Faculty of Health Sciences
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Item The perceptions and experiences of chiropractic students with regards to objective structured clinical examinations at a South African University of Technology(2024) Vawda, Nabeel; Varatharajullu, DesireeBACKGROUND A vast amount of literature has contributed to the topic of students’ perceptions and experiences of objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Many of these studies address the challenges that students face during those examinations, but few discuss the perceptions and experiences that university students may face before, during, and after the OSCE. In the realm of chiropractic education, abundant literature exists about the chiropractic field, as well as the curriculum and the accreditation of chiropractic education around the world. Noteworthy, unlike other healthcare professional programmes, literature regarding the perceptions and experiences of the chiropractic student with regard to the OSCEs in the course, and how that experience affects their clinical competence in the programme and future is scarce. This study recorded the perceptions and experiences of chiropractic students at a selected South African university of technology regarding the format, use and testing of the OSCE. AIM To explore the perceptions and experiences of chiropractic students towards the OSCE at a South African university of technology. METHOD A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive approach was utilised for this research. A purposive sample of 20 chiropractic students who have been examined in minimum of three OSCEs were interviewed. Their perceptions and experiences regarding the OSCEs were obtained through semi-structured interviews. A total of three key questions, each relating to how students feel before, during, and after the OSCE process were used to stimulate a discussion. The data were recorded electronically and thereafter transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. RESULTS The participants indicated that, for the most part, the OSCE is valued but, to some extent, could be tailored closer to the chiropractic scope of practice. This meant that while they were taught adequately, they were not fully prepared for the OSCEs as they did not adequately simulate real world clinical scenarios in the field of chiropractic. The examiners demeanour also played a substantial role in the participants’ experiences of the OSCEs. The participants indicated that their experiences were negative, stressful, and full of anxiety due to the format of the OSCEs, with its time constraints and difficulties with the examiners who were testing them. Another factor which contributed to the participants’ experiences of the OSCEs was the way they were being tested. The participants felt they were being examined differently to the way in which they were taught as many of the examiners were external clinicians. In contrast, the participants also mentioned that they benefitted from the OSCEs with regard to learning how to work well under pressure and building confidence, allowing them to be better prepared for clinical practice. The participants recommended that the OSCEs should be closer aligned with the chiropractic scope of practice, that the format of the OSCE be changed, and the time limit per a station increased. CONCLUSION This is the first South African study to document the perceptions and experiences of chiropractic students regarding the OSCEs at a South African university of technology. These perceptions and experiences were based on a variety of internal and external factors in relation to the university, chiropractic course, and examiners of the OSCEs. While the participants acknowledged and appreciated the positive aspects of the OSCEs, they provided constructive feedback on different aspects to help improve the experiences of the OSCE for chiropractic students. For many of the participants, the overall experience of the OSCEs was negative and they felt it could be significantly improved in the chiropractic course. It is advisable for educational institutions and stakeholders within chiropractic education to leverage the findings of this study to improve chiropractic education in South Africa.Item Perceptions and experiences of elderly patients receiving chiropractic care in the Durban Metropolitan area(2024) Claire de Lange, Holly; Varatharajullu, DesireeBackground: The elderly population experience a significant musculoskeletal burden. Both the population and their healthcare burdens are expected to increase due to the elderly’s extended life expectancies. This escalating healthcare burden falls to the public healthcare sector, on which the majority of the population relies in the South African context. The current experiences of elderly individuals in this public system are poor due to the disease centred approach implemented in care. Chiropractic care implements a patient-centred approach to healthcare which is more suitable to meet the needs of this vulnerable population. Chiropractic care effectively manages musculoskeletal conditions; however, it remains largely underutilised by the public. In South Africa, Chiropractic Care’s public presence is limited to two university clinics due to the outdated legislature restricting the profession in the public healthcare sector. This limits the public exposure to Chiropractic Care’s non-invasive and non-pharmacological approach for managing musculoskeletal pain. There is limited research in both the local and international contexts into the perceptions and experiences towards Chiropractic Care from the elderly’s perspective, therefore demonstrating the value of additional research into this topic. Aim: This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of elderly individuals receiving Chiropractic Care in the Durban Metropolitan area. Method: This qualitative study was conducted utilising an exploratory, descriptive approach. A random-purposive sampling of 11 elderly individuals with at least one previous Chiropractic Care experience was implemented. Semi-structured interviews were performed to provide insights into the perceptions and experiences of this population. Thematic analysis was performed using the Tesch method. Results: Thematic analysis extracted six themes, including understanding of Chiropractic Care; factors influencing the pursuit of Chiropractic Care; the impact of care on the elderly experience; insights provided through lifetime experiences; the impacts of age on the elderly experience; and the attraction of an alternative healthcare approach. Conclusion: This analysis indicated that although understanding of Chiropractic Care was limited by this population, all elderly participants shared positive perceptions of Chiropractic Care. A lack of language eloquence was observed when participants discussed Chiropractic terminology. New Chiropractic Care experiences have the potential to change the previous negative perceptions, while misinformation can be combated through patient education. Recommendation-based pursuit of Chiropractic Care is insufficient, and a focus on exposing new individuals to Chiropractic Care through alternative methods, such as community outreach, should be prioritised. The patient-centred approach in Chiropractic Care created a positive healthcare experience for the elderly individuals in this study. The elderly felt age had minimal impact on the Chiropractic Care they were provided, compared to the age based discrimination they experienced in the mainstream public sector. When the clinical care provided to the elderly is substandard, the negative perceptions of ageing and the ability to successfully access care are reinforced. Chiropractic care was viewed by the elderly as a superior healthcare alternative to the pharmacological and surgical options they were traditionally offered.Item The perceptions and experiences of Chiropractic Master’s students on practicing evidence-based practice during their clinical practicum at a teaching clinic in KwaZulu-Natal(2023) Tayob, Tasmiya; Varatharajullu, DesireeEvidence-based practice (EBP) integrates the best available research evidence in conjunction with clinical expertise with the consideration of patient values. A well-trained clinician should pose clinically relevant questions and access the clinically relevant literature to find, appraise, and use the best valuable evidence in routine clinical care. Patients who receive evidence-based therapy have better outcomes in comparison to patients who do not. Globally, EBP is accepted as a basis of healthcare professional education, which was initially used in medicine, but now extends to allied health professions. In order to achieve the best patient outcomes, healthcare professions should effectively incorporate adequate knowledge, skills and attitudes towards EBP into education programmes. The implementation of EBP is regarded as a key competence for the improvement of healthcare quality. Numerous professions have implemented EBP, such as nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social care, pharmacy, physical therapy, dietetics, podiatry, radiography, orthotics, speech and hearing therapy, psychology and chiropractic. Evidence-based practice has had an increasing impact on chiropractic education and its implementation in chiropractic care. The importance of EBP is essential as its implementation is a requirement at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Chiropractic Day Clinic (CDC). Students are required to use EBP when managing and treating patients during their clinical practicum and, thus, it is essential that students are knowledgeable in EBP and know how to use it adequately. Aim of the study The aim of this study was determine the perceptions and experiences of registered Chiropractic Master’s students on the implementation of evidence-based practice during their clinical practicum at a teaching clinic in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methodology This study utilised a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive design. Purposive sampling was used, interviewing 14 Chiropractic Master’s students who have been clinically active for more than four months at a chiropractic teaching clinic in KwaZulu-Natal. Their perceptions and experiences with regard to the implementation of EBP were obtained through semi-structured interviews, which consisted of three key questions, encouraged by relevant probes. The data collected were stored electronically and then transcribed verbatim. Thereafter, the transcripts were coded and analysed by the researcher in order to identify themes along with relevant subthemes. The coded data were then interpreted by the researcher using the previously identified themes and sub-themes. Results There were four main themes identified in this study, namely perceptions and necessity regarding the roles of EBP; undergraduate education and its role in the implementation of EBP; the importance of clinical experience in the implementation of EBP; and the implementation of EBP. Overall, students had a positive perception with regard to EBP with some students reporting limitations to its practice, along with positive perceptions. The students believed that the chiropractic training at the DUT CDC provided a solid foundation but a lack of training in multiple aspects was found. These aspects are discussed comprehensively, including the insufficient training in theoretical and clinical aspects, as well as for pre-clinical preparation. In addition, limitations and barriers were identified, as well as measures of improvement in order to enhance the implementation of EBP were suggested. Conclusion In South Africa, this study is the first to explore the perceptions and experiences of Chiropractic Master’s students on the practice of EBP at a teaching clinic in KwaZulu Natal. The perceptions and experiences were based on various aspects, such as knowledge, application, skills, proficiency, confidence, support structures, training and challenges. Although Chiropractic Master’s students had positive perceptions regarding the implementation of EBP and found the chiropractic training at the DUT to have provided a solid foundation, there were suggested methods of improvement for the chiropractic curriculum to enhance the implementation of EBP. A lack of undergraduate training regarding EBP was one of the key factors that students found to have hindered a more efficient practice of an evidence-based approach. Therefore, it is recommended that the findings of this study be of aid to the Durban University of Technology Chiropractic Department to enhance the quality of the chiropractic curriculum by re-evaluating the context in which the concept of an evidence-based approach was set out in order to encourage EBP by students and consider a different, more coherent method of implementation.Item Investigating the perceptions and experiences of parents and guardians regarding paediatric Homoeopathic care received from Homoeopaths in the eThekwini Municipality(2022-09-29) Strauss, Tylah; Hall, Cornelia Maria; Erwin, KiraBackground: Homoeopathy is a Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapy that is based on the law of similars – “Let Likes be Cured by Likes" – whereby substances that are capable of causing diseases in healthy people can be used in an infinitesimal dose as remedies to treat the similar disorder in someone who is ill. Globally homoeopathy is receiving greater recognition nowadays, particularly for its use in children. This is a result of parents seeking out treatments which they believe to be more tailored and "natural". However, this same trend is not mirrored in a South African setting. Despite there being a greater recognition of homoeopathy, the research on homoeopathy in South Africa (especially paediatric homoeopathy) is scarce and overseas trends cannot be extrapolated to a South African population. Therefore, this study aimed to fill a gap in the literature by exploring and describing the perceptions and experiences of parents and legal guardians regarding paediatric homoeopathy care received from homoeopaths in the eThekwini Municipality. Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the perceptions and experiences of parents and legal guardians regarding paediatric homoeopathic care received from homoeopaths in the eThekwini Municipality. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. This study was conducted on 12 parents regarding paediatric homoeopathy care received from one of the homoeopaths in the eThekwini Municipality. The interviews began with a 'grand tour' question followed by other approved questions to gauge these perceptions and experiences. The interviews were conducted in English and later transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analysed using Tesch's 8-step approach to qualitative research, whereby specific recurring themes are extracted from the data. Results: A total of 12 participants were interviewed. Four major themes emerged from the data: perceptions of homoeopathy, experiences of homoeopathy, challenges to homoeopathy and their possible solutions, homoeopathy versus allopathy, and an unplanned emergent theme of motherhood. The participants had varying levels of knowledge of homoeopathy depending on their level of connection (i.e. those with a close friend/relative who was in the profession had a better understanding). There were uniform perceptions of homoeopathy being "natural", "gentle", allusions to the law of similars and principle of the minimum dose, individualistic treatment and the stimulation of the vital force in order to allow the body to heal itself. Homoeopathic medication had perceptions of having no side-effects, having the ability to treat a wide array of conditions, and difficult dosages to adhere to. The overall experiences of homoeopathy were exceedingly positive. The participants commented on the thoroughness of the consult, the need for the practitioner to delve deep to find out the cause for the disease, the availability of the practitioner and the empathy and care felt. Awareness and education to the public, public access of OTC homoeopathic remedies, multi-disciplinary approach to paediatric management and integration into public healthcare proved to be the most beneficial solutions. When comparing homoeopathy to allopathy, we see that the homoeopathic holistic approach (whereby all symptoms are considered and there is an attempt to treat on more than just the physical plane) is preferred, there is a great mistrust with the pharmaceutical industry and participants wanted to be active participants in selecting which form of healthcare they chose. Mothers proved to be a valuable source in gaining awareness and mouth-to-mouth referral; their role in paediatric healthcare is paramount. Conclusion: Overall there were positive perceptions and experiences of homoeopathy, however, greater effort needs to be placed on education of the public, building relationships with other professionals and integration into public health care. Future studies should assess a wider catchment area, include quantitative research to get statistical evidence of efficacy, conduct in-person interviews to assure the quality of the data and include the role of mothers in future paediatric healthcare. Recommendations for the homoeopathic community include making information accessible to patients, increasing awareness of homoeopathy to the public and building inter-professional relationships and integrating into public healthcare.Item Exploring the pedagogical benefits of a Blended Learning strategy in selected Private Nursing Colleges in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa(2022-05-13) Lachman, Cherie; Ngxongo, Thembelihle Sylvia Patience; Naidoo, Vasanthrie; Coopasami, M.Background With the advancement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Nurse educators are now faced with the challenges of integrating different instructional methods of teaching to impact the various learners learning styles. The blended learning environment is a teaching-learning strategy that is becoming increasingly more common and refers to an optimised strategic learning process that utilises a blend of at least two learning strategies. Nursing requires individuals who can manipulate critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems as a team, making it important to explore whether nursing education is utilising an environment that is capable of creating critical and creative thinkers who can meet the needs of an ever-changing healthcare system. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to explore the practices regarding the use of blended learning as a teaching and learning strategy, in selected private nursing colleges in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methodology The study employed a qualitative research design, using an exploratory, descriptive approach. This approach enabled the researcher to explore the perspectives of the study population of nurse educators and learners regarding blended learning, as well as the teaching and learning practices that are currently in use. The study population consisted of 6 (six) nurse educators and 15 (fifteen) learners from Shekinah Nursing College in UMgungundlovu and Gandhi Mandela Nursing Academy in Durban, South Africa. Data saturation was achieved after interviewing 3 (three) nurse educators while the two focus group interviews conducted for learners did not require further interviews for data saturation to be reached. The study was guided by Singh’s (2003:54) adapted blended learning theoretical framework. Findings This study explored the practices regarding the use of blended learning as a teaching and learning strategy, in selected private nursing colleges in KwaZuluNatal, South Africa. It drew on the theoretical framework of Khan’s Octagonal framework (adapted by Singh 2003:54) related to a blended learning approach. The data analysis revealed three (3) major themes and sub-themes separately for nurse educators and learners. The study revealed that nurse educators and learners have minimal knowledge of blended learning. While some nurse educators have experienced online learning through their private studies, both Nurse educators and learners still have challenges in adopting a blended learning approach in the classroom. Conclusion A lack of college support, sophisticated technology and limited exposure to online learning strategies appeared to be the main issues of using a blended learning approach in undergraduate nursing studies at the private nursing colleges in the study. However, despite these issues, the nurse educators and learners appeared to be eager to embrace blended learning as a teaching and learning strategy, noting that these approaches may be an effective alternative to conventional teaching approaches in nursing education.Item Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of Genomic Medicine among medical students, private medical practitioners and the general public in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal(2019) Naidoo, Levani; Reddy, PoovendhreeThe use of genomics in public health has the potential to contribute towards the diagnoses of diseases, ensuring the efficiency of health promotion interventions and assist in developing more effective pharmaceuticals. Research conducted abroad has documented the discourse of public and medical perceptions towards genetic testing, however, there is a lack of information to inform the health sector within South Africa with respect to the knowledge and attitudes of the general public and medical sector towards genetic testing. Therefore, the aim of this study was to document and evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions surrounding the use of public health genomic (PHG) medicine. This was a quantitative cross sectional study and our convenient sample included representatives from the general public, medical students and medical practitioners within the eThekwini region in KwaZulu-Natal (n=170). Participants were required to fill out administered questionnaires which included likert scale questions. Medical practitioners from both private and public health sector in the KZN region were sampled (n=45). Medical students comprised of second year students from the UKZN Nelson R Mandela medical school who had not yet been exposed to the genetic module in their medical curriculum (n=79). Representatives of the general public included educators from private and public primary schools in Durban and surrounding areas (n=46). Descriptive and frequency analysis using mean, standard deviation and range was used for quantitative variables. Knowledge and attitude responses were stratified by gender, race and for medical practitioners by practice type. Bivariate correlations using Spearman’s rho test and principle component analysis was conducted. Scoring scales were used to determine the level of knowledge and type of attitude among participants towards predictive genetic testing. Results revealed that the knowledge of the general public, medical practitioners and medical students towards the use of public health genomics were adequate. Medical students displayed a negative attitude towards the uptake of predictive genetic testing which was contrary to the positive attitudes of the general public and medical practitioners. Stratification by gender indicated that women from the general public were more accepting of PHG despite the increased costs associated with genetic testing. We found that females were knowledgeable on the primary use of predictive genetic testing, and more Africans (77%) than Indians (46.2%) and Whites (50%) were aware that genetic testing is being offered in South Africa. Results of bivariate correlations revealed that current medical practitioners would still use predictive genetic testing despite the possible ethical, legal, and social implications for the end user. PCA (Principle Component Analysis) confirmed a strong factor loading for a willingness to use predictive genetic testing among the general public. PCA yielded a high factor loading on an awareness for the need for a proper legislative framework for PHG among medical students. Medical students articulated a need for additional training in public health genomics. In order to improve knowledge among the medical fraternity, institutions should adapt undergraduate and post-graduate curriculum to make provision for relevant PHG training that would be extended not only to medical and health care students but offered to qualified practitioners for continuous professional development training. In addition, awareness should be created on various media platforms to inform the public about the availability and costs associated with predictive genetic testing services in South Africa. Relevant stakeholders from both the public and private health sector in South Africa should be aware of the challenges that could impact on the uptake of public health genomics in South Africa, given its potential for use in the NHI (National Health Insurance) structure.Item The knowledge, perceptions, compliance and challenges of dental technicians and technologists in KwaZulu-Natal towards Continuing Professional Development(2021-05-27) Seedat, Naeem Cassim; Vahed, Anisa; Muslim, Tufayl AhmedLiterature documents that Continuing Professional Development (CPD) helps to track how practitioners are improving their skills, competency and performance while acquiring new skills to improve the quality of patient care. This process supports health care professionals to maintain, improve and advance their knowledge, skills, ethical and professional behaviour throughout their working life. Annually, dental technicians and technologists are required to provide evidence of their CPD engagement in order to retain their professional registration. This entails accruing a minimum of 30 Continuing Educational Units (CEUs) per annum. Reportedly, dental technicians have expressed their dissatisfaction with the management of CPD by the South African Dental Technicians Council (SADTC). Apart from this, there are no known studies on the challenges experienced by South African dental technicians and technologists concerning CPD compliance, which is required to keep them abreast of international and technological trends. This study therefore aimed to ascertain the knowledge, perception, compliance and challenges of dental technicians and technologists in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) towards CPD, in order to provide evidence-based information to guide stakeholders in the provision and management of CPD and to inform CPD policy formation and reform initiatives. This study used a quantitative non-experimental and descriptive research design, which follows a positivism paradigm. The study population involved dental technicians (n = 83) from KZN who completed an online questionnaire, which was underpinned by Kirkpatrick’s Four-level Training Evaluation model. The questionnaire mainly focused on dental technicians’ awareness, opinions and perceptions of CPD in terms of its delivery, quality of training, barriers to accessing activities and accruing CEUs. Data was analysed using descriptive (Univariate and Bivariate) and inferential (Mann Whitney and Chi Square) statistics (SPSS Version 25®) with the level of significance set at p<0.05. Using the principles of thematic analysis, five prominent themes emerged from the open-ended questions. Content validity ensured that the questionnaire focused on concepts and constructs from the literature review on CPD. The reliability of the results was maintained by Cronbach’s alpha. The results of the study revealed that CPD improves professional competency and supports the learning of advancements in technology. This coupled with the ease of access to CPD-related activities and ongoing communication from the SADTC enabled dental technicians and technologists to be CPD compliant. In contrast, the factors constraining dental technicians and technologists from being CPD compliant were their lack of awareness of the various ways to accrue CEUs, the high costs associated with CPD training, as well as a lack of financial and time relief from dental technologists (employers) to attend CPD activities. The attendance-based CPD activities and negligible adherence of the SADTC audit process to the principles of the South African National Standard (SANS 19011) audit document further exacerbated the constraints on compliance. In view of the results, the study recommends that dental technologists develop internal company policies to assist staff in attending CPD activities and provide more in-house and work-based CPD activities. It is further recommended that the SADTC revise the current Continuous Professional Development CEU accrual document to better align with the advancements of technologies currently taking place within the profession. Future studies should examine the auditing practices used by the SADTC in order to determine its alignment with the guidelines set out in the SANS 19011 audit document.Item Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of community members of the Maluti-a-Phofung municipality, Free Sate, on homoeopathy(2021) Monareng, Karabo Innocentia; Alwar, Vanishree; Couchman, IngridIntroduction: In South Africa Registered Homoeopaths are able to diagnose, prevent or treat physical and mental disease, illness or deficiencies in humans, prescribe or dispense medicine, or provide or prescribe treatment for such disease, illness or deficiencies in humans. Homoeopathy is one of the fastest growing healthcare systems worldwide (Manchanda 2018). Nevertheless, in South Africa there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of Homoeopathy and this has led to the limited utilization thereof. This survey intended to meet the following objectives; 1) To determine the knowledge of Homoeopathy amongst residents of the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality in Free State Province and 2.) To determine the attitudes toward Homoeopathy amongst residents in the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality in Free State Province and 3) To determine the perceptions of Homoeopathy amongst residents in Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality in Free State Province. Methodology: The study employed a quantitative design, which utilised a self-administered questionnaire to collect data. The setting of the study was at Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality, Free State Province, Qwaqwa, also called Witsieshoek, which has a population of 100 228. The data that emerged from the research was analysed in line with achieving the research objectives. All analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. The collected data was analysed by use of both descriptive and inferential statistics with the level of significance set at 0.05. Results: Out of the 226 respondents who participated in the survey, only 27% (n=61) had heard about Homoeopathy and most of their knowledge was from the media. Among this group (n=61) the majority believed that Homoeopathic medicine can treat the majority of diseases, that it emphasises a healthy life style, prescribes plants extracts, boosts the immune system, usually prescribes a diet, and prescribes medicines that are diluted and shaken. The majority of the respondents in this group (n=61) also perceived that the practice of Homoeopathy has scientific base, the medicines have undergone clinical validation through experimentation, are safe for use in infants, during pregnancy and in the elderly. Equally as important, it was found that some of the respondents (n=23) considered Homoeopathic medicine to be more effective in the treatment of both acute and chronic conditions than orthodox medicine. Subsequent to answering the survey, some of the participants mentioned that they would consider consulting with a Homoeopath because it was natural and many of the respondents showed interest in learning more of Homoeopathy. Conclusion: The data collected in this study confirms that of the 226 respondents who participated in the survey, only 27% (n=61) had heard about Homoeopathy. This confirms the significant lack of knowledge of the profession amongst residents of Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality.Item Perceptions and management of paediatric allergies amongst registered homoeopathic practitioners in the greater eThekwini area(2021-12-01) Pillay, Suvanya; Hall, Cornelia MariaPaediatric allergies in South Africa are of significant concern in respect to the recent increase in prevalence, aetiologies, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and management thereof. The perceptions and management of paediatric allergies amongst registered Homoeopathic practitioners in the greater eThekwini area were of significance in understanding and improving the current knowledge of these from a Homoeopathic perspective. Furthermore, the study provided reliable data in support of the prescription and usage of Homoeopathic treatment. No study on the Homoeopathic treatment and management of paediatric allergies in eThekwini had been conducted. In conducting such study, it expanded the literature of paediatric allergies from a Homoeopathic perspective for the benefit of the researcher, Homoeopathic bodies, parents and caregivers, and the general public. Furthermore, it intended to advocate the use of Homoeopathy as the primary healthcare intervention and first line of treatment for paediatric allergies and associated conditions. The study aimed to explore the perceptions and management of paediatric allergies amongst registered Homoeopathic practitioners in the greater eThekwini area with regards to aetiologies and clinical presentation as these presented in practice, and the diagnostic approaches, and treatment and management protocols that they followed. METHODOLOGY An explorative, qualitative design was employed to conduct the research study amongst a minimum of 12 Homoeopathic practitioners who fulfilled an inclusion criteria, or until saturation of data via questioning was achieved. Interviews were conducted at the respective participants’ consultation rooms located in the greater eThekwini area and captured via audio-recordings. Data was analysed under the supervisor’s guidance, and Tesch’s 8-step procedure of data analysis was applied, from which themes and sub-themes were formed. RESULTS Following data analysis, 4 main themes and their sub-themes were formed, namely knowledge of paediatric allergies with regards to aetiologies, types, and signs and symptoms; diagnosis with regards to clinical presentation and blood tests; multidisciplinary care with regards to referrals and approach to conventional treatment; and treatment and management protocols from a Homoeopathic, nutraceutical, dietary, and educational approach. CONCLUSION Homoeopathic practitioners share mutual perceptions and general knowledge of paediatric allergies in spite of limited professional training of allergies that is available to them. Their expertise and knowledge within their capacity was nevertheless trusted by concerned parents or caregivers to accurately identify, diagnose, treat, and manage a suspected allergy as per their patient’s totality of symptoms. Furthermore, to flatten an allergic tendency with indicated Homoeopathic treatment and appropriate adjuncts so as to prevent any possibility of a subsequent allergy. However, practitioners ought to consider the possible impact of elimination diets on their patients and families, as nutritional deficiencies, malnutrition, emotional stress, and financial expense are all causes of concern. Further clinical evidence is required to advocate them, for which practitioners may consider in their diagnostic, treatment, and management protocol. While Homoeopathy was not the primary option of treatment for their patients’ allergic conditions and concerns, it nevertheless remains a successful modality of CAM for the treatment thereof.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 homoeopathy