Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2012. / Background: The Durban University of Technology (DUT) chiropractic teaching clinic (CTC) represents a training facility for future chiropractors as well as providing a healthcare service to the local population. It is important to measure the demographic characteristics and presenting complaints of patients attending the DUT CTC as this information prepares the student interns for private practice. It also provides an insight into the popularity of chiropractic in the community. Objectives: This study sought to measure certain demographic variables and presenting conditions of patients attending DUT CTC and to assess whether these have changed over time. Method: A retrospective, cross-sectional descriptive study was performed by drawing patient files of new patients presenting to the DUT CTC for the months of February through April, during 2000, 2006 and 2011 (data from a 1994 study was included for analysis). The files had the following information regarding the patient collected: age, gender, ethnicity, occupation, medical aid, main presenting complaint, as well the duration of the most recent complaint. The data was analysed for trends using statistical software (SPSS v19). Results: Data from 1 311 patient files were analyzed. The number of patients attending the DUT CTC had reduced significantly since 2000. The mean age ranged from 37.0 – 39.7yrs across the samples with a trend of increasing age occurring between 1994 and 2006. Ages ranged from 2 weeks – 89yrs, with 20 – 29yrs being the most common group. Females formed 50.5 – 51.2% of the samples with no significant change over time. White (46.3 – 64.2%) and Indian patients (27.2 – 40.9%) formed the majority, with Black patients showing a trend of increasing representation (from 6.4% in 2000 to 15.8% in 2011). The most common occupations were student (19.7 – 26.8%) and clerical (17 – 23%), with a trend noted between 1994 and 2006 of a decreasing student proportion. This trend reversed from 2006 – 2011. Medical aid subscription among patients reduced significantly (p<0.05) from 56.2% in 1994 to 41.6% in 2011. The main presenting complaints were spinal (68.2 – 84.1%), with low back (30.7 – 40.7%) and neck/head (27.8 – 33.8%) being the most common. Most main complaints were of a chronic nature (45.8 – 61.7%), though a trend of reducing chronicity was noted between 1994 and 2006. A trend of increasing sub-acute complaints was seen between 1994 and 2011. Conclusions: The patients attending DUT CTC are similar to most international CTC’s in terms of patients’ age, gender, occupation, and main presenting complaint. Compared to existing data on South African private practice, the patients at DUT CTC are generally younger, less likely to be female, less likely to be White, more likely to be Indian or Black, less likely to have medical aid, more likely to present with low back pain as appose to neck/head pain, and more likely to present in the acute/sub-acute phase. Between 1994 and 2006, the trend shows that patients at DUT CTC were older, less likely to be White, less likely to be students, less likely to have medical aid, and less likely to present in the chronic phase.

Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree in Masters of Technology: Nursing, Durban University of Technology, 2012. / Palliative care research in South Africa is at an early stage and there is an increasing need to develop a body of evidence that is relevant to South African conditions. One of the biggest challenges that palliative care in Africa faces is the projected increase in the number of cancer patients in the developing world by 2050, many of whom will need palliative care. There is a concern at present about the integration of oncology and palliative care services in South Africa and whether or not cancer patients are able to access quality palliative care. Palliative care plays an important role in improving quality of life for people and family members affected by life-threatening illness. It pursues its goal by relieving pain and other distressing symptoms in cancer patients and giving psychosocial support to patients and their families. It should begin at diagnosis and continue throughout treatment, follow-up care, and at the end of life in addition to the cancer treatment which is given Aim of the study The aim of this study was to assess the integration of palliative care in the caring of cancer patients in the selected oncology clinics in the eThekwini district in KZN. Methodology A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was used to guide this study. The study was participative in nature and employed a focus group methodology. The participants in this study were professional nurses who were working at the selected sites in the public urban oncology clinics for more than three months. Two focus groups were conducted within one month of each other at selected oncology sites with participation from 16 oncology nurses. Findings Findings indicated that most participants understood palliative care as end of life care when a patient is beyond curative treatment and that it is often the doctor who determines eligibility. Participants also perceived palliative care in terms of different types of medical treatment. The findings indicated nurses only contacted hospices when the patient was at the last stage of their illness, were often not aware of all the hospices in the area, and acknowledged that communication between the oncology clinics and hospices was not good. Some nurses believed that palliative care is also provided in the oncology clinic and that it is not only the hospices that provide palliative care. Only one oncology nurse who participated in the study mentioned that she is trained in palliative care, but they all showed interest in becoming more knowledgeable in this area and improving relationships between oncology clinics and the palliative care team/hospices.

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 fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree in Masters of Technology in Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / Introduction In South Africa homoeopathy is relatively unfamiliar, even though it has been in existence with formal qualification from 1989 at the Durban University of Technology, (formerly Durban Institute of Technology and Techikon Natal) as well as the University of Johannesburg formerly Wits Technikon). A large portion of the South African public is unclear with regards to homoeopathic understanding and homoeopathic medicine use. South African studies exploring the perception of homoeopathy have revealed that there is a degree of ignorance or misinterpretation of homeopathy. The objectives of this study were to expand the database of knowledge regarding the patients’ experiences of homoeopathy, by investigating their experiences of homoeopathic care rendered at a PHC facility in the eThekwini district, namely, the Redhill homoeopathic clinic. This study was guided by the following grand tour question: What are the experiences of patients of homoeopathic care rendered at a primary healthcare clinic in the eThekwini District? Aim of the study The aim of this study was to determine the experiences of patients receiving homoeopathic care rendered at a primary healthcare facility in the eThekwini district. Methodology A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was employed. Qualitative research in this study was considered the most appropriate method to gain an in-depth understanding of the patients’ experiences of homoeopathic care. Convenience sampling was used to recruit a minimum of 10 potential research participants from patients receiving homoeopathic care at the Redhill homoeopathic clinic, but the sample size was only determined once data saturation was obtained. The study population were patients who were visiting the Redhill homoeopathic clinic for the second time or more and those who had utilized homoeopathic remedies. The data was collected and analysed using Tesch’s eight-step procedure. Results Results from this study showed that the study group had knowledge of homoeopathy and that there is growth in the knowledge of homoeopathy as compared to previous studies. The researcher observed that Indian participants had a better understanding of homoeopathy than African participants. Participants showed great confidence in homoeopathy and most of them revealed a high level of satisfaction with the homoeopathic treatment and were very happy with the service delivery. Results showed that there had been an improvement of the patients’ ailments since the commencement of homoeopathic treatment.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Department of Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Background Literature has shown that clinical and radiological diagnoses do not always correlate in patients with neck pain (Ferrari and Russel, 2003; Peterson and Hsu, 2004). It is not known if this applies to the Chiropractic Day Clinic (CDC) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and if the radiological diagnosis leads to a change in the patient’s initial management plan. The impact of cervical spine plain film radiographs will therefore be investigated in the diagnosis and management of patients that presented with neck pain to the CDC at the DUT. It is also not known whether the reason for referral for cervical spine plain film radiographs is always indicated as per the indications in the clinic handbook and radiological referral guidelines. Objectives Objectives were: (1) To determine the suspected pre-radiographic clinical diagnosis and management of the selected clinical records prior to referral for cervical spine plain film radiography; (2) To record the reasoning to send for cervical spine plain film radiographic imaging and to establish whether these are in line with proposed guidelines for referral as found in the literature; (3) To determine the relationship between the suspected pre-radiographic clinical and the radiological diagnoses of patients with neck pain; (4) To determine the number of incidental findings in the selected patients’ plain film radiographs; (5) To determine any change in the pre-radiographic clinical diagnoses and management following radiological reporting of the selected patient’s plain film radiographs. Method This was a quantitative, retrospective, clinical study. The archives at the CDC at the DUT were searched for cervical spine plain film radiographs between 1 January 1997 to 31 December 2013 and these were matched with the corresponding clinical records. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 73 records were included in the study. The patient’s personal information was coded to ensure confidentiality (Appendix A) and specific clinical and radiological information was recorded (Appendix B). Statistical analysis included the use of frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation and range for the descriptive objectives. Results A total of 73 clinical files and corresponding plain film radiographs were assessed. The mean age of the patients was 44 years. The gender distribution was 64.4% (n=47) females and 35.6% (n=26) males. The most frequent primary radiological diagnosis was loss of lordosis at 41.1% (n=30) followed by cervical spondylosis at 35.6% (n=26) and old cervical spinal trauma at 12.3% (n=9). Sixty four percent (n=47) of patients in this study were sent for cervical spine plain film radiographs after their initial clinical consultation. Reasons that are not considered relevant indications for plain film radiographic referral were present in 46.2% (n=34) of cases; these described non-specific mechanical disorders. The most common reason for plain film radiographic referral was due to positive orthopaedic tests 57.5% (n=42). A total of 27.4% (n=20) of clinical files reviewed had a change in their initial clinical diagnosis and 72.6% (n=53) of these patients had no change in diagnosis. All of the post-radiographic clinical diagnoses were non-specific mechanical conditions. Numerous treatment modalities were utilized by the students with the most common pre-radiographic treatment being soft tissue therapy at 63.0% (n=46). A total of 75% (n=55) of patients had a change of treatment after plain film radiographs were performed and spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) was the main treatment added in 41% of cases. Conclusion Cervical spine plain film radiographs have little impact on the diagnosis of patients with non-specific mechanical neck pain without red flags. It was however found that plain film radiographs had an impact on the management in the majority of cases, especially with an increase in SMT use after plain film radiographs. / M

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Introduction Homoeopathy is recognised as a well established form of alternative medicine in the private healthcare sector of South Africa (Caldis, McLeod, Smith, 2001). Whilst local research supports the viability of homoeopathy as a primary healthcare resource; patient perception and experience with the homoeopathic service remain largely unknown (Smillie, 2010). The study addresses shortfalls in existing literature on homoeopathy, providing a qualitative evaluation of the homoeopathic healthcare service in the context of public healthcare in South Africa. The task of the study was to develop substantive theory with the aim to better understand health behaviour of patient’s utilising homoeopathic and allopathic healthcare services. Methods The study employed a qualitative study design, and explored the perceptions and experiences of patients receiving homoeopathic care at the Kenneth Gardens Homoeopathy Clinic, within the context of primary healthcare services and public sector healthcare. Data was generated through in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted with 14 participants. Data was systematically analysed using grounded theory methods to generate substantive theory (Glaser and Strauss, 1967; Schreiber and Stern, 2001; Holloway and Wheeler, 2010). Results Data analysis revealed five main themes of influences affecting the utilisation of homoeopathic services at the Kenneth Gardens Clinic; these include context specific factors to healthcare utilisation, factors influencing healthcare utilisation, health beliefs and practices, health outcome factors and trust. The study results illustrate that participants trusted their homoeopathic provider and homoeopathic treatment outcomes; and subsequently demonstrate the direct positive influence which trust had on the utilisation of homoeopathic services in the study population. Discussion The discussion explores the significance of influences, barriers and discerning factors identified in the study on decision-making pathways in healthcare utilisation behaviour of homoeopathic and allopathic healthcare services. The significance of trust in healthcare utilisation behaviour is explored as the principle finding of the study. The study’s conceptual model is based on Anderson’s (2005) behavioural model of health service utilisation and has been adapted to demonstrate the relationship in health seeking behaviours between homoeopathic and allopathic care modalities. Recommendations The relationship between the variables illustrated in the study’s proposed adapted model need to be further tested using quantitative research methods. Trust in healthcare, and in particular with homoeopathy, is a subject which merits further exploration. / M

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree in Masters of Technology in Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / Introduction In South Africa homoeopathy is relatively unfamiliar, even though it has been in existence with formal qualification from 1989 at the Durban University of Technology, (formerly Durban Institute of Technology and Techikon Natal) as well as the University of Johannesburg formerly Wits Technikon). A large portion of the South African public is unclear with regards to homoeopathic understanding and homoeopathic medicine use. South African studies exploring the perception of homoeopathy have revealed that there is a degree of ignorance or misinterpretation of homeopathy. The objectives of this study were to expand the database of knowledge regarding the patients’ experiences of homoeopathy, by investigating their experiences of homoeopathic care rendered at a PHC facility in the eThekwini district, namely, the Redhill homoeopathic clinic. This study was guided by the following grand tour question: What are the experiences of patients of homoeopathic care rendered at a primary healthcare clinic in the eThekwini District? Aim of the study The aim of this study was to determine the experiences of patients receiving homoeopathic care rendered at a primary healthcare facility in the eThekwini district. Methodology A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was employed. Qualitative research in this study was considered the most appropriate method to gain an in-depth understanding of the patients’ experiences of homoeopathic care. Convenience sampling was used to recruit a minimum of 10 potential research participants from patients receiving homoeopathic care at the Redhill homoeopathic clinic, but the sample size was only determined once data saturation was obtained. The study population were patients who were visiting the Redhill homoeopathic clinic for the second time or more and those who had utilized homoeopathic remedies. The data was collected and analysed using Tesch’s eight-step procedure. Results Results from this study showed that the study group had knowledge of homoeopathy and that there is growth in the knowledge of homoeopathy as compared to previous studies. The researcher observed that Indian participants had a better understanding of homoeopathy than African participants. Participants showed great confidence in homoeopathy and most of them revealed a high level of satisfaction with the homoeopathic treatment and were very happy with the service delivery. Results showed that there had been an improvement of the patients’ ailments since the commencement of homoeopathic treatment. / M

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Introduction Homoeopathy is recognised as a well established form of alternative medicine in the private healthcare sector of South Africa (Caldis, McLeod, Smith, 2001). Whilst local research supports the viability of homoeopathy as a primary healthcare resource; patient perception and experience with the homoeopathic service remain largely unknown (Smillie, 2010). The study addresses shortfalls in existing literature on homoeopathy, providing a qualitative evaluation of the homoeopathic healthcare service in the context of public healthcare in South Africa. The task of the study was to develop substantive theory with the aim to better understand health behaviour of patient’s utilising homoeopathic and allopathic healthcare services. Methods The study employed a qualitative study design, and explored the perceptions and experiences of patients receiving homoeopathic care at the Kenneth Gardens Homoeopathy Clinic, within the context of primary healthcare services and public sector healthcare. Data was generated through in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted with 14 participants. Data was systematically analysed using grounded theory methods to generate substantive theory (Glaser and Strauss, 1967; Schreiber and Stern, 2001; Holloway and Wheeler, 2010). Results Data analysis revealed five main themes of influences affecting the utilisation of homoeopathic services at the Kenneth Gardens Clinic; these include context specific factors to healthcare utilisation, factors influencing healthcare utilisation, health beliefs and practices, health outcome factors and trust. The study results illustrate that participants trusted their homoeopathic provider and homoeopathic treatment outcomes; and subsequently demonstrate the direct positive influence which trust had on the utilisation of homoeopathic services in the study population. Discussion The discussion explores the significance of influences, barriers and discerning factors identified in the study on decision-making pathways in healthcare utilisation behaviour of homoeopathic and allopathic healthcare services. The significance of trust in healthcare utilisation behaviour is explored as the principle finding of the study. The study’s conceptual model is based on Anderson’s (2005) behavioural model of health service utilisation and has been adapted to demonstrate the relationship in health seeking behaviours between homoeopathic and allopathic care modalities. Recommendations The relationship between the variables illustrated in the study’s proposed adapted model need to be further tested using quantitative research methods. Trust in healthcare, and in particular with homoeopathy, is a subject which merits further exploration. / M

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Department of Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a major health problem and a leading cause of disability worldwide, accounting for numerous medical and chiropractic consultations. Risk factors for developing as well as perpetuating LBP have been recognised, including psychosocial factors and to a lesser extent organic diseases. There is good evidence for the role of biological, psychological, and social factors in the aetiology and prognosis of back pain. The biopsychosocial model developed by Waddell (1987) has become a dominant consideration in determining the aetiology and prognosis of back pain, and has led to the development and testing of many back pain care interventions. This includes a focus on identifying and treating ‘yellow flags’ which are psychosocial factors that may result in LBP becoming chronic, and incorporating the treatment of these ‘yellow flags’ as a component of LBP care. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine a psychometric profile of patients attending the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Chiropractic Day Clinic (CDC) with non-specific LBP using the Keele STarT Back Screening Tool (SBST) and Bournemouth Questionnaire (BQ). METHODOLOGY: Once ethical clearance was obtained to conduct the research study at the DUT CDC, all patients over the age of eighteen presenting to the DUT CDC with non-specific LBP as new patients, or as former or current patients presenting with non-specific LBP as a new complaint, were directly approached by the researcher. The prospective participants were asked a series of screening questions in order to ensure that they qualified for the study. A total of 132 participants completed an informed consent, a pre-validated questionnaire, the SBST and the BQ. The questionnaires took approximately ten to fifteen minutes to complete; participants were given the choice to complete them either before or after their appointment so as not to interrupt the treatment time. All informed consents and completed questionnaires were collected by the researcher and stored in separate sealed ballot boxes. All questionnaires were kept confidential and only seen by the researcher and supervisor. A code was allocated to each questionnaire before data was captured on a spreadsheet for data analysis. The IBM SPSS version 22 was used for data analysis by a biostatistician. RESULTS: A total of 132 questionnaires were utilised for statistical analysis. Based on the SBST, 47.7% (n = 63) of the total population (N = 132), had a low risk of developing chronic LBP, 28.8% (n = 38) had a medium risk of developing chronic LBP, and 23.5 % (n = 31) had a high risk of developing chronic LBP. The BQ indicated that 63.6% (n = 84) of the total population (N = 132) scored 35 or less and thus had a low risk of developing chronic LBP, while 36.4% (n = 48) scored above 35 and thus had a medium to high risk of developing chronic LBP. A very strong association was found between the SBST and BQ risk groups (p = <0.001). A total of 87.1% (n = 27) of the participants who had a high risk of chronicity according to the SBST (N = 31) also had a high risk of chronicity according to the BQ. The female gender, being a current smoker and partaking in little or no physical activity were found to be statistically significant risk factors for chronic LBP. CONCLUSION: The results in this study suggest that patients presenting to the DUT CDC supports the notion that chronic LBP is a multifactorial condition with significant psychosocial implications and should be approached as such. / M