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Journal of Chiropractic Medicine logoLink to Journal of Chiropractic Medicine
. 2002;1(2):49–53. doi: 10.1016/S0899-3467(07)60002-0

Self-care: An Australian case study of chiropractic patients

Jennifer R Jamison 1,*
PMCID: PMC2646920  PMID: 19674560

Abstract

Objective

Self-care is becoming an important objective for achieving a sustainable health care system. This study examines the health care initiatives of chiropractic patients ascertaining their self-care behaviors, knowledge and information sources.

Sample

Convenience sampling of chiropractic patients attending 10 chiropractors in 3 states. Of 155 patients invited to participate, 147 agreed.

Method

Patients were interviewed to determine their smoking, alcohol, maintenance chiropractic care, exercise and nutritional supplementation practices. Data collection included dose/frequency of the activity, expected benefits, concerns about side-effects and sources of information. Data was collated and trends identified.

Results

Overall, the chiropractic patient sample reported a healthy lifestyle. Seventy-four percent (74%) had maintenance chiropractic; 69%, regular exercise; 40%, nutritional supplements; 84%, were non-smokers; and 86% were teetotallers or drank alcohol within safe limits. Few displayed appreciation of possible side-effects or ‘dose-response’ relationships. Lay persons were important information sources.

Conclusion

Chiropractic patients' self-care behaviors could be refined by making them more aware of the protean effects of self-care initiatives.

Key Words: Chiropractic, Self-Care

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