{"title":"The John A. Sweaney Lecture: Gold Coast, Australia, October 2023, given by Mufudzi Chihambakwe: The light we carry: Chiropractic as a public service.","authors":"Mufudzi Chihambakwe","doi":"10.67400/ECHU-D-26-00006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.67400/ECHU-D-26-00006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":39103,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chiropractic Humanities","volume":"33 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13653452/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149170659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Igor Himelfarb, Bowen Wang, Troy D Stark, Melissa Engelson, Christopher P Petrie, Vanessa Morales
{"title":"Alignment between National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exams, chiropractic curricula and Council on Chiropractic Education meta-competencies: A qualitative study.","authors":"Igor Himelfarb, Bowen Wang, Troy D Stark, Melissa Engelson, Christopher P Petrie, Vanessa Morales","doi":"10.67400/ECHU-D-26-00001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.67400/ECHU-D-26-00001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":39103,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chiropractic Humanities","volume":"33 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13653454/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149167048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Work-life balance and mental and social well-being among chiropractors in Malaysia: A qualitative study.","authors":"Yi Kai Wong, Shi Hern Chua, Je Wen Fam","doi":"10.67400/ECHU-D-25-00008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.67400/ECHU-D-25-00008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":39103,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chiropractic Humanities","volume":"33 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13653444/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149169285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alec L. Schielke DC , Peter T. Hibl DC, MS , Zachary A. Cupler DC, MS , Jordan A. Gliedt DC , Clinton J. Daniels DC, MS
{"title":"Experiences and Perspectives of the American Public Health Association Chiropractic Health Care Section Leaders: A Qualitative Analysis","authors":"Alec L. Schielke DC , Peter T. Hibl DC, MS , Zachary A. Cupler DC, MS , Jordan A. Gliedt DC , Clinton J. Daniels DC, MS","doi":"10.1016/j.echu.2025.08.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.echu.2025.08.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This qualitative analysis of past and present CHC leadership surveys identified 3 primary themes that may guide strategic planning, policy development, and research initiatives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39103,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chiropractic Humanities","volume":"32 ","pages":"Pages 68-77"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145100036","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An Experiential Learning Activity on Empathy in Chiropractic Students: A Descriptive Report","authors":"Scott M. Dunham BSc, DC, MSc, MEd","doi":"10.1016/j.echu.2025.07.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.echu.2025.07.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The purpose of this report is to describe an experiential learning activity on empathy for first-year chiropractic students.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An experiential learning exercise utilizing standardized patients was developed for incoming students to highlight a potential decrease in empathy during their education, and to impart the importance of empathy in the Doctor-Patient relationship.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The learning activity on empathy was delivered to 747 first year students over 4 academic years. This consisted of a group briefing, standardized patient encounter, group debrief and subsequent video reflection.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>An experiential learning activity was developed and implemented to address the potential deterioration of empathy in first-year chiropractic students.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39103,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chiropractic Humanities","volume":"32 ","pages":"Pages 63-67"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145100035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chiropractic identity, role, and future: A secondary analysis of a survey of South African chiropractors","authors":"Sharné Naidoo MTech, Savannah Lynn Mitchell MHSc, Glen James Paton PhD, MTech","doi":"10.1016/j.echu.2025.07.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.echu.2025.07.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The purpose of this secondary data analysis was to evaluate perceptions of South African chiropractors on concepts related to the identity, role, and future of the profession.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional quantitative secondary analysis was conducted by inviting South African chiropractors (n=909) to participate in a modified anonymous online survey. Frequency, descriptive, reliability and correlational analyses were performed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>An 18.7% response rate was achieved (n=170). Most respondents were aged 25-34 (48.8%), female (61.2%), practicing in Gauteng (44.1%), and graduates of the University of Johannesburg (47.6%). The majority completed a course in evidence-based practice (71.2%) and had less than 5 years of clinical experience (40%). Respondents agreed (94,1%) that chiropractors should be educated in evidence-based practice. A majority of respondents perceived the role of chiropractic in the diagnosis (54.7%) and treatment (70%) of spinal conditions using spinal manipulation and other modalities. There was over 50% agreement among respondents for a unified identity focusing on wellness, health, and preventative care for the future of the profession. Positive correlations were found between the identity, the scope of practice (role), and the future of chiropractic.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This sample of South African chiropractors perceived chiropractic practitioners to be spinal healthcare providers who use evidence-based practices, and that the future of the profession should include promoting overall health and patient wellness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39103,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chiropractic Humanities","volume":"32 ","pages":"Pages 16-24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145061767","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yi Kai Wong BSc (Chiro), MSc (Public Health) , Kar Yee Lee BSc (Chiro)
{"title":"Perception of Honorific Titles Among Chiropractors in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study","authors":"Yi Kai Wong BSc (Chiro), MSc (Public Health) , Kar Yee Lee BSc (Chiro)","doi":"10.1016/j.echu.2025.07.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.echu.2025.07.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of chiropractors in Malaysia regarding the use of honorific titles and how these perceptions influence their professional identity and patient interactions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This descriptive qualitative study used semistructured interviews with 9 chiropractors registered with the Association of Chiropractic Malaysia. Participants were selected based on their active practice in Malaysia, with exclusion criteria including prior participation in similar studies and potential conflicts of interest. Thematic analysis was performed to identify key patterns and themes from the interview data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants viewed honorific titles as essential to their professional identity, with many expressing concerns that the prohibition of the title “Doctor” undermines their credibility. Confusion among the public regarding the qualifications of chiropractors was a recurrent theme. Participants highlighted the need for clearer guidelines and public education to address these misconceptions. Although some supported the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act 2016, others believed that it hindered professional recognition.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings suggest a need for regulatory reforms and public education campaigns to enhance the professional identity of chiropractors in Malaysia. Further research should explore the impact of honorific titles on patient outcomes and examine regional variations in perceptions within the chiropractic community.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39103,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chiropractic Humanities","volume":"32 ","pages":"Pages 45-54"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145061785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sonia P. Narotam , Alexis Harerimana , Julian D. Pillay
{"title":"Musculoskeletal pain among South African flight Attendants: A cross-sectional study","authors":"Sonia P. Narotam , Alexis Harerimana , Julian D. Pillay","doi":"10.1016/j.echu.2025.07.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.echu.2025.07.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The purpose of this study was to provide details on injuries and musculoskeletal pain among South African flight attendants and to explore their knowledge, perception, and utilization of chiropractic care.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional design and used a survey for data collection. A total of 108 participants completed the questionnaire from April to November 2022. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies, percentages, and cross-tabulations. Mann- Whitney U tests compared 5-point Likert scale responses regarding chiropractic perceptions between users and non-users.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>The study found that 58% of flight attendants experienced work-related musculoskeletal pain, mainly in the lower back (84.1%) and shoulders (39.7%). Common causes included long shifts (66.7%) and lifting luggage (44.4%). About 32% sought chiropractic care, which 90% found beneficial for both prevention and maintenance. Chiropractic utilization was higher among participants with musculoskeletal pain (41.3%) compared to those without (19.0%, <em>P</em> = .014). Knowledge scores did not differ significantly (<em>P</em> = .369). Positive perceptions (<em>P</em> = .004) and preferences (<em>P</em> < .001) were associated with increased utilization, while limited knowledge (<em>P</em> < .001) and discomfort (<em>P</em> = .046) were linked to decreased utilization.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Despite a significant number of flight attendants reporting work-related musculoskeletal pain, their limited knowledge of chiropractic influenced their perception and usage of the service. There is a need for the aviation industry to address musculoskeletal risks and provide adequate chiropractic education and care to flight attendants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39103,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chiropractic Humanities","volume":"32 ","pages":"Pages 25-32"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145061783","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Frank Fan Huang MSc , Chengcheng Chai MSc , Tiankang Zhang MD , Mingwang Qiu MSc , Daniel Kangyong Zheng MSc , Yule Hu MSc , Nuo Lei MSc , Jeremy Rui Chang MSc , Xiaoxiao Mei MSc , Wangbin Liao MSc , Xiaohui Li MSc , Shan Wu PhD , Liming Lu PhD , Arnold Yu Lok Wong PhD , Zhiyong Fan PhD
{"title":"Availability of manual therapy in hospitals in the Guangdong province, China: a cross-sectional web-based survey","authors":"Frank Fan Huang MSc , Chengcheng Chai MSc , Tiankang Zhang MD , Mingwang Qiu MSc , Daniel Kangyong Zheng MSc , Yule Hu MSc , Nuo Lei MSc , Jeremy Rui Chang MSc , Xiaoxiao Mei MSc , Wangbin Liao MSc , Xiaohui Li MSc , Shan Wu PhD , Liming Lu PhD , Arnold Yu Lok Wong PhD , Zhiyong Fan PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.echu.2025.08.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.echu.2025.08.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the quality and needs of manual therapy (MT) services in Guangdong provincial hospitals, including their scale, technological devices, scope of treatments, knowledge background, and challenges.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 48 hospitals across the Guangdong province participated in completing a Web-based, self-report survey between October 2021 to December 2021. Multiple Poisson regression models were used to determine factors affecting these practices.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This investigation revealed a substantial demand for MT among patients, particularly those with musculoskeletal disorders. Over the past three years (2019-2021), each MT department attended to 9,655 patients annually, with the largest hospital accommodating up to 12,000 patients annually. Additionally, the prevalence of patients seeking MT services exhibited an inverse correlation with specific diagnoses and treatment regimens (<em>β</em>=0.857; OR = 2.356; 95% CI [2.339, 2.373]). However, only 37.5% of hospitals had autonomous MT departments, possibly contributing to the absence of comprehensive development plans (<em>β</em>=0.249; OR = 1.282; 95% CI [1.113, 1.477]). Moreover, the literature on MT remains scant in quantity and quality, mainly due to a shortage of technical equipment (<em>β</em>=2.606; OR = 13.550; 95% CI [7.797, 23.549]). There persisted a notable discrepancy in the adoption and advancement of MT.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Despite the growing demand for MT among patients, MT departments in Guangdong are limited in scope, encountering shortages of technological devices and educational resources. MT is predominantly applied to orthopedic cases, grounded in rehabilitation science and Traditional Chinese medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39103,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chiropractic Humanities","volume":"32 ","pages":"Pages 55-62"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145061786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Self-Perceived Psychological, Social, Academic and Personal Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Chiropractic Students in South Africa","authors":"Danica Strydom MHSc , Desiree Varatharajullu PhD, MTechChiro , Kirsten Van Heerdan MA, DPhil","doi":"10.1016/j.echu.2025.08.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.echu.2025.08.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>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).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>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.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39103,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Chiropractic Humanities","volume":"32 ","pages":"Pages 78-89"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145159830","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}