• Papadopoulou AE

• Affiliation(G) / Cyprus / Nicosia
• Chiropractic / statistics and numerical data / Cyprus
• Open Access Document
• Pediatric Chiropractic
• Population Characteristics
• Surveys and Questionnaires / Cyprus

Background: Pediatric chiropractic care is a popular special interest within the chiropractic profession. Ongoing observational research is important for gathering demographic information on this patient population as well as characteristics of the chiropractors that provide such care. This study investigated the profile of pediatric chiropractic patients in Cyprus and the chiropractors who treated them over a four-month period in 2019 and 2020. 

Method: All 16 members of Cyprus Chiropractor’s Association (CyCA) were invited to participate in the two-part observational cross-sectional study. Retrospective data of pediatric patients was anonymized and a separate chiropractor’s characteristics survey was completed. 

Results: One hundred and fifty-one pediatric anonymized case records were collected from nine Cypriot chiropractors in the interval November 2019 - February 2020. Patient characteristics showed a slightly higher male to female ratio of cases with adolescent and school age groups having the biggest representation for musculoskeletal (MSK) issues followed by infants with a variety of conditions. Positive outcomes in terms of physical activity levels and reduction of pain were reported by patients within one to five treatments. Data shows a male dominance (11 males:5 females) in the CyCA organization. However, there were equal numbers of male and female chiropractors (5 of each) treating pediatric cases. All chiropractors were graduates of USA, Australian and UK institutions. Members had an average of 23.8 (SD=13.19) years in practice. All chiropractors reported advanced degrees in pediatric practice or had updated continued professional development. 

Conclusion: The country of Cyprus has one of the smallest chiropractic associations in the world with only 16 members. Nevertheless, both the demographic profiles of the chiropractors and their pediatric patients revealed strong similarities to other European chiropractic practices. Demographic studies every five years would be beneficial for making longitudinal observations and recommendations for the Cyprus Chiropractic Association (CyCA) in addition to comparing international results.

Author affiliation: Nicosia, Cyprus
Corresponding author: Anna E. Papadopoulou—anna.chiropractic@gmail.com

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