Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Department of Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / Introduction In collaboration with LifeLine, Durban University of Technology (DUT) established its first satellite homoeopathic clinic; Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Clinic (UNHC). UNHC serves as a teaching clinic which is part of a Bachelors and Masters of Technology: Homoeopathy programme. It provides a free homoeopathic primary healthcare service at the LifeLine building in Warwick junction, Durban, an area which is classified as being disadvantaged. The area in which UNHC is situated consists primarily of small, informal businesses and low cost housing and experiences high crime rates, prostitution and violence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patients’ perception of the services provided by UNHC and to determine how patients are responding to treatment at UNHC so as to try formally quantify the percieved effectiveness of homoeopathy as a form of treatment in the primary healthcare sector. Methodology This study was a quantitative, descriptive survey to determine the patients’ perception of the services provided at UNHC and to determine their response to the homoeopathic treatment received. Non-probability, convenience sampling was applied over a 12 month period (August 2012 – August 2013) in which 44 consenting research participants were recruited. To be included in the study the participants had to be follow-up patients (with an existing file at the UNHC), over 18 years of age and at least conversant in isiZulu or English. Results A data collection tool in the form of a questionnaire was designed to obtain data around a variety of variables pertaining to the patients’ satisfaction of the service provided and response to treatment. The administration and general satisfaction was received with very positive results. Ninety-eight percent of the sample group agreed that the staff at the clinic are polite, quick to help patients and informed the patients of the waiting time for an appointment. Eighty-six percent agreed that the waiting time for an appointment was good enough; however thirty-six percent were dissatisfied with the waiting time for the medication. Sixty-one percent of the participants were satisfied with the clinic offering afternoon only appointments but 32 percent disagreed on the suitability of available times. The category “Professionalism” dealt with the perceptions of the front entrance, waiting room, toilets and treatment rooms as well as the comfort and privacy of the doctor’s rooms. Overall there was a positive perception of these. Twenty-five percent of the sample disagreed that there was enough privacy in the consultation rooms which is a large number. The overall impression of the attending homoeopathic student included perceptions of their appearance, skill, friendliness, manners, organisation, care and confidence. Ninety- seven percent of the research participants had a positive perception of these. All participants perceived the attention given to their case as being either ‘Good’ or ‘Very good’. The main diagnostic group of conditions that presented as primary and secondary complaints were Genitourinary based (34%) followed by gastrointestinal (14%), respiratory (14%) and headaches (11%). The results from the data collected suggest that overall the majority of participants experienced improvement (eighty-two percent of the main complaints and ninety-three percent of the secondary complaints respectively) after receiving treatment from UNHC. In addition, those who experienced improvement attributed such improvement to the homoeopathic treatment they received (100% of those with improved primary complaints and 92% of those with improved secondary complaints). Patients also rated their perceived changes to general state of health, sleep, general well-being, energy, mood, appetite and weight as the holistic nature of homoeopathy aims to achieve improvements in not just the main complaint but in the patients other general health variables as well. The results proved to be positive in this regard as the majority of the participants stated that their general health variables had improved, with 93% agreeing that their overall ‘general well-being’ was either ‘significantly better’ or ‘better’ since receiving treatment. Conclusion This survey was able to provide valuable insight into the participants’ perceptions on the clinic and the use of homoeopathy as a form of treatment in the healthcare sector. It is clear from the results that the patients recruited responded well to the treatment received and furthermore it was encouraging to note that they attributed these improvements to their main complaints, secondary complaints and overall health variables to the homoeopathic treatment they received at UNHC. Patients showed a good level of satisfaction with the clinics location and amenities. What needs to be addressed is the professional appearance of the clinics entrance and waiting room so as to create a good first impression and attract new patients. Privacy during consultations were deemed insufficient by twenty-five of the sample and this could be improved by better training of the student interns and by separating the filing cabinets, clinicians room and dispensary from the consultation rooms. The absence of an elevator at UNHC is concerning as this inhibits access to this facility by disabled patients; efforts to obtain a consultation room on the ground floor is a priority. The waiting time for medication can be improved and reduced by having a second clinician with which the student interns can discuss their cases and treatment methods. Since the implementation of this survey, the operation times of UNHC have changed for 2014. The clinic now operates on a Monday from 08h00-16h00 and a Thursday from 13h00-16h00 which allows for a morning time period in which patients can be seen improving access accordingly. The study showed some very positive results in all aspects. Although limited in terms of sample size, the outcomes of this study are encouraging and support the inclusion of homoeopathy within the public healthcare system of South Africa.

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Technology in Homeopathy, Department of Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / Brief background The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Department of Homoeopathy in collaboration with Lifeline established a clinic in 2004 located in Warwick Junction, Durban, an area classified as being disadvantaged. The Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Community Clinic (UNHCC) serves as a free primary health care service on the third floor of the Lifeline building in Acorn Road, Warwick Junction, less than one kilometer from the main DUT campus. Aim of the study The study aimed to determine the perceptions of patients after their first Homoeopathic consultation and their satisfaction with service delivery at UNHCC and to assess patients’ knowledge about Homoeopathy. Methodology A quantitative, descriptive, cross sectional study design was used to guide the study. The first 50 new consenting patients were selected using convenience sampling, and answered a self-administered survey questionnaire. The data was analyzed using Excel software and differences between groups were tested using the student t-test. Results The results of the study showed a very high degree of satisfaction with the health care and the service provided. The results also showed that the majority of respondents attended the clinic as a result of the blood pressure drives held by students during the clinic sessions (Monday mornings and afternoons and Thursday afternoons). It is recommended that future studies be of a qualitative nature and with a larger sample size. It is also recommended that the facility be operational on all weekdays which would result in an increase in the patient numbers and would enable further research studies.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Introduction The Durban University of Technology (DUT) homoeopathic satellite clinic in Redhill was established in 2005. It was started by private homoeopathic practitioners who wanted to provide healthcare services to members of the community. This satellite clinic is very distinct from other DUT homoeopathic satellite clinics as it occupies space in an eThekwini Municipality public health care clinic. The homoeopathic clinic offers free homoeopathic treatment to the local community, as it is a training facility for 5th year homoeopathy students of the DUT. Students consult at this clinic under the direct supervision of a qualified homoeopathic clinician. This descriptive and retrospective study aimed to determine the patient demographics, the disease prevalence, the forms of homoeopathic treatment modalities utilised and to assess the financial implications of operating the clinic. Data was collected by conducting an audit of new and follow up appointments at the Redhill clinic over a five year period from 2010 to 2014. Methodology This descriptive and investigative clinical audit was conducted retrospectively at the Redhill Clinic. A data collection sheet was completed for each patient file which included demographic data such as race, age and gender, the year of the consultation, the date of each visit, the number of visits, the diagnoses and treatment protocols, materials used, prices of medicines and the cost of the clinician. The researcher captured the relevant data of each patient file at the DUT premises under the direct supervision of the supervisor. Each patient file was examined individually. Any patient file that was found to have missing information was not included on the data collection sheet or entered into the Microsoft Excel® spread sheet. The results were then analysed by using various forms of descriptive statistics such as pivot tables, pivot charts, pie charts and bar-charts. Results The Redhill Clinic was open once a week from 2010 to 2012 thereafter it was open every second week until September 2014 due to unavailability of rooms. A total number of 841 patient files which met the inclusion criteria were investigated. There were a total number of 1573 visits over a five year period. The majority of patients who attended the Redhill clinic during the study period were Africans, females and between the age group 21 – 30 years old. The five most prevalent conditions that were seen at the Redhill clinic were respiratory, musculoskeletal, infections, dermatological and gastro-intestinal conditions. The operational expenditure of a homoeopathic satellite clinic included the cost of medicines and materials used. The total cost was calculated to be less than R130 000 over a five year period. Conclusion The patient numbers decreased from 2010 to 2014. The number of follow up visits increased from 2010 to 2012. The number of patient visits has been consistent with more than 50 new and follow up visits each year. This suggests that there has been patient satisfaction with homoeopathic treatment over the years. The homoeopathic satellite clinic is unique as it is enclosed within the Redhill municipality clinic where allopathic doctors also practice medicine. This setting is advantageous because the nursing sisters at the clinic often refer patients to the homoeopathic satellite clinic on a weekly basis and students are able to refer their patients to the municipal clinic as appropriate. Patients were treated with homoeopathic remedies, herbal tinctures and creams and tissue salts. The low operational expenditure of the homoeopathic satellite clinic shows that it is very cost effective and inexpensive to maintain such a clinic. The results that were obtained from this study imply that the inclusion of homoeopathic satellite clinics in disadvantaged communities such as Redhill is beneficial and viable. The practice of homoeopathy is viable especially because of the current challenges that the health system of South Africa is exposed to. One of the significant concerns is that there is a shortage of health care workers in the public health care system. This study did not aim to investigate the possibility of incorporating homoeopathy into public health care at present but results can serve as a model for the inclusion of homoeopathy into other public health care facilities. The disease profile and treatment protocols that were obtained from this study can be used in planning the establishment of other homoeopathic satellite clinics in the future. / M

Submitted in fulfillment of the Master’s Degree in Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology Durban, 2014. / The purpose of this research study was to determine any therapeutic significance of Malus domestica (domestic apple) in the potentised, homoeopathic form and to contribute this information to the body of the homoeopathic materia medica. It was further hypothesised that some proving symptoms experienced by the provers during the research study would show a resemblance to unique characteristics of the plant in terms of its natural appearance and cultural references. This involved a detailed doctrine of signatures analysis of Malus domestica based on an extensive literature review. Combining a proving research study with comparative analysis to the doctrine of signatures helped to clarify and verify the remedy’s potential therapeutic value. Methodology This homoeopathic proving was carried out in the form of a double blind placebo controlled study of Malus domestica 30CH with a total of 30 provers. The prover sample was randomly divided into two groups: 24 provers (80%) into the verum group and the remaining six provers (20%) into the placebo group. The provers were unaware of either the proving substance or the potency used. Participants were required to record their mental, emotional and physical status’ one week prior to administration of the proving powders as a form of control for comparison of symptoms post administration of the proving remedy. Thorough physical examinations and case histories of each prover were taken prior to and after the proving period. Provers ingested one powder three times a day for three days and recorded their symptoms daily in a journal. The duration of the proving period spanned five weeks. During this period researchers were in constant contact with all participants. Once the proving period was complete, all journals were gathered and the information therein translated into materia medica and repertory format so as to develop the remedy picture of Malus domestica 30CH. A comparison between the symptomatology produced in the provers and the doctrine of signatures was then performed. Results A wide range of symptoms were documented by the provers. The results revealed an affinity to the mental plane – the most striking being the theme of being disconnected and separated from others in the environment as well as within one’s self. Marked polarities were depicted as follows: Anger/irritability vs. calmness/tranquility; Depression/sadness vs. cheerfulness; Confusion vs. concentration/clarity of mind; Connection vs. disconnection. Physically, symptoms concerning the extremities were numerous, with provers describing symptoms of their limbs being disconnected/separated as well. Head symptoms were also numerous as provers described a wide range of headaches, as well as headaches that were associated with eye symptoms. Abdominal symptoms manifesting as cramping associated with diarrhoea and, in some cases, constipation were documented. Dizziness associated with the sensation of the head floating was common as well. Numerous themes arising from dreams were recorded by provers, with a clear affinity to family members as well as dreams of social gatherings and banquets. Provers dreamt of family members placed in precarious situations wherein the lives of their loved ones were at risk, whilst the emotion of guilt was expressed in certain dreams regarding parties and banquets. The comparison between the homoeopathic drug proving of Malus domestica 30CH and the doctrine of signatures brought many similarities to light, with most of these similarities relating to the mind, extremities and head. Conclusion As hypothesised Malus domestica 30CH produced clearly observable symptoms in healthy provers. On comparison, the proving remedy and the doctrine of signatures brought many parallels to light – the majority of which related to the mind, extremities and head. To gain a complete remedy picture of Malus domestica it is imperative that further research into the symptomatology of different homoeopathic potencies be conducted. / M

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Technology : Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Introduction The purpose of this study was to conduct a homoeopathic proving of Withania somnifera in the thirtieth centesimal potency [30CH], thereafter to determine and report the symptomatology in standard materia medica and repertory format, and then compare this symptomatology to the indigenous African and Ayurvedic medicinal usage of Withania somnifera. Methodology The homoeopathic drug proving of Withania somnifera 30CH was conducted as a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at the Durban University of Technology. The intervention, Withania somnifera 30CH, was manufactured according to methods 6, 8a and 10 of the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia [GHP] (Driehsen, 2003). Thirty healthy subjects were recruited as provers after meeting with the inclusion criteria (see Appendix A). The provers were randomised into two groups: 80% of provers received verum and 20% received a placebo control identical in appearance to the verum. The vehicle for both verum and control was six lactose powders, self-administered sublingually three times daily by all provers over two consecutive days. The measurement of proving symptoms was two-fold: a subjective account of symptoms produced by the verum/placebo recorded daily in a journal provided, and objective monitoring by the researcher. After the proving-generated symptoms had subsided, journals were collected and data analysis commenced. The accepted symptoms were collated and reported in standard materia medica and repertory format. Results The proving of Withania somnifera 30CH produced a total of 282 rubrics, five of which were newly formulated rubrics. There were 184 Grade 1 rubrics, 98 Grade 2 rubrics and 0 Grade 3 rubrics. The majority of rubrics were represented in the MIND, DREAMS, HEAD and GENERALS sections of the repertory. Analysis of results provided insight into the similarities and differences between indigenous African and Ayurvedic medicinal usage of Withania somnifera and the relationship to other homoeopathic medicines. Conclusion Clearly observable symptomatology was produced by healthy provers in response to the administration of Withania somnifera 30CH. In addition, there was significant correlation between the proving symptomatology and the indigenous African and Ayurvedic medicinal usage of Withania somnifera. / M

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2007. / This research study was conducted to elucidate the total symptomatology that the plant Peucedanum galbanum in the thirtieth centesimal potency would produce on healthy individuals so that it may be prescribed according to the Law of Similiars. A further aim of the investigation was to compare this remedy to other remedies yielding the highest numerical values and total number of rubrics on repertorisation of the proving symptoms. Wagner (2007), in a concurrent study, analysed the proving results of Peucedanum galbanum in relation to the doctrine of signatures. It was hypothesised that Peucedanum galbanum 30CH would produce recognizable signs and symptoms in healthy provers, and that the comparative study of this remedy would highlight the differences and similarities between remedy symptoms and thus confusion as to indication is eliminated, plus a fuller understanding of the remedy and its relationship to other remedies is gained. / M

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003. / The aim of this study was to establish the efficacy of Withania somnifera in tincture, 1X and 6X homoeopathic dilutions (in 62% v/v ethanol) as an antimicrobial agent against the in vitro growth of Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as compared to 62% v/v ethanol only. The disc diffusion method was employed. W somnifera is indigenous to southern Africa and its use is well established amongst the traditional healers for many varied complaints. Infusions, decoctions and tinctures of the fresh and dry whole root are used. (Gericke and Van Wyk, 2000:150.) For this study 20 plates of Mueller-Hinton agar were inoculated with each bacteria, resulting in a total of 100 plates. Four dry discs previously impregnated with the test substances and two antibiotic discs were equidistantly placed on each plate and incubated at 3rC. The vancomycin and gentamycin discs were included to account for plate-to-plate variations in the sensitivity of the bacteria to the antimicrobial substances. The plates were observed at 18, 24 and 48-hour intervals. ' Statistical analysis was performed using the Friedman test to compare test and control substances at each observation interval. The Mann-Whitney-U test was used to compare the mean inhibition zones between test and control substances / M

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003. / The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of Alepidea amatymbica tincture and homoeopathic dilutions to the 1st and 6th decimal potency as compared to ethanol (negative control) in the in vitro inhibition of Escherichea coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus in terms of the disc diffusion test. Vancomycin and gentamicin were included in the study as positive controls in order to account for plate-ta-plate variations in the sensitivity of the bacterial strains to antimicrobial substances. Antimicrobial activity was expressed as the ratio of the inhibition zone (mm) produced by the test substance and the inhibition zone (mm) produced by the two combined antibiotic discs. For this study 20 Mueller-Hinton agar plates were assigned to each bacterial species and were inoculated with their respective bacteria. Four dry filter paper discs and two antibiotic discs were placed equidistantly on each agar plate. The filter paper discs had been previously impregnated with one of the test substances or the negative control using a triple impregnation technique utilizing a micro-pipette. The plates were then incubated at 37\xB0 C. The diameters of the zones of inhibition were measured at 18 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours. Data was analysed by means of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Statistical methods utilized were Friedmans' test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskall - Wallis Non-Parametric Analysis of Variance by Rank test. / 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

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Masters Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / Introduction More and more people are becoming concerned about the effects of drugs, particularly in relation to children. There is an alternative in homoeopathy (Speight, 1983). Families need more options. Homoeopathy is a wonderful option because homoeopathic remedies are safe, cause no side effects or allergic reactions, and are inexpensive. They are easy to use because they taste good and above all, they are curative, not suppressive (Ullman, 1992). It was therefore necessary to determine the perception or perceptions towards homoeopathy as a treatment method and in terms of a primary health care option. The study population selected for this research is required to attend pre primary school in the Pinetown district. This district was chosen for the diversity in race, religion, and socio-economic factors, as well as the mixture of both rural and urban areas in this district. Purpose/Aim The purpose of this survey was to assess the perception, extent of knowledge and general understanding of as well as misconceptions about homoeopathy, including attitudes towards homoeopathy as a primary health care option in order to determine possible needs for homoeopathic services. The aim of this study is to develop and improve the knowledge and general understanding of homoeopathy and the perception towards the profession of homoeopathy amongst the general public by means of an information pamphlet (Appendix E). Methodology The research instrument used was a quantitative questionnaire (Appendix A), aimed at parents of children aged 3 to 7 years old in pre primary schools in the Pinetown district , as laid out by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education – map version 2 October 2007 (Appendix H and I) EduAction (2007). It was introduced to the principals of randomly selected (stratified random sampling method was used) pre primary schools (Appendix J) of the Pinetown district, and arrangements were made with those principals for distribution and collection of the completed questionnaires. The questionnaire was adapted from Moys, (1998) Small, (2005) Paruk, (2006) and Khoosal, (2007). Anonymity was maintained as no names, addresses or other information was required, thereby preventing identification of the respondents. The data accumulated was evaluated and analyzed statistically using the SPSS® version 15.0 for Windows™ and Excel® XP™. According to statistician Tonya Esterhuizen, a p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Comparisons between demographics and areas were achieved using Pearson‟s chi-square tests. Descriptive analysis involved frequency tables showing counts and percentages of categorical variables. Bar or pie charts were used to show responses graphically. The profession can then use this information to decide what steps can be taken to rectify the misconceptions, improve general knowledge and attitudes towards homoeopathy; through education, media, community talks and the like. This information can also be used to plan for the necessary services required for the children (Khoosal, 2007). Results Of the 1400 questionnaires distributed, 508 questionnaires 36.3% from 13 different schools (Appendix J) were completed and considered evaluative. Not every question was answered on every questionnaire giving rise to some results that do not tally. Respondents answered questions on the extent of knowledge and general understanding (as well as misconceptions) regarding homoeopathy and it was found that more than half 56.1% had heard of homoeopathy. Of the sample, 22.7% had previously taken their child to a homoeopath for treatment, and the level of satisfaction with homeopathic treatment was 48.6%. According to the respondents 40.9% of children were in good health, while 33.9% was in excellent health and 24% in reasonable health. As anticipated a number of the respondents were unsure of the various roles of a homoeopath or did not know enough to comment. While 46% thought homoeopaths emphasize a healthy lifestyle, 45% thought that homoeopaths boost the immune system and 39% thought they prescribe plant extracts. Over half (51.2%) thought that homoeopathy had a valid scientific basis. And 32.4% agreed that homoeopathy takes longer to work than orthodox medicine although most (42.4%) were unsure about this question. On analyzing the attitudes towards homoeopathy as a primary health care option only 12.8% of respondents would contact a homoeopath if their child were ill. Most would contact a General Practitioner (GP) (61.3%). The majority (65.6%) thought homoeopathic treatment should be available in hospitals and clinics. While 40% saw homoeopathy as preventative medicine, 37.6% saw it as supportive and 35.7% as first choice treatment. On analyzing the conditions for which respondents would seek homoeopathic treatment, allergies ranked highest (43.5%) for which they would seek treatment, while hay fever was second (38.1%), followed by eczema (37.6%). The condition that was least agreed on was toothache (11.3%). A small percentage (3%), of respondents had a religious objection to seeking treatment from a homoeopath. Conclusion It can be concluded from the study that more than half of the public surveyed (56.1%) were aware of homoeopathy but levels of understanding and knowledge were lower than expected even where there had been partial experience with a practitioner. More detailed education on this modality of medicine is required in order to improve exposure to homoeopathy and to allow more informed decisions. It can also be concluded that a majority of respondents (65.6%) are in favour of homoeopathy having a place in primary health care. This study actually found that 65.6% of respondents felt that homoeopathy should be available in hospitals and clinic – this may not mean as a primary health service, but perhaps as an available alternative. / M