Psychological responses during the 2020 Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) pandemic among chiropractors in South Africa

Abstract: Background The problem statement identified in this research concerned the lack of knowledge regarding the psychological responses of qualified chiropractors in South Africa to the 2020 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. Aim The primary aim of this study was to explore the psychological effects of the 2020 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic on chiropractors in South Africa. The specific psychological effects explored included stress, anxiety and depression. Research methodology This was an explorative observational and quantitative study that made use of a contextual survey with a random selection of participants from a group of qualified chiropractors. The sample consisted of 151 chiropractors that participated in the study. The membership databases of the Chiropractic Association of South Africa (CASA), as well as the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPCSA) were used to distribute the survey. A link to the survey, along with the information letter, was sent via the CASA and AHPCSA in the form of an email to the registered chiropractors. The study was conducted through Google Forms as an online survey that used a questionnaire to collect the data. If the chiropractors were interested in partaking in the survey, they were instructed to click on the survey link provided, which then redirected them to the Google Forms page where they could answer the questionnaire anonymously. The data was then analysed by the researcher with the help of Statkon of the University of Johannesburg. Results and discussion In conclusion, the study revealed that the level of psychological impact on chiropractors as a result of the pandemic was within the “normal” range. The results of the DASS revealed that the individual levels of depression, anxiety and stress experienced by the practitioners were within the higher end of the “normal” ranges of the DASS severity index rating scale. It also revealed that female chiropractors under the age of forty years old are psychologically affected to a greater degree; however, the levels of severity are still within the “normal” ranges of depression, stress and anxiety...M.Tech. (Chiropractic