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Theses and dissertations (Health Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/12

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Subject: search.filters.subject.Chiropractic--Vocational guidance

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    An investigation of the factors affecting the career choice of selected health-care students (physiotherapy, chiropractic, medicine and occupational therapy) in KwaZulu Natal
    (2008) Maharaj, Sanvir H.; Docrat, Aadil
    The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the career choice of selected health-care students (physiotherapy, chiropractic, medicine and occupational therapy) in KwaZulu Natal. Multiple reasons exist for choosing careers. However, the set of factors involved when students commit to at least 4 to 7 years of their lives to these alternative and mainstream health care professions are of particular interest to this study. This was a demographic-epidemiological, cross-sectional survey-type quantitative study, based on a pre-validated questionnaire which was administered to the participants. The questionnaire was distributed to 29 first year chiropractic students of the Durban University of Technology, 32 first year physiotherapy and 22 occupational therapy students of the University of KwaZulu Natal, and 55 first year medical students of the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine. The results revealed that parents were a major factor influencing career choice (68.1%), as were significant other people (42%). However, siblings, peers and television did not have a major influence. Only television had a differential influence on the student groups (p<0.001). The medical students (20%) were influenced by television to a greater extent than the other professions. The majority of respondents obtained information from professionals visiting schools (56.5%), while family and guidance counsellors were also important sources of information (52.2% and 50.7% respectively). These results also revealed that chiropractic students were more likely to use the Internet to find out about careers than the other student groups. Previous past experience with a professional from their chosen career field did have a relatively strong influence (46.4%) whereas physiotherapists and chiropractors were more likely than the other two groups to be influenced by a professional from that career. V Working with people was the most important personal factor influencing career choice. The altruistic factor of helping others was the second most important factor. The least important personal factors were prestige, variety, lifestyle and enjoyment of working with their hands. Another result indicated that the ability to define personal goals was important for medical students but it was not very important for occupational therapy students. The joy of working with their hands was more important for chiropractic and physiotherapy students. The motivation to help others was more important to occupational therapy students. Finally, the results showed that prestige was most important for chiropractic students. A good work atmosphere was the most important work-related factor (75.4%), followed by the ability to run their own office (64.5%) and working conditions (55.1%). Of least importance was the presence of blood (7.2%). “The ability to run your own office” was significantly different between the student groups (p=0009) and chiropractic students were significantly influenced by this factor.
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    A survey to determine the knowledge and perceptions of biokineticists with respect to the chiropractic profession
    (2008) Naidoo, Magashri; Korporaal, Charmaine Maria
    Objective: To determine the current knowledge and perceptions of biokineticists with respect to the chiropractic profession in South Africa. Design: A descriptive design was utilized in a qualitative questionnaire in order to evaluate, in a structured manner, the knowledge and perceptions of biokineticists with respect to Chiropractic. Subjects: The total population size used in the study was 657 (response rate n=78; 11.87%). Outcome Measures: These were based on a questionnaire which addressed biokineticists knowledge of Chiropractic, interaction with Chiropractic, Chiropractic terminology and scope of Chiropractic practice. Results: Of the 657 questionnaires that were mailed, only 78 questionnaires were returned and this gave a response rate of 11.87%. The most frequent view or attitude towards chiropractic was that it had a valuable role in the health care system (64%). About 50% of the respondents believed chiropractors to be greatly competent in examination and diagnosis whilst 40% felt that chiropractors were moderately competent in examination and diagnosis. Nevertheless, the rate of communication between biokineticists and chiropractors was found to be quite high, in this study. All together, 67% of biokineticists had communicated with chiropractors. Of those that had communicated, the communication was rated as positive (94.4%). Of those who had referred patients to chiropractors, 41.8% had received treatment feedback reports and of those who had received reports, 68.8% said they were concise and valuable. Conclusion: The results of this study show that the mean knowledge score was 60%. Thus the overall knowledge of chiropractic was high. The only factor that significantly affected respondents’ knowledge was their self reported knowledge of chiropractic. In congruence with this, the most common attitude towards chiropractic was that it had a valuable role to play in the health care system (64%).
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    A retrospective survey of the career paths and demographics of Durban University of Technology (DUT) chiropractic graduates
    (2008) Black, Elmi; Brunette-de Busser, Nikki
    Aims and Objectives: To assess the demographics, career paths and factors affecting chiropractic graduates of Durban University of Technology (DUT) from June 1994 to June 2007. Method: A retrospective qualitative survey was conducted on 62 chiropractic graduates of DUT. The sample represented 25.5% of the total chiropractic population. Raw data regarding the demographics, respondents’ perception of their education, current career paths, the factors responsible for affecting these career paths, as well as a profile of chiropractic practices in South Africa (SA) was obtained. All data acquired was assessed using SAS (Statistical Analysis System) version 9.1.3. The data was purely descriptive, describing respondents’ career paths and their experiences, and no specific hypothesis was investigated. Results: The average respondent was found to be a married, white male who started his chiropractic career at age 25-26 years. A total of 98.4% (n = 61) of the respondents were currently in practice, with 80.6% (n = 50) indicating career satisfaction. The majority (62.9%; n = 39) of respondents perceived there to be a growing acceptance of chiropractic within the medical community, whilst 98.4% (n = 61) stated that they are currently part of an active referral system between various other medical practitioners. 46% (n = 23) listed DUT as their preferred choice of chiropractic institution. Conclusion and Recommendations: The majority of respondents’ indicated DUT as the preferred choice of chiropractic institution due to its location and the system of chiropractic taught (diversified). However, shortcomings in the education were highlighted to be a lack of practically applicable knowledge taught at undergraduate level, most especially business skills and speciality areas and that respondents’ perceived the qualification not to be as versatile and widely accepted as other international chiropractic qualifications. Factors responsible for positively affecting the career paths of chiropractic graduates were indicated to be the personality type of the graduate, the means to finance a practice, support from parents and spouse or partner and the level of acceptance graduates received from the public and other professions within the medical sector. A recommendation for future studies is that a longer time period be given for questionnaires to be returned and a larger sample group be established in order to ensure that the sample group and total population is homogenous.
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    A study to determine the perceptions, attitudes and knowledge of selected South African pharmacists on the chiropractic profession
    (2008) Palmer, David Craig
    Pharmacists are seen as a trustworthy source of advice and information to many people. Their accessibility, approachability and availability enable them numerous opportunities to offer health education and advice in an informal environment. Patient use of and demand for complementary and alternative practitioners including chiropractors, continues to increase, however there have been no studies to determine the extent of the pharmacists knowledge and perceptions/attitudes towards these alternative practitioners. Thus the purpose of this study was to determine the current perceptions, attitudes and knowledge of selected South African pharmacists with respect to the chiropractic profession. This will provide a basis for future studies, as well as a knowledge base to facilitate greater understanding and co-operation between pharmacists and chiropractors.
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    The prevalence and factors associated with occupational overuse syndrome in the hands and wrists of chiropractors in South Africa
    (2006) Mathews, Michael; Jones, Andrew D.
    The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of hand and wrist pain, as well as the relationships between occupational overuse syndromes in the hands and wrists of chiropractors in South Africa as a result of their daily use of manual therapy techniques while at work. There are very few statistics available that disclose the nature and incidence of work related injuries. However those statistics that do exist suggest that hands on patient activities place physical therapists at greater risk of injury in comparison to other health care workers (Lunne et al., 2000). A study conducted by Bork et al.(1996) determined the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal injuries sustained by physical therapists. Hand pain (29.6%) and back pain (45%) where the leading cause of pain in physical therapists (Bork et al., 1996.) Chiropractic and physiotherapy are both health care professions that specialize in the treatment of disorders pertaining to the neuro-musculo-skeletal system (Hunter, 2004). Physical therapists use manual therapy techniques as part of their daily working activities, so it can be assumed that chiropractors too will have a high prevalence of hand and wrist pain as they utilize similar therapeutic techniques to physical therapists. Cromie et al.(2000) evaluated the prevalence, severity, risks, and responses of disorders in physical therapists. He identified 4 categories of major risk factors commonly associated with workers musculo-skeletal disorders in physical therapists 1. Risk factors related to specific activities. 2. Postural risk factors. 3. Risk factors with regard to work load issues 4. Risk factors in regard of work capacity and health of the participant (Cromie et al., 2000). Physical risk factors found to be associated with neck, shoulder, or hand and wrist disorders in cross sectional studies are heavy lifting, monotonous work, static work postures, vibrations and repetitive jobs, and a high work pace (Alfredsson et al., 1999). Other factors that have been associated with musculoskeletal pain are higher age and female gender (de Zwart et al., 2001; Wahlstedt et al., 2001; Feveile et al., 2002).
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    The knowledge of general practitioners about chiropractic as a factor that may influence health care integration in South Africa
    (2005) Louw, Jan Daniel; Myburgh, Cornelius
    Several studies in Europe, Canada and the USA indicate that communication between GP’s and chiropractors is not ideal. Langworthy and Birkelid’s (2001) study concluded that with increasing emphasis on multidisciplinary health care, greater understanding and better communication is needed in order for the patient to obtain optimum benefits. The medical profession in the past has generally been opposed to the theories and practice of chiropractic, for a variety of reasons, including lack of scientific validity as well as unsubstantiated management utility (Silver, 1980). However, a Canadian study indicates that much progress has been made in diminishing the gap between GP’s and chiropractors (Verhoef and Page, 1996). Few studies have investigated GPs’ knowledge, awareness and attitudes toward complementary and alternative health care providers, especially in relation to the balance between market rivalry and interprofessional care (Langworthy and Smink, 2000). One such study performed in the Netherlands by Brussee et al. (2001) found that a statistically significant relationship existed between the level of knowledge of chiropractic and the frequency of referral of patients by GP’s. In the UK, it was found that many GP’s were more comfortable in referring to physiotherapists because they felt they had a better understanding of the treatment involved (Breen, et al., 2000). The chiropractic profession is attempting to improve co-operation with the medical profession via the scientific validation of its theories and practice through research (Rubens, 1996). The current perception in South Africa is that GP’s do not tend to refer patients to chiropractors. This has implications for chiropractic in the South African context in terms of integration. Therefore, as the current “gatekeepers” of primary healthcare, it is important to ascertain the perception and knowledge that this group has of the chiropractic profession in South Africa. The purpose of this investigation was therefore to determine the current knowledge and perception of GP’s in South Africa of chiropractors and chiropractic treatment in general. This should establish a knowledge base to facilitate greater understanding and co-operation between GP’s and chiropractors.
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    The knowledge and perception of vocational counsellors in South Africa with respect to chiropratic
    (2005) Van As, Ronald Kenneth
    If learners are to make a responsible and accountable choice at school of a field of study and occupation, it is imperative that they receive intensive guidance in this regard at school. Appropriate guidance on educational and occupational matters, and orientation of learners with respect to their individual potentials, will enable learners to choose fields of study at school that will correspond to wider occupational fields and that will serve as a meaningful introduction for a reasonable future choice of an occupation. Thus it was the purpose of this study to determine the current knowledge and perceptions of school guidance counsellors (SGC) with respect to the chiropractic profession in South Africa. This study has thus established a knowledge base to facilitate greater understanding and co-operation between school guidance counsellors (SGC) and chiropractors regarding the referral of learners, who may be interested in a profession in the alternative health care industry, to join the chiropractic field as a learner with the intent to become a practitioner.