| Chiropractors regard themselves as wellness professionals. This study explores how chiropractors define and practise wellness care with respect to the health needs of Australians. Methods: Maximum variation sample of chiropractors and convenience sampling of their patients was undertaken in 3 states and the Australian Capital Territory. Chiropractors were asked to define wellness from a chiropractic perspective and describe how they implemented this construct in their practice. Data was collected to the point of redundancy. Chiropractic patients were asked whether their chiropractors had ever inquired about the 10 major risk factors responsibility for disability-adjusted life years in this country. Results: Forty-three (43) chiropractors defined wellness and described their practice behaviour. Definitions of chiropractic wellness ranged from intervention limited to subluxation correction to the comprehensive definition of the World Health Organization. Three hundred forty-seven (347) patients attending one of the 48 chiropractors reported on whether they were screened for the listed risk factors. Most patients reported their chiropractors had inquired about their occupation and exercise; many reported inquiries about their tobacco use, weight alcohol and fruit and vegetable consumption. Few chiropractors appeared to inquire about blood pressure, cholesterol levels, unsafe sex or illicit drug use. Discussion: There is convincing evidence that lifestyle choices can reduce the 10 major risk factors responsible for disability in this country. There is some evidence that even brief clinic counselling can have a positive impact. While some chiropractors are addressing these major health risks, a more concerted and coordinated effort on the part of the chiropractic profession is needed. Conclusion: To meet the needs of Australia, the chiropractic profession needs to practise a comprehensive form of wellness care, not one limited to subluxation correction. This abstract is reproduced with the permission of the publisher; full text (print only) by subscription.
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