Percutaneous coronary intervention still not accessible for many South Africans

Type Journal Article - African Journal of Emergency Medicine
Title Percutaneous coronary intervention still not accessible for many South Africans
Author(s)
Volume 7
Issue 3
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2017
Page numbers 105-107
URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211419X17300654
Abstract
Introduction
The incidence of myocardial infarction is rising in Sub-Saharan Africa. In order to reduce mortality, timely reperfusion by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolysis followed by PCI is required. South Africa has historically been characterised by inequities in healthcare access based on geographic and socioeconomic status. We aimed to determine the coverage of PCI-facilities in South Africa and relate this to access based on population and socio-economic status.

Methods
This cross-sectional study obtained data from literature, directories, organisational databases and correspondence with Departments of Health and hospital groups. Data was analysed descriptively while Spearman’s Rho sought correlations between PCI-facility resources, population, poverty and medical insurance status.

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