Perception of Honorific Titles Among Chiropractors in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of chiropractors in Malaysia regarding the use of honorific titles and how these perceptions influence their professional identity and patient interactions.

This descriptive qualitative study used semistructured interviews with 9 chiropractors registered with the Association of Chiropractic Malaysia. Participants were selected based on their active practice in Malaysia, with exclusion criteria including prior participation in similar studies and potential conflicts of interest. Thematic analysis was performed to identify key patterns and themes from the interview data.

Participants viewed honorific titles as essential to their professional identity, with many expressing concerns that the prohibition of the title "Doctor" undermines their credibility. Confusion among the public regarding the qualifications of chiropractors was a recurrent theme. Participants highlighted the need for clearer guidelines and public education to address these misconceptions. Although some supported the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act 2016, others believed that it hindered professional recognition.

The findings suggest a need for regulatory reforms and public education campaigns to enhance the professional identity of chiropractors in Malaysia. Further research should explore the impact of honorific titles on patient outcomes and examine regional variations in perceptions within the chiropractic community.