Exploring the knowledge and awareness of naturopathy for health ailments of students at the University of the Western Cape

Abstract

Background: Despite the establishment of the naturopathic profession in South Africa over 60 years ago, there is still a significant lack of understanding about the profession and its modalities. Naturopathy is a complementary and alternative medicine practice emphasising a holistic approach to primary healthcare, facilitating the body's intrinsic capacity for self-healing. Naturopathy addresses health issues through non-pharmaceutical interventions, including lifestyle-oriented self-care, preventive behaviours, dietary nutrition, physical activity, herbal remedies, and stress management counselling. This approach has the potential to alleviate the strain on South Africa's primary health system, which currently relies solely on conventional methods of addressing health issues. Complementary and alternative medicine practices provide individuals with diverse approaches to managing their health issues, as recommended by the World Health Organization. Aim: This study aims to explore the knowledge and awareness of naturopathy for health ailments among students at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). The primary objectives were to measure the degree of awareness about naturopathic practices and principles and to measure the level of knowledge of naturopathy among UWC students. The secondary objective was to compare the knowledge and awareness of naturopathy across different faculties and demographic groups. Method: The study employed a quantitative methodology, utilising a sample of 379 students aged 18 to 55 years enrolled at the University of the Western Cape. A self-administered questionnaire survey was used, consisting of 25 structured questions, to assess students' knowledge and awareness of naturopathy for medical ailments. Results: A notable knowledge gap exists concerning the regulation of naturopathic practitioners in South Africa, with a correctness rate of 57.7%. In terms of faculty distribution, students from the Faculty of Natural Sciences represented the highest proportion of respondents, accounting for 28.8% compared with other faculties. This may indicate that students in the sciences exhibit greater curiosity or exposure to naturopathic concepts. Demographic data indicates that Black and coloured females aged 18-34 possess the knowledge and demonstrate an increased interest in or openness to naturopathy. The results indicated a significant level of understanding regarding naturopathy among UWC students.