A dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005. / Several studies in Europe, Canada and the USA indicate that communication between GP’s and chiropractors is not ideal. Langworthy and Birkelid’s (2001) study concluded that with increasing emphasis on multidisciplinary health care, greater understanding and better communication is needed in order for the patient to obtain optimum benefits. The medical profession in the past has generally been opposed to the theories and practice of chiropractic, for a variety of reasons, including lack of scientific validity as well as unsubstantiated management utility (Silver, 1980). However, a Canadian study indicates that much progress has been made in diminishing the gap between GP’s and chiropractors (Verhoef and Page, 1996). Few studies have investigated GPs’ knowledge, awareness and attitudes toward complementary and alternative health care providers, especially in relation to the balance between market rivalry and interprofessional care (Langworthy and Smink, 2000). One such study performed in the Netherlands by Brussee et al. (2001) found that a statistically significant relationship existed between the level of knowledge of chiropractic and the frequency of referral of patients by GP’s. In the UK, it was found that many GP’s were more comfortable in referring to physiotherapists because they felt they had a better understanding of the treatment involved (Breen, et al., 2000). The chiropractic profession is attempting to improve co-operation with the medical profession via the scientific validation of its theories and practice through research (Rubens, 1996). The current perception in South Africa is that GP’s do not tend to refer patients to chiropractors. This has implications for chiropractic in the South African context in terms of integration. Therefore, as the current “gatekeepers” of primary healthcare, it is important to ascertain the perception and knowledge that this group has of the chiropractic profession in South Africa. The purpose of this investigation was therefore to determine the current knowledge and perception of GP’s in South Africa of chiropractors and chiropractic treatment in general. This should establish a knowledge base to facilitate greater understanding and co-operation between GP’s and chiropractors. / M

Thesis (M.Tech.:Chiropractic)-Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 x, 91, [26] leaves : ill. ; 30 cm / If learners are to make a responsible and accountable choice at school of a field of study and occupation, it is imperative that they receive intensive guidance in this regard at school. Appropriate guidance on educational and occupational matters, and orientation of learners with respect to their individual potentials, will enable learners to choose fields of study at school that will correspond to wider occupational fields and that will serve as a meaningful introduction for a reasonable future choice of an occupation. Thus it was the purpose of this study to determine the current knowledge and perceptions of school guidance counsellors (SGC) with respect to the chiropractic profession in South Africa. This study has thus established a knowledge base to facilitate greater understanding and co-operation between school guidance counsellors (SGC) and chiropractors regarding the referral of learners, who may be interested in a profession in the alternative health care industry, to join the chiropractic field as a learner with the intent to become a practitioner.

Thesis (M.Tech.:Chiropractic)-Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 x, 91, [26] leaves : ill. ; 30 cm / If learners are to make a responsible and accountable choice at school of a field of study and occupation, it is imperative that they receive intensive guidance in this regard at school. Appropriate guidance on educational and occupational matters, and orientation of learners with respect to their individual potentials, will enable learners to choose fields of study at school that will correspond to wider occupational fields and that will serve as a meaningful introduction for a reasonable future choice of an occupation. Thus it was the purpose of this study to determine the current knowledge and perceptions of school guidance counsellors (SGC) with respect to the chiropractic profession in South Africa. This study has thus established a knowledge base to facilitate greater understanding and co-operation between school guidance counsellors (SGC) and chiropractors regarding the referral of learners, who may be interested in a profession in the alternative health care industry, to join the chiropractic field as a learner with the intent to become a practitioner.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 ix, 62, 7 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm / Several studies in Europe, Canada and the USA indicate that communication between GP’s and chiropractors is not ideal. Langworthy and Birkelid’s (2001) study concluded that with increasing emphasis on multidisciplinary health care, greater understanding and better communication is needed in order for the patient to obtain optimum benefits. The medical profession in the past has generally been opposed to the theories and practice of chiropractic, for a variety of reasons, including lack of scientific validity as well as unsubstantiated management utility (Silver, 1980). However, a Canadian study indicates that much progress has been made in diminishing the gap between GP’s and chiropractors (Verhoef and Page, 1996). Few studies have investigated GPs’ knowledge, awareness and attitudes toward complementary and alternative health care providers, especially in relation to the balance between market rivalry and interprofessional care (Langworthy and Smink, 2000). One such study performed in the Netherlands by Brussee et al. (2001) found that a statistically significant relationship existed between the level of knowledge of chiropractic and the frequency of referral of patients by GP’s. In the UK, it was found that many GP’s were more comfortable in referring to physiotherapists because they felt they had a better understanding of the treatment involved (Breen, et al., 2000). The chiropractic profession is attempting to improve co-operation with the medical profession via the scientific validation of its theories and practice through research (Rubens, 1996). The current perception in South Africa is that GP’s do not tend to refer patients to chiropractors. This has implications for chiropractic in the South African context in terms of integration. Therefore, as the current “gatekeepers” of primary healthcare, it is important to ascertain the perception and knowledge that this group has of the chiropractic profession in South Africa. The purpose of this investigation was therefore to determine the current knowledge and perception of GP’s in South Africa of chiropractors and chiropractic treatment in general. This should establish a knowledge base to facilitate greater understanding and co-operation between GP’s and chiropractors.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2008. ix, 106 leaves / Pharmacists are seen as a trustworthy source of advice and information to many people. Their accessibility, approachability and availability enable them numerous opportunities to offer health education and advice in an informal environment. Patient use of and demand for complementary and alternative practitioners including chiropractors, continues to increase, however there have been no studies to determine the extent of the pharmacists knowledge and perceptions/attitudes towards these alternative practitioners. Thus the purpose of this study was to determine the current perceptions, attitudes and knowledge of selected South African pharmacists with respect to the chiropractic profession. This will provide a basis for future studies, as well as a knowledge base to facilitate greater understanding and co-operation between pharmacists and chiropractors.

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 to the Faculty of Health Sciences at The Durban University of Technology in partial compliance with the requirements for a Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, 2008. / Objective: To determine the current knowledge and perceptions of biokineticists with respect to the chiropractic profession in South Africa. Design: A descriptive design was utilized in a qualitative questionnaire in order to evaluate, in a structured manner, the knowledge and perceptions of biokineticists with respect to Chiropractic. Subjects: The total population size used in the study was 657 (response rate n=78; 11.87%). Outcome Measures: These were based on a questionnaire which addressed biokineticists knowledge of Chiropractic, interaction with Chiropractic, Chiropractic terminology and scope of Chiropractic practice. Results: Of the 657 questionnaires that were mailed, only 78 questionnaires were returned and this gave a response rate of 11.87%. The most frequent view or attitude towards chiropractic was that it had a valuable role in the health care system (64%). About 50% of the respondents believed chiropractors to be greatly competent in examination and diagnosis whilst 40% felt that chiropractors were moderately competent in examination and diagnosis. Nevertheless, the rate of communication between biokineticists and chiropractors was found to be quite high, in this study. All together, 67% of biokineticists had communicated with chiropractors. Of those that had communicated, the communication was rated as positive (94.4%). Of those who had referred patients to chiropractors, 41.8% had received treatment feedback reports and of those who had received reports, 68.8% said they were concise and valuable. Conclusion: The results of this study show that the mean knowledge score was 60%. Thus the overall knowledge of chiropractic was high. The only factor that significantly affected respondents’ knowledge was their self reported knowledge of chiropractic. In congruence with this, the most common attitude towards chiropractic was that it had a valuable role to play in the health care system (64%).

A dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2006. / The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of hand and wrist pain, as well as the relationships between occupational overuse syndromes in the hands and wrists of chiropractors in South Africa as a result of their daily use of manual therapy techniques while at work. There are very few statistics available that disclose the nature and incidence of work related injuries. However those statistics that do exist suggest that hands on patient activities place physical therapists at greater risk of injury in comparison to other health care workers (Lunne et al., 2000). A study conducted by Bork et al.(1996) determined the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal injuries sustained by physical therapists. Hand pain (29.6%) and back pain (45%) where the leading cause of pain in physical therapists (Bork et al., 1996.) Chiropractic and physiotherapy are both health care professions that specialize in the treatment of disorders pertaining to the neuro-musculo-skeletal system (Hunter, 2004). Physical therapists use manual therapy techniques as part of their daily working activities, so it can be assumed that chiropractors too will have a high prevalence of hand and wrist pain as they utilize similar therapeutic techniques to physical therapists. Cromie et al.(2000) evaluated the prevalence, severity, risks, and responses of disorders in physical therapists. He identified 4 categories of major risk factors commonly associated with workers musculo-skeletal disorders in physical therapists 1. Risk factors related to specific activities. 2. Postural risk factors. 3. Risk factors with regard to work load issues 4. Risk factors in regard of work capacity and health of the participant (Cromie et al., 2000). Physical risk factors found to be associated with neck, shoulder, or hand and wrist disorders in cross sectional studies are heavy lifting, monotonous work, static work postures, vibrations and repetitive jobs, and a high work pace (Alfredsson et al., 1999). Other factors that have been associated with musculoskeletal pain are higher age and female gender (de Zwart et al., 2001; Wahlstedt et al., 2001; Feveile et al., 2002). / M

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2008. ix, 106 leaves / Pharmacists are seen as a trustworthy source of advice and information to many people. Their accessibility, approachability and availability enable them numerous opportunities to offer health education and advice in an informal environment. Patient use of and demand for complementary and alternative practitioners including chiropractors, continues to increase, however there have been no studies to determine the extent of the pharmacists knowledge and perceptions/attitudes towards these alternative practitioners. Thus the purpose of this study was to determine the current perceptions, attitudes and knowledge of selected South African pharmacists with respect to the chiropractic profession. This will provide a basis for future studies, as well as a knowledge base to facilitate greater understanding and co-operation between pharmacists and chiropractors.

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.