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

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

This mini-dissertation was submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2007. / Tertiary education students are present and future health care consumers, and as such it is important that they are well educated in both mainstream and complementary health practices. Prior to this study, no data was available on the perceptions of tertiary education students towards homoeopathy in South Africa. The aim of this study was to bridge this gap in the database of knowledge by determining the perceptions and awareness that students at Durban University of Technology (D.U.T.) have towards homoeopathy and the Homoeopathic Day Clinic (H.D.C.) that exists on the D.U.T. campus. This survey-based study was conducted by administering 1080 questionnaires to fulltime registered students at D.U.T. who were in at least their second year of study at the university. A stratified random sample method was employed, based on the demographic variables of faculty, gender and race so as to generate a suitably representative sample. Of the 1080 questionnaires distributed, 1054 (97.6%) were returned and 1005 (93%) met the inclusion criteria to be used in the final sample. The responses showed that the students at D.U.T. have a fairly poor level of knowledge about homoeopathy. Only 48% of them had ever heard of homoeopathy and around 95% said that they had either never heard of it, had heard only of the name, or said they knew a little bit about it. In terms of practical experience with homoeopathy, only 6% have ever consulted a homoeopath personally before, and 9% said that they have family members who have / M

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2006. / Tinea pedis, more commonly known as “Athlete’s foot”, is a common acute infection that occurs in warm, humid climates (Fitzpatrick, et al. 1992:98). Warmth, humidity, trauma and occlusion such as non-breathable footwear increase the susceptibility to infection (Prescott, et al. 1999:814). The infection can become chronic in people who are more susceptible such as patients who are immuno-suppressed or those who have Diabetes mellitus (al Hassan, et al. 2004: 1). The aim of this placebo-controlled double-blind study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a topical naturopathic complex comprising of Allium sativum mother tincture (Ø), Hydrastis canadensis (Ø), Apis mellifica (D3) and Urtica urens (D3) (in an aqueous cream base) in the treatment of Tinea pedis. The complex utilized in this study is regarded as naturopathic because the remedies comprising the complex were selected for the following reasons: •Allium sativum and Hydrastis canadensis, each utilized in mother tincture, were selected for their antifungal properties. •Apis mellifica and Urtica urens, each utilized in D3 potency were selected because their skin symptomotology most accurately matched the symptoms associated with “Athlete’s foot”. / M

Mini-dissertation was submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2007. / The first formal Homeopathic education programme in South Africa began in 1989 and was instituted by Technikon Natal, now Durban University of Technology – DUT. The course offers a Master’s Degree in Technology in Homeopathy. Similarly Witwatersrand Technikon now University of Johannesburg began offering the course from 1993. Since the first (from DUT) intake there have been 13 years of graduates. Included in the course is excellent homeopathic training and a comprehensive medical training programme, consisting of anatomy, physiology, pathology, histology and diagnostics subjects. Although a statutory requirement no postgraduate internship training regarding graduates of this programme has been formalised. Thus this study was deemed valuable as it aimed to provide clarity on past internship received and a perception of what an internship ought to entail. The purpose of this retrospective survey was to determine the perceptions and opinions of M.Tech:Homeopathy graduates around the current non-implementation of statutory internship, in order to inform the formulation of an appropriate and effective homoeopathic internship, as required by Act 63 of 1982 (as amended). Other objectives included gathering data/perceptions regarding the contents and outcomes of a proposed Homeopathic internship as perceived by M.Tech:Homeopathy graduates. As well as assessing/determining the possible existence of associations between demographic factors and the perceptions around internship regarding its recommended contents and outcomes. / M

Submitted in filfullment of the Masters of Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2007. / The aim of this study was to shed light on the perceptions of third year medical students towards homoeopathy. Medical students represent the future health care professionals in our country, and their opinions about complementary health are very important. The data collected from the questionnaires provides valuable information towards increasing awareness and acceptance of homoeopathy amongst the medical fraternity. / M

BACKGROUND: Randomized controlled trials show acupuncture and acupressure support anesthesia management by decreasing anxiety, opioid requirements and treating post-operative nausea and vomiting. Acupuncture and acupressure have demonstrated clinical usefulness and received governmental support (NIH, PPACA, WHO, U.S. Military), but have not yet diffused into mainstream anesthesia practice. This study examined US anesthesia providers' perceptions of acupuncture and acupressure. METHODS: Ninety-six anesthesiology departments stratified by geographic region (Northeast, South, West, and Midwest) and institution type (university medical centers, community hospitals, children’s hospitals, and VA hospitals) were selected for participation in an anonymous, online survey. The target sample was 1,728 providers of which N = 292 (54% anesthesiologists, 44% CRNAs, 2% AAs) responded yielding an overall 17% response rate. RESULTS: Spearman’s correlation coefficient revealed a statistically significant correlation between acupuncture and geographic region, with the West having the highest predisposition toward acupuncture use (rs = 0.159, p = 0.007). Females are more likely to use acupuncture than men (rs = -.188, p = 0.002). Age yielded a moderate effect size with providers between the ages of 31-50 years old experiencing the best outcomes administering acupuncture (rs = 0.65, 95% CI = 2.79, 3.06). A strong effect size exists between acupuncture and country of pre-anesthesia training (rs = 1.00, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.16). Some providers have used acupuncture (27%) and acupressure (18%) with positive outcomes, however the majority of providers have not used these modalities, but would consider using them (54%, SD = 1.44 acupuncture; 60%, SD = 1.32 acupressure). Seventy-six percent of respondents would like acupuncture education and 74% would like acupressure education (SD = 0.43, SD = 0.44, respectively). Lack of scientific evidence (79%, SD = 0.73) and unavailability of credentialed providers (71%, SD = 0.92) were the primary barriers. CONCLUSIONS: While most U.S. anesthesia providers have not used these modalities, they still report a favorable perception of acupuncture/acupressure’s role as part of an anesthetic and the majority of providers express an interest in receiving education. This study adds to the body of acupuncture and acupressure research by providing insight into anesthesia providers’ perceptions of these alternative medicine modalities.

Un patient sur deux atteint d'un cancer consulte un thérapeute non conventionnel et les trois quarts d'entre eux n’en parlent pas à leur médecin. Ce travail de recherche pose la question de la place des médias dans ce recours grandissant aux médecines non conventionnelles : quelle représentation du rapport entre cancer et médecines non conventionnelles les médias français diffusent-ils dans l'espace public ? Douze années d'articles de presse quotidienne nationale et de programmes télévisuels fondent les bases de cette recherche, en utilisant les principes de l’analyse de contenu sociologique. La première partie définit le cancer dans son acceptation contemporaine, la médecine non conventionnelle en englobant la pluralité des pratiques, ainsi que le rapport que ces deux termes entretiennent avec les médias. La seconde partie consacrée à la presse, démontre que les titres analysés ne diffusent pas la même information sur le sujet et adoptent un angle de traitement propre à chacun, en fonction de la ligne éditoriale adoptée et du public visé. Enfin, la troisième partie révèle une réelle évolution temporelle de l’information télévisée, tant dans sa forme que dans son fond. Au delà d’une dichotomie entre presse et télévision, on assiste davantage à une dissociation dans l’angle de traitement de l’information, avec d’un côté télévision publique et presse « élitiste », et de l’autre, télévisions privées et journaux plus populaires. / One out of two patients suffering from cancer consults a non-conventional therapist, three out four don’t ever inform their own general practitioner (GP). This research raises the question of the role of Medias in this growing use of unconventional medicine. What is the image – if any - carried out by the French Medias when informing their audience as far as cancer and non-conventional medicine are concerned? Over twelve years of daily newspapers articles as well as television programs have been the basis of this research through the screening and analysis of sociological contents.The first part defines cancer in its contemporary, unconventional medicine encompassing the diversity of practices, and the relations that these two notions have with the Medias. The second part deals with the press, showing that the different daily newspapers analyzed and discussed do not broadcast the same information on the topic: each adopting a specific point of view according to the editorial policy and the intended audience. At last, the third part shows a new evolution in the treatment of television news, both in its visual contents as well as its meaning.Finally we can but acknowledge no real difference between the Medias as far as the information is put forward. The difference has rather to be seen whether we have to deal with private channels and popular or ‘gutter’ press opposed to public television and quality press.

Student Number : 8229351 - MSc (Nursing) research report - Faculty of Health Sciences / The use and teaching of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapies is a growing trend worldwide in the pursuit of health and the amelioration of some disease problems. Chronic, insoluble problems, stress (both mental and physiological), and pain are particularly the target of these therapies. In February 2001, South Africa became a world leader when she passed legislation promoting ten traditional or complementary and alternative therapies into professionalism. The purpose of this study was to assess the trends and patterns of use of senior nursing students of CAM therapies, and their intention to use such CAM therapies on their patients, or to refer their patients to practitioners of CAM therapies. A self-report survey was used to obtain this data, partly constructed from knowledge gathered in the literature review. Senior nursing students from three teaching institutions in Johannesburg participated in the survey. A pilot study to test the feasibility of the study and the reliability of the instrument was carried out at one of these three institutions. The group that participated in the pilot was not the same group that was later used as subjects at this institution. The pilot test was then subjected to a Peason's Product-Moment Correlation test to assess testretest reliability. Pearson's r was found to be 0.8, which shows high reliability of the instrument. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, means, and proportions) were used to summarize and present the results. The main results are as follows. A much larger group of respondents saw allopathic practitioners than CAM practitioners for their personal health problems and to maintain their health. Knowledge of CAM therapies was reported to be fairly low, though this may be due to the number of therapies presented for consideration. A large percentage of the respondents was interested in learning about, and even practicing CAM therapies on their patients, and in referring their patients to CAM practitioners or being able to advise them about CAM therapies and remedies appropriately. Given these results, with regard to nursing education, it was suggested that at least an introductory course to the basic tenets of CAM therapies and "holistic" or "body-mind medicine", needs to be presented to all student nurses. The problems inherent in developing adequate and relevant research avenues for these complex subjects, and an understanding of a range of the most commonly practiced CAM therapies needs to be included at neophyte nursing level. Focussed suggestions are made in the body of the report. Focussed suggestions are also made with regard to future research, both within the field of nursing and related allopathic disciplines possibly interested in incorporating aspects of CAM therapies within their own bodies of knowledge, and outside these disciplines. Suggestions relevant to the teaching and practice of a few CAM therapies practiced by the researcher, and of pharmacological and other possible avenues of research relevant to some of these therapies, will be made in the form of further articles submitted to the professional magazines of the CAM therapies concerned.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science under the School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Science. Johannesburg, June 2017. / In South Africa, the anti-HIV-1 activity of various indigenous plants has not been studied extensively. Most of the phytochemical screening work has focused on anti-cancer activity with less attention given to infectious diseases. A large proportion of South Africans (70-80%) still rely on traditional medicines for treatment of various ailments. And, therefore, there is a need to evaluate and validate the effectiveness of the traditional medicines. The aim of this study was to identify, screen, phytochemically characterize and isolate bioactive compounds from a South African herbal extract that exhibit the best anti-HIV-1 activity. Three extracts were prepared: an ethanol extract, a dereplicated ethanol extract and an aqueous extract from a herbal concoction comprised of a mixture of six plants. These herbal concoctions were investigated for anti-HIV-1 subtype C activity. Phytochemical profiling of the ethanol- and dereplicated ethanol- extracts from the herbal concoctions showed the presence of intermediate polar compounds (flavonoids, alkaloids, sugars and terpenes) for both extracts, while the aqueous extract contained predominantly highly polar compounds. Anti-HIV-1 screening of the three extracts showed that the ethanol and dereplicated ethanol herbal- extracts had the best anti-reverse transcriptase activity. The ethanol extract had mean IC50 values of 56.53, 53.96 and 55.39 μg/ml against MJ4, Du179 and CM9 HIV-1 subtypes C isolates, respectively. The dereplicated ethanol extract had mean IC50 values of 51.87, 47.56 and 52.81 μg/ml against MJ4, Du179 and CM9 HIV-1 isolates, respectively. The aqueous extract was inactive against HIV-1 activity. Moreover, both the ethanol- and dereplicated ethanol- extracts showed activity against HIV neutralization. The ethanol- and dereplicated ethanol- extracts had mean IC50 values of 36.33 and 32.06 μg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, they also potently neutralized Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) yielding mean IC50 values of 24.91 and 20.82 μg/ml for ethanol- and dereplicated ethanol- extracts, respectively. All extracts were inactive against Murine leukemia virus (MLV). The isolation and phytochemical characterization of the bioactive compound(s) was done by utilizing various chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. Four homoisoflavanoids were isolated and tested for anti-HIV-1 subtype C activity. Three compounds (1, 3a and 3b) were inactive while compound 2 was found to be bioactive against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and yielded mean IC50 values of 7.23 ± 1.88, 12.83 ± 0.41 & 12.81 ± 0.10 μg/ml for MJ4, CM9 and Du179 HIV-1 subtype C isolates, respectively. Compound 2 had a mean CC50 value of 23.08 ± 0.1981 μg/ml against HEK293T cells. Overall, the data suggested that ethanol- and dereplicated ethanol- herbal extracts possess direct and indirect anti-HIV-1 activity. They possess a cocktail of phytochemicals that can inhibit HIV-1 RT, HIV-1 entry. Furthermore, these extracts possess phytochemicals that can lower the activation of inflammatory responses during an infection and, hence, reduction in the number new cells infected during the course of HIV-1 infection. Moreover, they possess phytochemicals that have antioxidant activity which, in relation to HIV infection, results in a boosted immune system response in order to ward off the virus. / MT 2017