Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at Durban University of Technology, 2008. / Objectives: To investigate the International Sports Federations’ (IFS) perception and utilization of chiropractors and other sports medical personnel, and to compare results between the executive committees and medical commissions within federations. Methods: A specially designed, quantitative questionnaire was used to collect data from the 65 federations belonging to the General Assembly of International Federations of Sport (GAIFS). The questionnaire distribution took place via e-mail, with the secretary of each federation being requested to forward a copy of the questionnaire to a member of the federation’s executive committee and medical commission respectively. Follow-up telephone calls were also made to further encourage a response from participants. After an 8-week period, returned questionnaires were collected and data was analyzed. Results: From the results obtained (30% response rate), it would seem that perceptions vary greatly. This is most evident when one compares the perceptions of the medical commission members to those of the executive committee members. The medical commission on a whole, appears to favour the more traditional medical professions, while the executive committee seems to be more holistic in their approach to treatment options. In terms of current utilization, chiropractors are currently represented on 16% of medical teams, although chiropractors are able, within their scope of practice, to provide 70% of the federations’ most requested techniques / modalities for competitions. There appears to be little / no criteria governing the selection of medical personnel, however most of the federations agreed that a chiropractor with a post-graduate diploma in sports injuries, would be seen in a more favourable light for selection. Conclusions: The perceptions and utilization of chiropractors and other sports medical personnel varies greatly between federations, which may be due to a number of factors related to the formulation of perception itself. In addition, there appears to be a discrepancy between the opinions of the executive committees and medical commission of the participating federations.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at Durban University of Technology, 2008. / Objectives: To investigate the International Sports Federations’ (IFS) perception and utilization of chiropractors and other sports medical personnel, and to compare results between the executive committees and medical commissions within federations. Methods: A specially designed, quantitative questionnaire was used to collect data from the 65 federations belonging to the General Assembly of International Federations of Sport (GAIFS). The questionnaire distribution took place via e-mail, with the secretary of each federation being requested to forward a copy of the questionnaire to a member of the federation’s executive committee and medical commission respectively. Follow-up telephone calls were also made to further encourage a response from participants. After an 8-week period, returned questionnaires were collected and data was analyzed. Results: From the results obtained (30% response rate), it would seem that perceptions vary greatly. This is most evident when one compares the perceptions of the medical commission members to those of the executive committee members. The medical commission on a whole, appears to favour the more traditional medical professions, while the executive committee seems to be more holistic in their approach to treatment options. In terms of current utilization, chiropractors are currently represented on 16% of medical teams, although chiropractors are able, within their scope of practice, to provide 70% of the federations’ most requested techniques / modalities for competitions. There appears to be little / no criteria governing the selection of medical personnel, however most of the federations agreed that a chiropractor with a post-graduate diploma in sports injuries, would be seen in a more favourable light for selection. Conclusions: The perceptions and utilization of chiropractors and other sports medical personnel varies greatly between federations, which may be due to a number of factors related to the formulation of perception itself. In addition, there appears to be a discrepancy between the opinions of the executive committees and medical commission of the participating federations.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)-Dept. of Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2007 xvi, 236 leaves / The aim of this study was to shed light on the perceptions of third year medical students towards homoeopathy. Medical students represent the future health care professionals in our country, and their opinions about complementary health are very important. The data collected from the questionnaires provides valuable information towards increasing awareness and acceptance of homoeopathy amongst the medical fraternity.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)-Dept. of Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2007 xxii, 250 leaves / This study aimed to assess the perceptions and career choices made by Technikon Witwatersrand Homoeopathy graduates from 1998 to 2004. It is noted that Technikon Witwatersrand (TWR) is now known as University of Johannesburg; however as the name change did not occur at the time of this study, this study refers to this institution as TWR throughout. The study was designed to investigate their demographic composition as well as aspects concerning career choices, the status of their practices and the reality of Homoeopathy being a viable and satisfactory career choice.

Dissertation presented to the Faculty of Health at Durban University of Technology in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, 2008. / Aims and Objectives: To assess the demographics, career paths and factors affecting chiropractic graduates of Durban University of Technology (DUT) from June 1994 to June 2007. Method: A retrospective qualitative survey was conducted on 62 chiropractic graduates of DUT. The sample represented 25.5% of the total chiropractic population. Raw data regarding the demographics, respondents’ perception of their education, current career paths, the factors responsible for affecting these career paths, as well as a profile of chiropractic practices in South Africa (SA) was obtained. All data acquired was assessed using SAS (Statistical Analysis System) version 9.1.3. The data was purely descriptive, describing respondents’ career paths and their experiences, and no specific hypothesis was investigated. Results: The average respondent was found to be a married, white male who started his chiropractic career at age 25-26 years. A total of 98.4% (n = 61) of the respondents were currently in practice, with 80.6% (n = 50) indicating career satisfaction. The majority (62.9%; n = 39) of respondents perceived there to be a growing acceptance of chiropractic within the medical community, whilst 98.4% (n = 61) stated that they are currently part of an active referral system between various other medical practitioners. 46% (n = 23) listed DUT as their preferred choice of chiropractic institution. Conclusion and Recommendations: The majority of respondents’ indicated DUT as the preferred choice of chiropractic institution due to its location and the system of chiropractic taught (diversified). However, shortcomings in the education were highlighted to be a lack of practically applicable knowledge taught at undergraduate level, most especially business skills and speciality areas and that respondents’ perceived the qualification not to be as versatile and widely accepted as other international chiropractic qualifications. Factors responsible for positively affecting the career paths of chiropractic graduates were indicated to be the personality type of the graduate, the means to finance a practice, support from parents and spouse or partner and the level of acceptance graduates received from the public and other professions within the medical sector. A recommendation for future studies is that a longer time period be given for questionnaires to be returned and a larger sample group be established in order to ensure that the sample group and total population is homogenous.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Master’s Degree in Technology: Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2007. / The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions of registered chiropractors towards homeopathy in South Africa. The aim was to establish the knowledge and perceptions of homeopathy and to facilitate greater understanding, co-operation and communication between chiropractors and homeopaths. A questionnaire as a measuring tool was used to carry out this study. The questionnaire was modified from Langworthy and Smink (2000), Maharajh (2005) and Tatalias (2006). A questionnaire was mailed to all chiropractors registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa currently practising in South Africa. The data for this study was derived from 170 (45%) questionnaires. The data obtained was analysed using the SPSS® for Windows™ and Excel® XP™ statistical package. Descriptive statistics using frequency tables and bar charts were used to study the data. Correlation analysis was performed using Pearson’s Chi Square Test, Phi coefficient, Kendall Tau coefficient and Cramer’s V coefficient to determine whether there was any significant association between the factors collected in the responses. Dendrograms were used to analyse questions that had more than one response. On analysing the results it was found that the majority of respondents were white (89.4%). The majority of respondents were between the ages of 25 and 35 and had been practicing for less than 5 years. The majority of chiropractors had a high level of knowledge of the status of homeopathic education in South Africa. 95.3% perceived that homeopathy is legally recognised in South Africa, 91% perceived that homeopathy has a scientific basis and 98% perceived that it is a legitimate form of medicine. The majority of respondents (87.1%) had consulted with a homeopath before and 12.9% of respondents had not. The majority of respondents perceived that homeopathy is suitable for use in conjunction with chiropractic treatment (95.3%). Communication and co-operation between homeopaths and chiropractors was considered to be moderate to good (68.2%). The majority of chiropractors had referred patients to homeopaths and most homeopaths had made referrals to chiropractors. Most chiropractors gave feedback on referred patients to a homeopath and said that they would like feedback on a referred patient. It can be concluded from the study that chiropractors perceive that homeopathy has a role to play in the health care system of South Africa.

This mini-dissertation was submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2007. / This study aimed to assess the perceptions and career choices made by Technikon Witwatersrand Homoeopathy graduates from 1998 to 2004. It is noted that Technikon Witwatersrand (TWR) is now known as University of Johannesburg; however as the name change did not occur at the time of this study, this study refers to this institution as TWR throughout. The study was designed to investigate their demographic composition as well as aspects concerning career choices, the status of their practices and the reality of Homoeopathy being a viable and satisfactory career choice. / M

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Master’s Degree in Technology: Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2007. / The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions of registered chiropractors towards homeopathy in South Africa. The aim was to establish the knowledge and perceptions of homeopathy and to facilitate greater understanding, co-operation and communication between chiropractors and homeopaths. A questionnaire as a measuring tool was used to carry out this study. The questionnaire was modified from Langworthy and Smink (2000), Maharajh (2005) and Tatalias (2006). A questionnaire was mailed to all chiropractors registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa currently practising in South Africa. The data for this study was derived from 170 (45%) questionnaires. The data obtained was analysed using the SPSS® for Windows™ and Excel® XP™ statistical package. Descriptive statistics using frequency tables and bar charts were used to study the data. Correlation analysis was performed using Pearson’s Chi Square Test, Phi coefficient, Kendall Tau coefficient and Cramer’s V coefficient to determine whether there was any significant association between the factors collected in the responses. Dendrograms were used to analyse questions that had more than one response. On analysing the results it was found that the majority of respondents were white (89.4%). The majority of respondents were between the ages of 25 and 35 and had been practicing for less than 5 years. The majority of chiropractors had a high level of knowledge of the status of homeopathic education in South Africa. 95.3% perceived that homeopathy is legally recognised in South Africa, 91% perceived that homeopathy has a scientific basis and 98% perceived that it is a legitimate form of medicine. The majority of respondents (87.1%) had consulted with a homeopath before and 12.9% of respondents had not. The majority of respondents perceived that homeopathy is suitable for use in conjunction with chiropractic treatment (95.3%). Communication and co-operation between homeopaths and chiropractors was considered to be moderate to good (68.2%). The majority of chiropractors had referred patients to homeopaths and most homeopaths had made referrals to chiropractors. Most chiropractors gave feedback on referred patients to a homeopath and said that they would like feedback on a referred patient. It can be concluded from the study that chiropractors perceive that homeopathy has a role to play in the health care system of South Africa. / M

Submitted in filfullment of the Masters of Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2007. / The aim of this study was to shed light on the perceptions of third year medical students towards homoeopathy. Medical students represent the future health care professionals in our country, and their opinions about complementary health are very important. The data collected from the questionnaires provides valuable information towards increasing awareness and acceptance of homoeopathy amongst the medical fraternity. / M

Dissertation presented to the Faculty of Health at Durban University of Technology in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, 2008. / Aims and Objectives: To assess the demographics, career paths and factors affecting chiropractic graduates of Durban University of Technology (DUT) from June 1994 to June 2007. Method: A retrospective qualitative survey was conducted on 62 chiropractic graduates of DUT. The sample represented 25.5% of the total chiropractic population. Raw data regarding the demographics, respondents’ perception of their education, current career paths, the factors responsible for affecting these career paths, as well as a profile of chiropractic practices in South Africa (SA) was obtained. All data acquired was assessed using SAS (Statistical Analysis System) version 9.1.3. The data was purely descriptive, describing respondents’ career paths and their experiences, and no specific hypothesis was investigated. Results: The average respondent was found to be a married, white male who started his chiropractic career at age 25-26 years. A total of 98.4% (n = 61) of the respondents were currently in practice, with 80.6% (n = 50) indicating career satisfaction. The majority (62.9%; n = 39) of respondents perceived there to be a growing acceptance of chiropractic within the medical community, whilst 98.4% (n = 61) stated that they are currently part of an active referral system between various other medical practitioners. 46% (n = 23) listed DUT as their preferred choice of chiropractic institution. Conclusion and Recommendations: The majority of respondents’ indicated DUT as the preferred choice of chiropractic institution due to its location and the system of chiropractic taught (diversified). However, shortcomings in the education were highlighted to be a lack of practically applicable knowledge taught at undergraduate level, most especially business skills and speciality areas and that respondents’ perceived the qualification not to be as versatile and widely accepted as other international chiropractic qualifications. Factors responsible for positively affecting the career paths of chiropractic graduates were indicated to be the personality type of the graduate, the means to finance a practice, support from parents and spouse or partner and the level of acceptance graduates received from the public and other professions within the medical sector. A recommendation for future studies is that a longer time period be given for questionnaires to be returned and a larger sample group be established in order to ensure that the sample group and total population is homogenous.