Practitioner characteristics of osteopaths who treat pregnant women and children: An Australasian perspective from two practice-based research networks

Background: Although there is evidence supporting positive outcomes for osteopathic healthcare during pregnancy and post-natal phases, there is very little that describes the practice and management characteristics of osteopaths providing this healthcare. The aim of this study is to describe the specific characteristics of Australian and New Zealand osteopaths who often treat pregnant women and children.

Material and methods: The study is a secondary analysis of data from osteopathy practice-based research networks (PBRN) in Australia and New Zealand. Chi-square tests were used to explore associations between practitioner and practice characteristics among osteopaths who report often providing care to children (aged up to 3 years, or between 4 and 18 years) and pregnant women, and those who do not. Backward logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of Australian osteopaths who report often providing care to children (aged up to 3 years, or between 4 and 18 years) and pregnant women.

Results: One third (33.4 %) of surveyed Australian and New Zealand osteopaths (n = 1269) indicated they treat pregnant patients often, while 18.3 % indicated they often treat children up to 3 years old, and 28.7 % indicated often treating children between 4 and 18 years old. Osteopaths who treated pregnant women and children were more likely to be female and to have 15 years or more of clinical experience. Osteopaths who treated pregnant women were more likely to often treat patients up three years old, compared to osteopaths who reported not often treating pregnant women.

Conclusion: These characteristics suggest osteopaths who provide care to pregnant women are more commonly female, and female osteopaths are more likely to treat children under 3 years old.