Mini-dissertation'submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005. / Homoeopathy in South Africa is a relatively new health profession, and there seems to be limited awareness of homoeopathy amongst the public and healthcare authorities. The national health care system in South Africa is currently undergoing major restructuring, with the focus on primary health care. The homoeopathic community needs to reflect on its role in public health care. However, in order to gain acceptance and understanding from other health care professions, meaningful research needs to be conducted. There is an urgent need to investigate the views of conventional health care professionals towards homoeopathy. A survey method was employed to investigate the perceptions of homoeopathy of two major groups in the medical community in the Greater Durban area: General Practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists. The study was carried out by using a questionnaire as a measuring tool. The sample of GPs was drawn from the medical pages of the Durban Telephone Directory (October 2003/2004) and the sample of pharmacists was drawn from the Durban Yellow Pages (October 2003/2004). A total of 484 questionnaires were distributed and a total of 155 responses were received. The percentage of return of questionnaires was 32,02%. The original sample size was 370 for GPs and 114 for pharmacists. A total of 97 GPs and 58 pharmacists responded. The response rate was 26,22% for GPs and 50,87% for pharmacists. / M

Background: In South Africa there data is lacking on the health of the older population. This study aims to report on actions taken by general practitioners on abnormal blood pressure, blood glucose and osteoporosis screen identified by registered nurses, conducting home based visits to older clients. Methods An agency piloted the Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) tool in an urban affluent population. In this cross sectional secondary study analysis, 465 participants aged 60 years and over had a nurse visit in their homes and a subsequent General Practitioner (GP) visit. The prevalence of specific geriatric problems was assessed as well as the frequency of initiated procedures by the GP. This study will focus on initiated actions by the General Practitioners in response to abnormal blood pressures, blood glucose, and osteoporosis screen. Results Frequency tables were utilised to identify prevalence of the abnormal blood pressures, blood glucose and osteoporosis screen. . Abnormal blood pressures were detected (230/465, 49%) of the subjects , the GP initiated actions on only 15/465 (3.2%) of clients. Abnormal blood sugars were detected 106/465 (23%) of the GP initiated actions on 23/465 (5%) of clients. Clinical risk factors for the development of osteoporosis were detected in 252 /465 (54%) subjects GP initiated actions on 11/465 (3%) Conclusion This study explored the relationships between comprehensive geriatric assessment and subsequent GP actions and found using the CGA in this population will be successful in identifying abnormal health findings which will enable intervention. However, due to challenges in the communications and marketing of this service, GP’s were not well informed of their role and did not act on majority of the abnormal findings detected by nurses / Thesis (M.N.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

Thesis (MEdPsych (Educational Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder affecting 4% to 5% of South African children. Recent studies revealed that 30% to 70% of children continue to experience problems related to ADHD in adulthood. Adults are becoming increasingly more aware of adult ADHD as a result of public awareness campaigns in the media. Their first line of action is to visit their family physician, but the question arises whether these practitioners are ready to take on the patients with ADHD. The aims of this study were to determine the familiarity, attitudes and practices of general practitioners in South Africa with regard ADHD in both children and adults and whether there are differences in children and adults with regard to depression and generalised anxiety disorders as comorbid disorders. The study also briefly explored the training models of general practitioners in South Africa. The research questions are addressed by means of a survey approach, using quantitative measures. An email message with a cover letter, explaining the purpose of the research project, provided a link to a Web-based questionnaire. It was broadcast to 6704 general practitioners on the database of the company MEDpages, who managed the broadcast. A questionnaire attached to an e-mail message was sent to all Departments of Family Health at universities in the country to obtain information with regard to the training models of general practitioners. This was followed up with structured telephone interviews if no response was received. The questionnaire was completed by 229 respondents. The data were statistically analysed using Statistica Version 7.0. The results revealed a significant need among general practitioners to increase their knowledge base with regard to ADHD, more so with regard to adults. Their knowledge and training with regard to depression and generalised anxiety disorders were significantly more extensive with regard to adults as opposed to children. Training with regard to ADHD in adults was almost non-existent. It was recommended that the limited knowledge base of general practitioners with regard to ADHD should be addressed by adapting the curriculum of undergraduate medical students and providing opportunities for continued medical education that focus on the diagnosis and management of ADHD in both children and adults. General practitioners should acknowledge the educational psychologist as an equal partner within a multi-disciplinary team