Journal of Asian and African Studies
Volume 52, Issue 4, 2017, Pages 458-470

Lived Experiences of Democratic Republic of Congo Refugees facing Medical Xenophobia in Durban, South Africa (Article)

Zihindula G.* , Meyer-Weitz A. , Akintola O.
  • a University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
  • b University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
  • c University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Nipissing University, Canada

Abstract

This research was undertaken to explore experiences of xenophobia by refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with the health care system in Durban, South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative methodology consisting of 31 in-depth interviews with refugees from the DRC. Framework analysis was conducted. The findings revealed that refugees face medical xenophobia during their encounter with health care workers with language barriers and documentation as the first stumbling block in efforts to seek health care services. The pervasiveness of xenophobia is also experienced in prejudice evident in ethnic slurs, unwelcome and insensitive comments and discriminatory practices, including denial of treatment, contributing to inequality in health care delivery. © 2015, © The Author(s) 2015.

Author Keywords

South Africa Refugees Medical xenophobia Democratic Republic of Congo Health care seeking

Index Keywords

xenobiotics questionnaire survey refugee qualitative analysis ethnicity Democratic Republic Congo health services health care South Africa Durban KwaZulu-Natal
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85020232150&doi=10.1177%2f0021909615595990&partnerID=40&md5=4173b9a016aad903d5743c9d62bd2a5b
DOI: 10.1177/0021909615595990
ISSN: 00219096
Cited by: 3
Original Language: English