Musculoskeletal Cognitive Competency Among Chiropractic Students at a South African institution: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the musculoskeletal (MSK) cognitive competency among 1st and 2nd-year Master of Health Science (MHSc) chiropractic students at the University of Johannesburg. Methods: This cross-sectional, quantitative, and exploratory study used an adapted Freedman and Bernstein Basic Competency Examination (BCE) assessment distributed anonymously and online to the MHSc (n = 50) students at University of Johannesburg between 6 December 2022 to 17 March 2023. Statistical analyses included frequencies, descriptive statistics, and cross-tabulations to identify patterns or interrelationships. Results: The survey achieved a 90% response rate (n = 45) from the 2022 MHSc students: 46.7% (n = 21) were 1st-year students and 53.3% (n = 24) were 2nd-year students. The participants of this study achieved a mean score of 79.58% (95% confidence interval, 75.9%-83.7%) for the 20-item Freedman and Bernstein BCE. The minimum score achieved by the participants was 11.50 (57.50%) and the maximum score achieved was 20.00 (100.00%). Statistically significant differences were observed between the 1st- and 2nd-year cohorts on the Freedman and Bernstein BCE, particularly in content and clinically based areas. Conclusion: This study showed that this group of MHSc chiropractic students at the University of Johannesburg demonstrated strong cognitive competency in the MSK system using an adapted standardized assessment, highlighting adequate chiropractic training and student preparedness in managing MSK conditions.