M.Tech. / On several occasions since the 1994 elections, the South African Department of Health has committed itself to establish appropriate and practical mechanisms for the integration of complementary practitioners and therapies into the National Health System. Although Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) are already used mainly by the higher socio economic groups, Homoeopathy is considered well suited for use in developing countries where the adequate infrastructure, equipment and medicines needed for conventional treatment can not always be provided. There is currently no market-related research available on the awareness or usage of homoeopathy or homoeopathic medicines amongst the lower income groups, those most reliant on the public health care system. To rectify these issues, comprehensive market research needs to done amongst the lower socio-economic groups to determine their levels of awareness of homoeopathy, and if awareness exists, what their level of use is. Well developed, appropriate marketing strategies could lead to commercial expansion into this undeveloped area and the possible inclusion of services and medicines in the public health care system. This study formed part of a three-part study investigating the current public perceptions towards Homoeopathy in South Africa. The research was conducted in the form of a door-to-door survey using a questionnaire. The independent market research company, Research Surveys (Pty) Limited, under the supervision of the researcher, conducted the surveys. The total sample group for all three studies consisted of 2000 respondent interviews conducted in the seven major metropolitan areas of South Africa. These included Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, East London and Port Elizabeth. A total of 1260 Black, 385 White, 240 Coloured and 115 Indian interviews were conducted Sixty three percent of the sample group fell into L.S.M. Groups 2 to 6. This amounts to a total of 1200 respondents. After analysing and discussing the results of the surveys it can be concluded that the consumers from L.S.M. Groups 2 to 6 have a very low level of awareness of homoeopathy, especially when compared to L.S.M. Groups 7 to 10. In general the consumers from this group perceive homoeopaths to be well trained and homoeopathic medicines effective but will still rather consult a medical doctor about certain illnesses. It appears that consumers from this group are not likely to see a homoeopath in the future but would like to see it as a treatment option in provincial hospitals. The lack of interest to see a homoeopath in the future does not seem to be associated with a perceived high cost of consultations.

M.Tech. / The study was aimed at determining the efficacy of the homoeopathic simillimum in the treatment of endometriosis. Endometriosis may be defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity and is often associated with severe pain and infertility. The homoeopathic simillimum is the single remedy prescribed that most closely matches the symptoms presented by the participant. Symptoms from the physical, mental and emotional plane are taken into account when prescribing the simillimum remedy. The ten participants taking part in the study were evaluated at monthly intervals over a period of four months. The participants were assessed on different levels including mental, physical and emotional and the homoeopathic remedies were individually prescribed for each participant. Participants were required to record all symptoms experienced on a daily basis and report back at the monthly evaluation. The results of the daily evaluation and the observations, made by the researcher at each monthly visit, enabled the researcher to determine the efficacy of the homoeopathic treatment. The results of the daily evaluations were statistically analysed using the Analysis of Variance technique and the Chi-squared statistic to test for associations. The study showed a statistically significant improvement in the amount of bleeding, constipation, depression, diarrhoea, nausea and pelvic pain experienced by the participants and a not statistically significant improvement was shown for well-being, vomiting, dysmenorrhoea and dyspareunia. The women taking part in the study felt there was an improvement in the majority of symptoms associated with endometriosis. Therefore, the homoeopathic simillimum has proved benefit

M.Tech. / Hypertension or elevated blood pressure is an initiator and promoter of cardiovascular disease and end organ damage. Primary or essential hypertension is an elevated blood pressure due to an unknown or unidentifiable pathology. Secondary hypertension may be caused by underlying pathology or certain medication. Although a number of allopathic drugs are available, hypertension may remain uncontrolled despite lifestyle changes combined with adequate allopathic treatment. This is termed as refractory hypertension. Poor patient compliance, inadequate diuretic therapy, inappropriate drug combinations, and obesity are the leading causes of uncontrolled or refractory hypertension. Crataegus oxyacantha θ is a homoeopathically prepared mother tincture (θ) that has been clinically used to treat hypertension and cardiovascular complaints. However there is insufficient research to confirm its efficacy in the treatment of hypertension. The aim of this study is to ascertain the efficiency of Crataegus oxyacantha θ in the treatment of refractory hypertension in adult males aged between thirty-five and sixty-five years, currently taking allopathic treatment, namely Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors combined with a diuretic, and to evaluate the effect of Crataegus oxyacantha Ө on associated symptoms of hypertension. These include headaches; palpitations; vertigo; blurred vision and tinnitus. The study was a placebo controlled double-blinded trial that extended over a period of 12 weeks. Thirty male participants between the ages of thirty-five to sixty-five, that were pre-diagnosed with refractory hypertension for a minimum of two years with a fluctuating blood pressure reading above 150/95 mmHg and currently on allopathic medication i.e. ACE-inhibitor with a combined diuretic were recruited for the study by means of advertisements placed at the University of Johannesburg health clinic, pharmacies and community clinics. Participants were randomly placed in either the experimental or the control group. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria underwent a physical examination and consented to the study (Appendix A). The participants blood pressure was measured on both arms as advised by Milne in the South African hypertensive guidelines 2003 (Annexure A), at the first visit and for two consecutive mornings in order to obtain a baseline reading. He was randomly assigned in either the experimental or the control group. The control group received a 50ml bottle of the 20% alcohol placebo and the experimental group received a 50ml bottle of the homoeopathic remedy, Crataegus oxyacantha θ. He was instructed to take 10 drops in 125ml water twice daily after meals. During the trial period the participant’s blood pressure was assessed every 2 weeks against the measured baseline readings for a period of 12 weeks. The severity of the following symptoms was assessed every 2 weeks, headaches; palpitations; vertigo; blurred vision and tinnitus and other symptoms that he may have experienced. These results were graded and recorded on the progress form (Appendix C). The data obtained from the participants was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages). The blood pressure of the experimental group was compared to the control group as obtained at the first consultation and each of the six follow-up visits. Groups were compared using the Chi-Square test and the Non Parametric Mann Whitney U test. Statistical analysis showed significant differences, P <0.05 for the systolic blood pressure between the experimental and control group. There was a significant decline in the diastolic blood pressure of the experimental and the control group. The diastolic pressure of the control showed a significant decline between day one and week six, however remained constant from week six to week twelve. This implies that the placebo may have provided some benefit towards the lowering of diastolic blood pressure in adult males. The associated symptoms were investigated and the results obtained indicate that headaches and blurred vision remained a constant mild symptom that was experienced throughout the twelve week trial period. Due to the statistical difference between the experimental and the control group in favour of the experimental group, the null hypothesis was rejected. Preliminary findings suggest that Crataegus oxyacantha Ө, is effective in reducing elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adult males with refractory hypertension, however more research over a longer period of time is needed to confirm theses findings.

M. Tech. / The aim of this study was two-fold: firstly, to investigate the general perceptions of practising graduates with regards to the strengths and weaknesses of the construction of the M.Tech:Hom Degree in facilitating the attainment of the exit level outcomes currently associated with the programme offered at the University of Johannesburg. Secondly, a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) was conducted to identify training needs for Continued Professional Development (CPD). This is done so as to ascertain whether or not the programme is meeting the needs of the profession and whether the institution is achieving the stated purpose of the programme. The sample group consisted of graduates from the last ten years and who have been in practice. Participants therefore included those from novice practitioners, intermediate practitioners and experienced practitioners. Participants were interviewed either telephonically or in person using a structured interview. The Strength and Weakness Questionnaire (Appendix D) was formulated from exit level outcomes as clearly stated in the SAQA registration document (Appendix F). These were open-ended, free-response questions where participants were offered the opportunity to give their opinion in regard to which skills they considered important (as practitioners) in attaining each Exit Level Outcome (ELO) and to identify strengths and weaknesses in the education that they received with regard to achieving the ELO. The Training Needs Analysis Questionnaire (Appendix E) was presented in the form of a list of possible training topics that the practitioner may be interested in attending. The results of the study clearly illustrate the perceptions of graduates of the current M.Tech:Hom programme with regard to skills that they feel are required to attain the published exit level outcomes of the programme. From the analysis of the results of the Strengths and Weaknesses questionnaire as well as the TNA it can be concluded that the M.Tech:Hom programme is comprised of courses which are required to fulfil the stated ELO’s. This does not rule out further development of the ELO’s to meet the requirements of a changing education and professional environment.The Training Needs Analysis further identified training modules applicable to the defined categories of “Refresher Training Module”, “Comprehensive Training Module” and “Full Training Module” which may assist in the development of Continuing Professional Development programmes and curriculum changes. In addition, the number and type of these courses appear to indicate a considerable need for the establishment of a Continuing Professional Development programme.

M. Tech. / The Census of 2001 (Statistics South Africa, 2001b) estimates that 80% of the South African population categorises themselves as Christian. Homoeopathy is part of the multibillion rand alternative and complementary health industry (Health Products Association of Southern Africa, 2008). However, there are concerns within the Christian community about whether or not Homoeopathy is an acceptable healing modality for Christians. This is in part due to negative perceptions of Homoeopathy often encouraged by Christian authors such as Brown (n.d.) Dick (n.d.) and Barrett (2004). The study sought to investigate the perceptions of South African Christians about Homoeopathy. Specifically it looked at the Presbyterian and Methodist Christians in Gauteng, which accounts for 9.8% of Christians in Gauteng (Statistics South Africa, 2001b). The particular areas of investigation were the perceived spirituality underlying Homoeopathy, Homoeopathy’s origins, the training of Homoeopaths and lastly the principles of Homoeopathy. A questionnaire survey was conducted in the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches in Gauteng. The information sheets and questionnaire were distributed at a variety of church meetings. The questionnaire was divided into three sections, Section A was background questions, Section B was questions related to personal perceptions and attitudes, and lastly, Section C was an optional free open-ended question. It was proposed that one hundred and eighty questionnaires be completed; one hundred and seventy seven were used for the analysis. The sample consisted of Ordained Ministers, Trainee Ministers and Congregants. The questionnaires were analysed by STATKON using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows (SPSS). The statistics were descriptive and comparisons between groups were made using multi-variant techniques. Section A was analysed by frequencies, Section B was divided into four factors each dealing with a specific aspect of Homoeopathy, namely; the perceived spirituality underlying Homoeopathy, the origins of Homoeopathy, the training of Homoeopaths and lastly the principles of Homoeopathy. Section C was an open-ended / optional question divided into negative comments, Neutral / I Do Not Know and positive comments made by the participants. The Presbyterian sample was compared to the Methodist sample. There was no personal identifying data on the questionnaires, this allowed for complete anonymity of all participants. The participants gave consent to participate in the study by filling in the questionnaire. The results showed that for Factors one, two and three in the Presbyterian and Methodist samples, the perception about the spirituality underlying Homoeopathy, the origins of Homoeopathy and the training of Homoeopaths were all positive. Factor four, the principles of Homoeopathy, showed a negative perception in all sample groups except, the Presbyterian Trainee Minister group that showed a perception of Neutral / I Do Not Know. There were no statistically significant differences between the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches. However, there were statistically significant differences within the sample groups in the Methodist Church, even though their perceptions were all positive perceptions, the Trainee Minister group showed a greater inclination to a perception of Neutral / I Do Not Know. It would be helpful to continue this research into the wider Christian community and to extend it across all the provinces in South Africa. It was evident from the study that there is a great need for educating the Christian community about Homoeopathy and engaging in a comprehensive marketing programme.

M. Tech. / Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a minimum of one year of regular intercourse without contraception (Carlson et al, 2002). This may occur as primary infertility, where individuals have never had a biological child, or secondary infertility where individuals have had at least one previous documented conception (Greer et al, 2003). Infertility, in the African setting, is seen as a violation of the social norm. It contributes to psychological distress and marital instability as well as the loss of social security, social status and gender identity. Parenthood is considered culturally mandatory making childlessness unacceptable. Not only does Africa have the highest fertility rates in the world, Africa also has the highest number of infertility cases globally (Dyer et al, 2005; Ragone & Twine, 2000). Unexplained infertility is diagnosed when the routine investigation of semen analysis, tubal patency and assessment of ovulation show no abnormality and the couple have engaged in regular sexual intercourse. Unexplained infertility is thus a diagnosis of exclusion. When a previously identified cause of infertility is corrected, yet infertility persists a diagnosis of unexplained infertility is also given (Behrman et al, 1988). Before a diagnosis of unexplained infertility can be made four aspects are generally assessed. Each aspect encompasses a different aspect of the reproductive process: the number and quality of sperm, maturation and release of the ova, barriers to fertilization and barriers to implantation and maintenance of pregnancy (Cooper-Hilbert, 1999). The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of homoeopathic similimum treatment in females pre-diagnosed with unexplained infertility using case studies. Cases were evaluated using fertility and parameters related to fertility which include basal body temperatures and midcycle cervical mucous changes. In addition, general parameters such as general well-being, premenstrual symptoms, dysmenorrhoea and sexual function were also evaluated. Concomitant symptoms were included in the analysis of each participant’s holistic case. The male partner was also required to be free of any structural and functional pathology.

Patient satisfaction in health care is a combination of need, expectation and the experience of care. It is an intermediate outcome, and may reflect the standard of service the patient received at a health care facility. Health care which does not satisfy the patient, is less effective, because less satisfied patients do not comply with instructions, they take longer to follow up with appointments and they have a poor understanding of their medical condition (Wilkin, Hallam and Dogget, 1994; Al-Assaf, 1998). Many service providers are motivated by the aim of providing fundamental quality care for their patients and therefore, determining the level of patient satisfaction forms a very important part of managing and fulfulling the patients’ health care needs (Smith, 2001a). The aim of this study was to assess the level of patient satisfaction and gather data on patient behaviour at the Technikon Witwatersrand (TWR) Homoeopathy Clinic, as an approach to improve the quality of care at this facility. The information gathered was further intended to demonstrate the quality of health care delivered to the community. A sample group of one hundred patients was randomly selected from a population of two hundred and one patients who consulted the Technikon Witwatersrand Homoeopathy Clinic from February 2004 to May 2004. The patients’ degree of satisfaction with health care provided at the clinic was obtained by means of a telephonic interview (Appendix A), which explored the patient’s experience at the Technikon Witwatersrand (TWR) Homoeopathy Clinic. Most patients had a positive experience at the clinic. Factors that led to a favourable response were: the affordability of the clinic, the quality of the physical exam, the friendliness, the approachability of the senior I I homoeopathy student and the high level of satisfaction of patients regarding their treatment plan. Areas in which patients expressed dissatisfaction with were: the clinic’s accessibility, the accuracy of their diagnosis, the explanation of their medical condition and the explanation of the homoeopathic case taking procedure. Areas of health care delivery identified as problematic were: aspects of patient education in homoeopathy, patient education on their diagnosed condition and certain aspects of service delivery. Valuable information on patient behaviour and patient satisfaction was gathered by this study at the TWR Homoeopathy Clinic, which could be utilised to improve areas of health care delivery at the clinic. / Dr. N. Wolf Dr. S. van Es

No description available.

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / This is a study which has involved the treatment of individuals, manifesting with depressed symptoms, using homoeopathic medication. Each patient was first seen by a clinical psychologist who made her own diagnosis of the patient's depressed condition. Each patient then attended a three hour initial case-taking session where the researcher gathered much information about that patient's life story. The researcher was interested in all physical, emotional and mental symptoms that patients were experiencing. Thus, the approach was a holistic one, i.e. where all aspects of the individual are seen as a totality. The case-taking was then followed by analysis of the patient's case using homoeopathic tools of a repertory and materia medica to find that remedy which matched that patient's totality, their similimum. This remedy was prescribed and a patient's progress noted through follow-up sessions. where prescriptions may have been altered. The treatment lasted six months. Thereafter, the same clinical psychologist, again saw the patients individually and made her diagnosis of every patient's condition. This study was an attempt to remain true to the principles of classical homoeopathy. Thus, the researcher did not categorise patients with suitable depressive terms and their treatment was totally specific for each patient. The aim was to show that treatment should be individualised, which is the basis of homoeopathy, irrespective of the illness being treated. It was also an attempt to provide an alternative treatment which was neither non toxic nor suppressive to the human body.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Technikon Natal, 2002. / This study investigated the effect of camphor, naphthalene (mothballs), cellular phones and televisions on 4cH and 200cH homoeopathic dilutions of gibberellic acid (GA3).The ability of treated dilutions to promote germination of barley seed, (Hordeum vulgare cv. Stirling, ex Sensako, Western Cape, South Africa, 2000 harvest) was measured by a germination index. / M