Theses and dissertations (Health Sciences)
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Item Exploring the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of Homoeopathy and the Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Community Centre (UNHCC) in the Warwick Junction community(2022-09-29) Gama, Khulu Khwezi Kwazi; Hall, Cornelia Maria; Ngobese, BrianIntroduction The South African public healthcare system is maintained as an under-resourced and overburdened area of the economy. This has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which continues to be a source of concern. CAM usage has increased exponentially, with homoeopathy being the second- fastest growing medicinal modality globally. With that said, the assumption would be that homoeopathy is growing in acceptance and understanding. However, research indicates a moderate knowledge of homoeopathy in South African communities, particularly in African communities, which make up 80% of the total South African population. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions held by the Warwick Junction community members towards homoeopathy and the Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Community Centre (UNHCC). This was to understand the notable lack of knowledge about homoeopathy and the UNHCC, which is the pioneering satellite clinic under the auspices of the Durban University of Technology, as well as factors influencing this lack of progress in knowledge, despite the increasing need for healthcare. Methodology A qualitative, explorative and phenomenological design was employed in this study. Qualitative research was considered the most appropriate method to collect primary data to ensure an in-depth understanding of the participants’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of homoeopathy and the Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Community Centre (UNHCC). This design also fostered freedom of expression without the hinderance created by a selection of responses as with a survey. Thirteen participants from the Warwick junction community were interviewed. Results It was discovered that 23% of the participants were familiar with homoeopathy and 45% understood the functioning of the UNHCC. Of the 23% that were familiar with homoeopathy, it was viewed as a natural but foreign medicinal modality and not well understood. Of the 45% that understood the purpose of the UNHCC facility, there was an understanding that the facility was reserved for HIV testing and counselling. The lack of knowledge regarding homoeopathy and the UNHCC can be ascribed to the lack of effective marketing of the facility, linked to commercial advertising legislations; the ambiguous nomenclature ’Ukuba Nesibindi’ and the physical location of the facility. The generally poor growth in knowledge of homoeopathy can also be attributed to the increase in conventional medicine through mass production of pharmaceutical drugs and polypharmacy for financial gain, with no parallel strategy evident in the distribution of CAM.Item Perceptions and awareness of homoeopathy in the rural Matatiele municipality in the Eastern Cape province(2020-06-10) Bolobolo, Matokoloho Henrietta; Ngobese-Ngubane, Jabu C.; Maharaj, M.Introduction: Homoeopathy is a health profession that focuses on diagnosing, treating and the management of diseases. In recent years’ homoeopathy has emerged as the fastest growing healthcare system in the world. Due to the shortage of healthcare facilities in South Africa, homoeopathy is one of the most cost-effective therapeutic method. Despite this, there is limited uptake of homoeopathic medicine amongst South Africans due to the lack of knowledge and misunderstanding of homoeopathy. The aim of this study was to determine the perceptions and awareness of homoeopathy in the rural Matatiele municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The study aimed to answer two objectives, which were: 1) to determine the perceptions of homoeopathy amongst residents in the rural Matatiele municipality and 2) to determine the awareness of homoeopathy in the rural Matatiele municipality in the Eastern Cape Province in terms of perception and awareness questionnaire. Methodology: A quantitative study, a survey method was employed where questionnaires were used to collect data. The study took place in Matatiele municipality and no study of this nature so far has been conducted in the rural Matatiele municipality focussing on perceptions and awareness of homoeopathy. Matatiele local municipality is situated within the jurisdiction of the Alfred Nzo district municipality and the municipality has a population of 203 843. A sample realisation of 97.75% was achieved. The data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics with a level of significance set at 0.05. All analyses were performed using SPSS (version 24). Results: Out of the total of 391 participants who completed the questionnaire in full, (92.1%) reported that they had never heard of homoeopathy. On the contrary, (7.9%) respondents had heard about homoeopaths in the past. Amongst the few who had knowledge about homoeopathy, it emerged that there was a positive perception of homoeopathic practice. It was found amongst those sampled that there was an awareness that homoeopathic remedies have a scientific base, have undergone clinical trials, and are safe to use in the treatment of infants, pregnant women, and the elderly. Equally, important, the effectiveness of the homoeopathy remedy in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease was placed in the same bracket as the allopathic medication. Consequently, some of the respondents stated that they would consider consulting with a homoeopath because homoeopathy is natural. Hence, a majority indicated that they were keen to know more about homoeopathy. Conclusion: From the results drawn from the respondents, it was sufficing to say that the level of knowledge of homoeopathy amongst participants was minimal, with, only 31 out of 391 respondents have heard of homoeopathyItem A survey to determine the perceptions of general practitioners and pharmacists in the greater Durban region towards homoeopathy(2005) Maharajh, Dheepa; Hall, Cornelia MariaHomoeopathy 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.Item The perceptions and awareness of homoeopathy and the Homoeopathic Day Clinic (H.D.C) amongst students at the Durban University of Technology (D.U.T.)(2007) Macquet, Thomas; Steele, RichardTertiary 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 haveItem A study of the perceptions and experiences of patients receiving homoeopathic care in the context of primary healthcare services within the public sector(2016) Love, Kirsty Jane; Hall, Cornelia Maria; Crankshaw, Tamaryn L.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.Item A study on the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of primary health care nurses in the eThekwini Municipality District with regards to the inclusion of homoeopathy in primary health care(2013-10-31) Pillay, Shavani; Couchman, IngridThe aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of Primary Health Care nurses in the Ethekwini Municipality District regarding the inclusion of homoeopathy in Primary Health Care. Nurses working in Primary Health Care facilities were approached to conduct this study. The objectives of this study was to make nurses and their patients alike aware of an alternative to conventional medicine, and to the fact that homoeopaths are medically trained practitioners. The survey method used was a self-administered questionnaire to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of Primary Health Care nurses towards homoeopathy. The study population was nurses with a minimum of 3 years of general nursing experience, working in Primary Health Care in the Ethekwini Municipality District. The data was collected and analysed statistically using SPSS version 19. A total of 205 questionnaires were distributed and a total of 108 (52.68%) questionnaires were returned with 100 correctly completed and then analysed. The results reflected that 74% of participants felt that homoeopathy should be made available at hospitals and clinics. 69% of participants agreed (strongly agreed or agreed) that homoeopathy should play an active role in the Primary Health Care system in South Africa. The target group’s attitudes were positive as 58% of participants said they would personally use homoeopathy as a source of Primary Health Care. The majority of the participants (71%) felt that homoeopathy should be available as a treatment for most conditions. The study demonstrated an otherwise positive trend of support of those Primary Health Care nurses surveyed toward the possible inclusion of homoeopathy in Primary Health Care. Further research into the nature of such integration and the potential contribution of homoeopathy and homoeopathic practitioners is warranted. This study has established a perceived requirement for Primary Health Care nurses to be exposed to education programs which may introduce the concepts of CAM, homoeopathy and its regulations in South Africa. These nurses may then reliably guide their patients that have a historical use or future need of such services. Generalisation of results and conclusions regarding the perceptions of Primary Health Care nurses regarding homoeopathy can be tentative.Item The perception of homoeopathy amongst African adults resident in Mnambithi Municipality (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)(2010) Lamula, Sboniso Bethwel; Steele, RichardIntroduction All the studies on the perception of homoeopathy in South Africa conducted so far have found that the group least knowledgeable about homoeopathy is the African group. However, no study yet has focused on this group, and tried to find out more detail about their perceptions of homoeopathy. The study took place in Mnambithi, a town in the northern part of KwaZulu Natal within the Uthukela District with a population of about 200 000 people. Aim of the study The overall aim of this study was to determine the perception, knowledge and utilization of homoeopathy amongst African adults resident in Mnambithi, KwaZulu Natal. Methodology The survey method was employed to conduct this study. The research instrument was a self-administered questionnaire. The number of questionnaires completed was 1034, distributed according to suburbs 10.6%, centre of town iii 9.8%, former township areas 58.7% and rural areas 20.6% which approximately reflected the proportion of the population resident in those areas. The data was primarily analyzed by means of descriptive statistics using frequency tables. Results The sample consisted of 50.3% males and 49.5% females, with the largest group of respondents being 41 years old and above. Most were unemployed (61.8%). The educational standard was high, with 43.8% of respondents having matric and 20.4% having a diploma or degree. Most respondents (98.6%) had not heard of homoeopathy before. Only 0.1% of respondents had consulted a homoeopath before. 83.8% of respondents answered that they would consider consulting a homoeopath in the future, and 43.3% indicated they were interested in learning more about homoeopathy. The lack of knowledge about homoeopathy and yet being interested in learning more, is a similar finding to other perception studies. Conclusions It can be concluded from the results that the level of knowledge of homoeopathy amongst respondents was minimal, with only 10 out of 1034 respondents having heard of homoeopathy. Questions relating to the perception of homoeopathy were restricted to those who had heard of homoeopathy, but because of the small number, no conclusions regarding perception can be drawn.Item A survey of the perception of homoeopathy amongst parents of children aged 3 to 7 years old at pre primary schools in the Pinetown district(2009) Von Bardeleben, Caron Lee; Hall, Cornelia Maria; Couchman, IngridIntroduction 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.Item Perceptions of homoeopathy graduates of Durban University of Technology (previously Technikon Natal) with regard to research as a component of the degree(2009) Govender, Yamantha; Naude, David F.Anecdotal evidence suggests that students perceive the research component of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy (M.Tech: Homoeopathy) qualification at Durban University of Technology (DUT) in a negative light, and as an unnecessary obstacle to the qualification and the practice of homoeopathy (Naude, 2008). One of the reasons for this negative perception is that in terms of the Homoeopathic programme, the only exit point is upon completion of the Master’s Degree. Although relevant status is awarded upon completion of N. Dip: Homoeopathy after the third year of study and B. Tech: Homoeopathy after the fourth year of study, no actual certificates/qualifications are awarded or issued nor can the student register/practice as a Homoeopath (Durban University of Technology, 2009). The Homoeopathic profession in South Africa is unique as there are very few professional qualifications which prescribe an obligatory Master’s level qualification in order to register and practice the respective profession. Due to the M.Tech: Homoeopathy being the only exit point in the Homoeopathy programme, every registered student must complete a Master’s dissertation in order to qualify and ultimately practice Homoeopathy in South Africa, this often results in students conducting research for the wrong reasons, without the genuine academic desire to do so or the maturity and skills required (Naude, 2008). According to the Education Department of South Africa (2007), the primary purposes of a Master’s Degree are to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level, or prepare graduates for advanced and specialised professional employment. A Master’s Degree must have a significant research component. iv The Education Department of South Africa (2007), states that a Master’s Degree may be earned in either of two ways: (1) by completing a single advanced research project, culminating in the production and acceptance of a thesis or dissertation, or (2) by successfully completing a course work programme requiring a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence and a research project, culminating in the acceptance of a dissertation. In the latter case, a minimum of 60 credits at level 9 must be devoted to conducting and reporting research. According to the Education Department of South Africa (2007), Master’s graduates must be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and nonspecialist audiences. Graduates must be able to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level, and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills. Methodology A non-experimental descriptive survey was conducted to determine the perceptions of DUT M.Tech: Homoeopathy graduates with regards to research as a component of the degree. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed and 50 anonymous responses were obtained. Raw data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the relationships between variables tested for correlations. v Results 27% of practicing graduates felt that research had a direct benefit on their professional development. Graduates said that after completing research they felt more competent and gained more faith in their profession. 34% of graduates thought that research had a direct benefit on their personal development. Graduates felt that on the path of working towards a long term goal they had discovered that they possessed a significant amount of patience and will power. 40% of graduates agreed that research had no contribution to their personal and professional development as a Homoeopath. Although some graduates said they felt a “sense of accomplishment” upon completing research, other graduates argued that the delay in qualifying as a result of research contributed to the loss of income and valuable clinical knowledge. Conclusions and Recommendations The process of research is a multi–factorial problem. One has to look at each individual case in order to gain insight into how to best address respective problem areas in order to improve the process of research and reduce the delays in qualification. Many graduates expressed dissatisfaction at the inconsistent time factor, from conception of the research design, to awaiting both approval of the DUT 186 and finally the marking of the completed work. Some graduates felt that difficulties relating to the quality and quantity of supervision as well as poor patient/ participant compliance were the factors responsible for their delay in qualification. Many graduates reported that the previously limited Homoeopathic research budget left them compromised for scope, diversity and new ideas. vi It was recommended that future students insist on formal supervision contracts which clearly define issues such as accessibility and timeframes. It was also recommended that future students consider at least two supervisors, preferably one being an external supervisor with suitable specialist skills concerning the respective research study. Furthermore, it was recommended that future research should be designed around easily accessible target populations. The M.Tech: Homoeopathy programme is currently undergoing recurriculation; the new curriculum will be most likely implemented in 2011. A draft curriculum has been designed by academic staff of DUT and University of Johannesburg. The proposed new curriculum aims to addresse issues such as difficulties with research as well as solutions to these difficulties.Item A survey of the perceptions of homeopathy by registered chiropractors in South Africa(2007) Khoosal, Bharti Gangaram; Hall, Cornelia Maria; Steele, RichardThe 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.