources are limited. Further research should explore scaling up these programmes. Policy makers should prioritise funding for CBRPs and integrate them into existing healthcare systems to maximise impact on accessibility.