Abstract
Background: Currently there is a lack of knowledge on the knowledge, attitude and perceptions among the University of Johannesburg (UJ) chiropractic students towards research. Aim: This aim of this study is to determine the knowledge, attitude, and perception among University of Johannesburg (UJ) Chiropractic students toward research and the correlations between various factors and variables. Method: This study was a quantitative and exploratory study that utilised an anonymous online survey that was facilitated by using Google Forms via email and WhatsApp through a link. Class representatives from each year of study within the chiropractic programme at UJ were utilised for the distribution of the survey. The survey consisted of 6 different sections and totalled 41 questions that took 10-15 minutes to complete. Procedure: An email including the information letter was sent out via the class representatives to registered chiropractic students at the University of Johannesburg. If the chiropractic student was willing to participate, he/she clicked on the link provided and was redirected to the Google Forms website to answer the survey anonymously. Results: The response rate was (47.68%, n=103). This study revealed that most chiropractic students (42%, n=81) thought research training should be compulsory for the chiropractic program. Furthermore, participants were confident in analysing research findings (38.8%, n=40), completing a research dissertation (36.9%, n=38) as well as applying research findings to chiropractic (42.8%, n=44). These same participants agreed with regards to the importance of research within chiropractic with (90.3%, n=93) agreeing that it gives the chiropractic profession accreditation, and it is important for continuous evolvement of the profession. Although participants were enthusiastic regarding the importance of research, (53.4%, n=55) were anxious about chiropractic research and (47.6%, n=49) found it to be difficult. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that participants were knowledgeable regarding chiropractic research and the participants understood the need for research training and future development albeit that majority of the participants did not find research subjects taught at UJ engaging...
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)