Adaptation and Preliminary Validation of the Arabic Version of the Role Checklist Version 3 (RCv3).

Arab occupational therapists are in need either to develop their own outcome measures or to translate well-known outcome measures to their culture. The objective of this study was to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and validate preliminarily the Role Checklist Version 3 (RCv3) into Arabic language. The translation and cross-cultural adaptation process of the RCv3 into Arabic language was conducted in four main steps: (a) forward translation, (b) back translation, (c) expert panel review process, and (d) psychometric testing (Validity). The expert panel established the face validity and the content validity of the Arabic RCv3. Pilot testing was conducted, and the utility and content validity of the tool were confirmed. The final version of the Arabic RCv3 is now available for use in the Arab countries. However, further psychometric properties including reliability and responsiveness of this tool is warranted, thus supporting its wide use and proper application.

Occupational Therapy Goal Achievement for People with Stroke: A Retrospective Study.

METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective study design was used. People with stroke receiving rehabilitation services at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) were the target of this study. Data about the extent of achieving occupational therapy goals were collected using the Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). RESULTS: Of the 100 medical records of people with stroke included in this study, only 30% of the goals were functional. Only 54% of the goals were achieved. No association was found between the number of achieved goals and variables such as age, gender, type of stroke, and stroke hemisphere/side. CONCLUSION: People with stroke included in this study have not shown significant progress toward achieving their therapy goals. As for clinical practice, this study could guide therapists in the future to improve the process of achieving their patients' goals.

Wheelchair accessibility of mosques in Riyadh.

BACKGROUND: Engagement in religious and spiritual activities and expression are important to many people. Praying in a mosque is a major component of basic worship for Muslims. Riyadh has a population of more than six million people and more than 17 thousand mosques. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore wheelchair accessibility of mosques in Riyadh from the perspective of wheelchair users and their caregivers. METHODS: A survey was conducted to explore the opinions of wheelchair users and their caregivers regarding wheelchair accessibility of frequently used mosques. RESULTS: Forty-eight wheelchair users and 12 caregivers participated in the study. The main reason for being confined to a wheelchair was a motor vehicle accident (77%). The majority of the participants (84%) indicated that they needed assistance to propel their wheelchairs. Overall, 86% of wheelchair users and 84% of caregivers expressed dissatisfaction with the mosques' accessibility for wheelchair users. CONCLUSION: Mosques were found not to be accessible for wheelchair users. The current situation forces wheelchair users to pray in isolation in their houses, preventing them from participating in an important part of their faith. Though acts mandating the accessibility of public places for wheelchair users have been promulgated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the acts are not implemented in ways which can contribute to a meaningful, tolerable and independent life for wheelchair users.

Investigation into health science students' awareness of occupational therapy: implications for interprofessional education.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the level of awareness of the occupational therapy profession among final-year health sciences students at Kuwait University. METHODS: This study utilized a survey targeting final-year students in the Health Sciences Center at Kuwait University schools of medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and allied health sciences. The survey addressed awareness of occupational therapy, its scope of practice, work environments, and preference for learning more about the profession. RESULTS: Of the 244 surveys distributed, 132 were returned, for a 54% response rate. The proportion of those who knew about occupational therapy ranged from 94% (radiologic science) to a low of 17% (medicine). Most respondents learned about occupational therapy from colleagues (77.1%), rather than from their academic programs (28.1%). RESULTS indicated that about one fifth of students (21.4%) were unsure about the role of occupational therapists as members of the health care team. Preferences for learning more about the profession were consistent with interprofessional opportunities, such as observing an occupational therapy session (64.5%) and attending a workshop (63.6%) or presentation (59.8%). CONCLUSION: Although most respondents had some awareness of occupational therapy, specifics about its scope of practice and relevance to the health care team were lacking. Preferences for learning more about occupational therapy were consistent with the current trend for interprofessional education in health care. Implications for interprofessional education are presented.

The Role of Religion in the Recovery from Alcohol and Substance Abuse Among Jordanian Adults.

The purpose of this study is to understand religious factors role during recovery period among Jordanian receiving treatment for alcohol and substances abuse. Participants were asked to answer open-ended questions related to role of religion on their recovery from alcohol and substances abuse. Content analysis was used to explore the role of religion on their recovery process. One hundred and forty-six clients from two treatment centers participated with two main themes that emerged from the analysis: role of religion and role of religious men. Religion not only helps during the recovery process, but also is considered as a protector from drug and alcohol abuse in the future.

Factors influencing job satisfaction among Jordanian occupational therapists: a qualitative study.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of this study was to explore factors influencing job satisfaction and dissatisfaction among Jordanian occupational therapists. METHODS: Ours was an explorative qualitative study involving the use of structured open-ended written questions. Participants were asked to answer in narrative their perception about the factors behind their job satisfaction and dissatisfaction. In addition, they were asked to express their suggestions, ideas, or solutions for increasing job satisfaction. RESULTS: Ninety-three occupational therapists responded to the survey. For job satisfaction questions, four themes emerged: a humanistic profession; professional issues; work benefits; and work environment. Participant's comments at the end of the survey revealed one general theme for improving job satisfaction, 'a call for improvement'. DISCUSSION: This qualitative study revealed that the humanistic nature of occupational therapist was counterbalanced by several dissatisfying factors for occupational therapy practitioners in Jordan. The need for better supported working conditions in terms of financial rewards, recognition, awareness and resources as well as public and professional recognition of occupational therapists are needed to enhance the occupational therapy profile in Jordan. A comprehensive collaboration is highly needed between the individual practitioners, representatives of the profession, government and hospital administrators.

Working conditions of occupational therapists in Jordan.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the working conditions and factors related to job satisfaction among Jordanian occupational therapists. A self-administered survey consisting of several questions about the participants' jobs was developed for this study. The inclusion criteria included occupational therapists who worked in the field of occupational therapy (OT) in Jordan and who had at least six months of experience. The survey was distributed to 120 occupational therapists in different OT settings. One hundred and one occupational therapists from different hospitals, centres, schools and universities responded to the survey. Salaries of the participants were low in comparison with the salaries of the rest of healthcare practitioners in Jordan. Chi-square analysis revealed significant relationship between participants' perceived job satisfaction and the administration of the setting, and between the choice of studying OT and the salary that the participant makes. Most occupational therapists in Jordan are young, have modest experience and work in general OT services in government-owned facilities or paediatric centres. A sense of dissatisfaction was obvious among the participants. Further studies are needed to explore reasons of work satisfaction and dissatisfaction among occupational therapists in Jordan.