South Africa Women Health Information
Reported, December 12, 2011
In South Africa the lifetime average number of children per women is 3 compared with 2 in the UK.
60.3% of women of reproductive age report using (or a partner using) a contraceptive method compared with 82% in the UK.
6% of women aged 5069 years have undergone a breast examination or mammography compared to 75% in the UK and 17% of women aged 2069 years have undergone cervical cancer screening compared to 70% in the UK.
There is a moderate risk of anaemia in people from this country. Be alert to this possibility in recently arrived migrants, particularly for women and pre-school children, and test as clinically indicated.
Consider vitamin D deficiency in individuals who may be at risk as a result of their diet, skin colour or lack of sun exposure.
There is a risk of vitamin A deficiency in this country.
Anaemia
There is a moderate risk of anaemia in people from this country (estimated prevalence in non-pregnant women 20-40%). Be alert to this possibility in recently arrived migrants, particularly for women and pre-school children, and test as clinically indicated.
Vitamin D deficiency
Sunlight is the major source of vitamin D and dark skinned individuals or those who for cultural or religious reasons cover their whole bodies when outdoors are at risk of deficiency, as are those whose diets (vegetarian/vegan) do not contain an adequate vitamin D supply.
Vitamin A deficiency
There is a risk of vitamin A deficiency in this country.
Screen all new entrants (including children) from this country for TB.
All patients from this country should be offered an HIV test.
Sexually active individuals should be offered a full sexual health screen and safer sex health promotion advice.
This country has a high prevalence of hepatitis B. Consider screening for hepatitis B, particularly among those who have recently arrived.
There is a high risk of malaria in some areas of this country.
