Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Masters Degree in Tehcnology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / Background: The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, perception and
utilisation of vitamins and minerals, natural medicines and pharmacological agents as
adjuncts to Chiropractic practice in South Africa.
Method: This study was a population based cross sectional survey utilising a descriptive,
quantitative questionnaire study design. The questionnaire was distributed to all practicing
qualified Chiropractors (n=388) and masters Chiropractic students (n=102) in South Africa.
Results: The results obtained (30.4% response rate), indicated that the majority of the
respondents (62.8%) felt qualified to advise patients on vitamins and mineral supplements and
had a positive view of the use of vitamins and minerals as part of Chiropractic patient
management (86.6%). The majority of the practitioners were aware that topical substances
are part of the scope of practice and males were nearly twice as likely as females to use them.
The majority thought biopuncture should be available to Chiropractors (82%) and felt that
Chiropractors should challenge the legislation to incorporate biopuncture as part of the scope
of practice (77.5%). Most respondents agreed with the statement indicating that NSAIDS
should be part of Chiropractic scope of practice and 71% of respondents felt that being able to
use NSAIDS in non-emergency situations would enhance patient retention. This study
revealed that amongst the student population the majority, if allowed, would consider
administering pharmacological agents in practice (55.1%).
Conclusion: A correlation exists between the perception, knowledge and utilisation of
vitamins and minerals, natural medicines and pharmacological agents in the Chiropractic
profession with respect to the demographic data and there is a significant difference in opinion
between qualified Chiropractors and Chiropractic masters students regarding perception,
knowledge and utilisation of these adjuncts to practice.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:dut/oai:ir.dut.ac.za:10321/492 |
| Date | January 2009 |
| Creators | De Gouveia, Natalie |
| Contributors | Wilson, Laura Maie |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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