Abstract
M.Tech.
Objectives: To gain statistics on the perception parents in Johannesburg have regarding paediatric chiropractic and to educate the public as to the value of paediatric chiropractic in infants and children and increase the number of paediatric patients presenting to chiropractic practices.
Methods: One-hundred-and-fifty questionnaires were completed by willing participants attending various antenatal classes throughout Johannesburg. Thereafter, a brief educational talk on paediatric chiropractic was given to all participants and information brochures were distributed.
Results: A total of 34.50% of the participants had been previously treated by a chiropractor, with only 12.80% having been treated during their pregnancy and a further 15.70% who intended to receive chiropractic treatment while they were pregnant. Throughout the various age groups majority (54.20%- 56.30%) of the participants felt that might consult a chiropractor for the treatment of a child, although very little was known about the paediatric conditions that may be treated by chiropractors. Majority of the participants felt that chiropractic treatment of paediatrics and during pregnancy was completely safe.
Conclusions: Although the participants were not entirely opposed to paediatric chiropractic (the treatment of children and pregnant mothers) they had very little knowledge regarding the topic of paediatric chiropractic, the conditions it may be successful in treating and the health benefits for children who receive chiropractic treatment. Majority of the participants were interested in furthering their knowledge regarding the topic of paediatric chiropractic.