Dantile Zola
Rural areas in South Africa are characterized by health problem endemic like tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS. Also unemployment, illiteracy, poverty, interpersonal violence, lack of basic services like running water and sanitation are rife. They lack resources and skilled professional guidance. Traditionally, physiotherapy is done on one-on-one basis and physiotherapists are mostly based in the cities.
This paper describes how physiotherapy services through an empowerment process can promote a dignified quality of life and ensure self-reliance.
The case studies revealed the influence of cultural practices and value system on the way rural people perceive illness and health will be highlighted. The prevalent conditions resulting to ill-health are due to poverty and lack of knowledge. Health promotion and education utilized to provide physiotherapy service proved to be a beneficial intervention rather than the one- on- one approach.
The intervention resulted in the reduction of stress levels, better understanding of one's condition and body mechanics. The clients also perceived their health problems differently and took charge of their own health.
In conclusion, it is important to make specialist service accessible to the rural communities so as to detect health problems early. Effective communication and knowledge of community resources is crucial for service provision.