Abstract
Background: There is a paucity of research on the practice characteristics of chiropractors who treat paediatric patients in the Republic of South Africa (RSA). Studies have been conducted abroad, but not in RSA; therefore, it is essential to conduct this research.
Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore the practice characteristics of chiropractors in RSA who treat paediatric patients in KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Free State, North West, and Limpopo, and identify the most common complaints among paediatric patients. The results of this study may lead to improvements in chiropractic education programmes and enhance the relationships between chiropractors and other medical professionals who treat paediatric patients.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional, quantitative, and exploratory study that consisted of 20 questions adapted from a survey conducted by Mette Hobaek Siegenthaler (Siegenthaler, 2017). The survey was modified with assistance from the Statistical Consultation Services at the University of Johannesburg, and a pilot study was conducted to ensure the validity and reliability of the study. The study used a self-administered survey utilizing QuestionPro, in which stratified sampling was conducted. The study consisted of an online information letter, consent letter, and self-administered online survey, which was distributed via email and WhatsApp Messenger. Various chiropractic organizations were emailed, asking them to distribute the survey to all their registered members. Participants could then complete the survey, which took approximately 15–20 minutes to complete. The recruited participants were qualified chiropractors registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa and practiced in the above mentioned provinces. The minimum sample size was calculated to be 76, which was based on a 10% margin of error and 95% confidence level from a population size of 344. The data collected was subjected to statistical analysis with the use of cross-tabulations and 2x2 tables, which were subjected to Fisher’s Exact tests; larger tables were subjected to Pearson’s chi-squared tests.
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Results: Eighty chiropractors participated in this survey, with a response rate of 23.2%. Among participants, the majority practiced in KwaZulu-Natal (52.5%); fell into the age group of 30–39 years (37.5%); and were female (80%). The majority of participants graduated in 2021 (10.1%); studied at the Durban University of Technology (61.3%); held an MHSc/MTech (96.3%); and had undergone further paediatric training (56.3%). The majority of participants (93.8%) did not have any additional paediatric qualifications related to chiropractic, and 28.5% of participants reported a special interest in paediatric chiropractic. Most participants (22.5%) saw 21–30 general patients per week, and 77.5% saw 1–10 paediatric patients per week. Most participants (36.5%) treated paediatric patients between the ages of 0–6 months, and 22.5% of paediatric patients received chiropractic manipulation. The most common chief complaint of paediatric patients was infantile colic/excessive crying, and the majority of paediatric patients were referred to participants by family. Most participants (76.3%) stated that chiropractors and other healthcare providers respect each other, with 96.3% of participants referring paediatric patients to other healthcare providers, the majority (36.4%) of which referred paediatric patients to paediatricians. Importantly, 90% of participants were unsatisfied with their undergraduate paediatric training, and 50% of participants reported that they would have benefited most from more hands-on paediatric training.
Conclusion: This study revealed that a significant number of the participants were based in KwaZulu-Natal, aged between 30 and 39, and predominantly female. The majority of the participants had completed their studies at the Durban University of Technology; graduated in the year 2021; and held an MHSc/MTech degree. Additionally, the participants had undergone chiropractic training beyond their formal education. Although most of the participants did not possess any additional paediatric qualifications, they had a strong interest in family and paediatric chiropractic care. Furthermore, the study revealed that the participants treated an average of 21 to 30 adult patients per week and 1 to 10 paediatric patients per week.
The findings of this study suggest that most chiropractors have combined practices, catering to both adults and children. The study also found that the most common reason for paediatric patients to seek chiropractic care was infantile colic. The
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outcomes of this study may lead to improvements in chiropractic education programs, foster better relationships between chiropractors and other medical professionals, and benefit both the chiropractic profession and patients who seek chiropractic care. In conclusion, further research is needed to examine the practice characteristics of chiropractors who treat paediatric patients in South Africa, and future studies should investigate paediatric training across all educational levels.