ABSTRACT The following is the John A. Sweaney Lecture delivered by Mufudzi Chihambakwe at the Biannual Meeting of the World Federation of Chiropractic in Gold Coast, Australia, on October 11, 2023.
ABSTRACT Objective The purpose of this study was to explore how work-life balance was perceived to influence mental and social well-being among chiropractors practicing in Malaysia. Methods A qualitative study was conducted using semistructured interviews with 15 purposively sampled practicing chiropractors in Malaysia. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s 6-phase framework. Trustworthiness was supported by team-based coding of a subset of transcripts and by the maintenance of an audit trail. Ethical approval was obtained, and all participants provided written informed consent. Results Eleven themes were identified across 2 interrelated domains. Social well-being comprises 4 themes: personal and professional support networks; clinic culture as community; social isolation arising from work overflow; and bidirectional work-home spillover. Mental well-being comprised 7 themes: self-care strategies and coping mechanisms; navigating the balance between mental well-being and burnout; professional identity, boundaries, and self-acceptance; recognition of personal limits; mindfulness and self-reflection; impacts of external circumstances; and seeking validation and support. Conclusion In this context-specific qualitative sample, work-life balance was perceived as an active and ongoing process shaped by clinical environments, professional roles, and social relationships. The findings highlight the interconnected nature of mental and social well-being among chiropractors practicing in Malaysia.
ABSTRACT Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the alignment between chiropractic educational outcomes, the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) prelicensure exams, and the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) meta-competencies. Methods A qualitative thematic analysis was performed between January 2024 and December 2024. A detailed coding framework was used to systematically assess coherence among the content of NBCE prelicensure exams, the competencies from 4 sample chiropractic educational outcomes, and the CCE meta-competency framework. Data were analyzed to identify the presence and depth of key professional domains. Results The thematic analysis revealed a substantial degree of alignment between the NBCE exams and the CCE meta-competencies. The essential domains included assessment and diagnosis, patient case management, disease prevention, communication and documentation, professional ethics, jurisprudence, spinal adjustment and manipulation, interprofessional collaboration, clinical reasoning, and practical skills. Conclusion This study provides valuable insight into the degree of alignment among chiropractic educational outcomes, NBCE exams, and the CCE meta-competency framework. The analyses offer a detailed evaluation of the extent to which NBCE exam content reflects the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors outlined in the CCE competencies. Collectively, the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how exam standards support the preparation of competent, entry-level chiropractic practitioners.
Objective:The purpose of this observational study was to determine the social, personal, psychological, and academic self-perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Chiropractic students in South Africa. Methods:This study used a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional design. A self-reported, Likert-scale survey of 35 online questions, administered through QuestionPro, was sent to Chiropractic students registered at 2 South African institutions from November 2022 until January 2023. The responses were anonymous. The survey was validated using a pilot study and focus group. Results:A 51.65% (n = 97) response rate was recorded. A total of 60.00% (n = 113) of respondents expressed discomfort if individuals did not wear masks and 73.40% (n = 138) of respondents reported to have experienced conflicts due to prolonged time spent with household members in limited personal space. The respondents also experienced personal self-perceived impacts, such as 69.00% (n = 130) reported having reduced productivity, 42.00% (n = 79) increased financial difficulties, 50.00% (n = 94) decreased physical activity, and 80.85% (n = 152) spent more time on social media. Participants self-reported that these challenges had detrimental effects on their mental health. These included increased anxiety (92.02%; n = 171), difficulties in thought control (75.50%; n = 142), withdrawal from social interactions (80.32%; n = 151), decreased motivation (90.96%; n = 171), and concentration issues (89.89%; n = 169). A portion of the students also reported a decline in academic marks (43.62%; n = 82) and practical skills (76.60%; n = 144). Conclusion:Most Chiropractic student respondents perceived that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted their social and personal functioning, self-reported mental health and overall academic progress.
Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the perspectives of past and present leaders from the American Public Health Association’s Chiropractic Health Care (CHC) section regarding opportunities for future growth and contributions CHC could have on the chiropractic profession and public health. Methods From June to July 2024, 50 identified individuals were invited to participate in an anonymous, online, structured questionnaire survey including free-text responses. A qualitative thematic analysis, rooted in pragmatism, was performed using inductive and deductive approaches. Results Nineteen (38% response) were included in the analysis. Three main themes were identified from the comments: 1) internal engagement of the section promotes professional growth and encourages a strong sense of community; 2) leadership and productivity of the section are closely related to growing and supporting membership; and 3) section leadership should focus on adding value to the chiropractic profession through involvement in public health domains. Conclusion This qualitative analysis of past and present CHC leadership surveys identified 3 primary themes that may guide strategic planning, policy development, and research initiatives.
