Abstract
Objective: The aim of the study was to establish and compare the differences in practice characteristics between male and female chiropractors currently practicing in South Africa with respect to demographic data, work environment, patient data, as well as chief complaint and aetiology and to discuss what impact these differences may or may not have for the profession in the coming years.
Methods: For this study a secondary analysis of data, collected from the online survey conducted for the analysis of the scope of chiropractic practice in South Africa in 2015 was done. The survey yielded a 32% response rate, 214 completed questioners were received. Differences in practice characteristics between male and female chiropractors in the various categorical responses involving demographic data, work environment, patient data, chief complaint and aetiology were compared using the X2 test.
Results: Male chiropractors had significantly more years in practice (p=.002), worked more hours per week (p=0.002) and saw more patients (p=0.0001) and new patients (p=.0001) per week. Female chiropractors spent more time with patients during initial (p=.028) and subsequent (p=.0001) visits and they spend more time on direct patient care (p=.0001). No significant differences were identified in the treatment techniques used, conditions treated or types of patients seen between the two genders.
Conclusion: Due to female chiropractors working fewer hours per week and seeing fewer patients per week compared to male chiropractors it may lead to a shortage of chiropractors in the future as the number of female chiropractors are increasing in South Africa.
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)