Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of the National Health Insurance Amongst Health Workers in Ugu District, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa in 2017

South Africa aims to progress towards universal health coverage by implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI). The perception and actions of health care workers influence the successful implementation of any intervention.

The aim of the study was to establish the knowledge, attitude and perception of National Health Insurance amongst health care workers in Ugu in 2017

A descriptive cross-sectional study using self -administered questionnaires were used to gather information from 380 conveniently selected respondents between October 2017 and December 2017 across all health facilities in Ugu Health District. To establish associations between demographic factors and knowledge, attitude and perception on NHI, Chi- Square (X²) test and multivariate logistic regression were analysed.

Most respondents were aware of National Health Insurance (96.84%). However, only 33% had detailed knowledge of the objectives of National Health Insurance. There was a significant relationship between age less than 45 years and more than 10 years of experience on knowledge of National Health Insurance. The overall perception of National Health Insurance was good (61.92%), despite 60% of respondents believing that there was no proper communication regarding National Health Insurance by the government. Healthcare workers who live in the urban residential area had a better perception of National Health Insurance. The attitude towards NHI was positive, as 77.84% of respondents were willing to comply with the requirements of National Health Insurance.

A targeted approach for communicating information about the National Health Insurance and an increased investment could improve its credibility and effective application.