The perception, knowledge and utilization of the chiropractic profession amongst Durban University of Technology students

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the perception, knowledge and utilization of chiropractic profession by Durban University of Technology students. Methods: One thousand quantitative questionnaires were handed to students during lecture times. The sample was selected through representative sampling of all the Durban University of Technology students. The questionnaire was developed utilizing a Delphi process of focus group refinement and piloting. Data was entered on the spread sheet into the computer using SPSS version 15.0. Results: A response rate of 94,6% (946/1000) was obtained. There was a low level of knowledge, perception and utilization of chiropractic amongst Durban University of Technology students, only 37% had knowledge about chiropractic which most of them admitted to having a fair knowledge . White females had a higher knowledge about chiropractic than any other group. The perceptions about the suitability of chiropractic to treat different conditions were low. Low back pain was the condition for which respondents most commonly consulted a chiropractor, with 30% of participants being referred by a doctor and another 30% referred by family members. Conclusions: The overall knowledge of chiropractic in this population was relatively poor but a better perception of chiropractic existed in some ethnic groups which was not statistically significant. The results indicated that no statistic significance relationship exists between demographic factors and perception and knowledge of DUT students with respect to chiropractic.