How do older women perceive the occupations and activities within their maternal role? Findings from an exploratory survey.

BACKGROUND: Participation in meaningful everyday occupations and life-roles is crucial to the health and wellbeing of older adults. However, little is known regarding meaningful life-roles of older women. Although the maternal-role remains meaningful to women throughout their life, previous literature focused on earlier stages of motherhood. AIMS: To describe the occupations and perceptions within the maternal-role of older women. MATERIALS AND METHOD: An online survey was distributed via social media. It included closed and open-ended questions regarding the engagement and relatedness of occupations to the maternal-role; and the perceptions of older women towards their maternal-role. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and thematic analysis was used to analyze data from open-ended questions. RESULTS: The survey was answered by 317 community-dwelling older mothers (aged 65-87). High frequency of engagement and relatedness of occupations to the maternal-role were found. Most participants perceived the maternal-role as a never-ending and evolving life role. Seven categories, describing both 'doing' and 'being' aspects of the maternal-role, were identified. CONCLUSION: The maternal-role is meaningful to older women. It continues to develop over time, and includes new occupations which have not been central at earlier stages of motherhood. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings have significant implications for healthcare professionals striving to promote healthy aging by enhancing the participation of older women in meaningful occupations. Further research is needed to broaden the understanding of the unique characteristics of the maternal-role at older age.

An escalating continuum of learning and attention difficulties from premutation to full mutation in female carriers of FMR1 expansion.

Objective: Carriers of Fragile X premutation may have associated medical comorbidities, such as Fragile X-associated tremor and ataxia (FXTAS) and Fragile X-associated premature ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI). We examined the Fragile X premutation effect on cognition, and we assumed that there is a direct correlation between the continuous spectrum of specific learning and attention deficits to the number of CGG repeats on the FMR1 gene. Methods: A total of 108 women were referred to our center due to a related Fragile X syndrome (FXS) patient, 79 women carried a premutation of 56-199 repeats, and 19 women carried a full mutation of more than 200 CGG repeats on FMR1 gene. Genetic results of CGG repeats, demographic information, structured questionnaires for ADHD, learning disabilities of language and mathematics, and independence level were analyzed in women carrying the FMR1 premutation and compared to the group carrying the full mutation. Women with FXS and FXTAS were excluded. Results: When analyzed as a continuum, there was a significant increase in the following complaints which were associated with a higher number of repeats: specific daily function skills such as driving a car, writing checks, disorientation in directions, and also specific learning difficulties such as spelling and math difficulties. Additionally, when tested as a categorical independent variable, we observe that women with the full mutation were more likely to have ADHD or other learning disability diagnoses in the past than during premutation (<200 CGG repetitions). Conclusion: Specific learning and attention difficulties and resulting daily function difficulties correlate with an increased number of CGG repeats and are more likely to be associated as a common feature of premutation and full mutation in a female premutation carrier. Despite evidence of learning and attention difficulties, it is encouraging that most female carriers of the premutation and full mutation function well in most areas. Nevertheless, they face significant difficulties in specific areas of functioning such as driving, and confusion in times and schedules. Those daily function skills are mostly impacted by dyscalculia, right and left disorientation, and attention difficulties. This may aid to design specific interventions to address specific learning deficits in order to improve daily function skills and quality of life.

Associations between daily routines and social support among women with chronic fatigue syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterised by extreme fatigue, as well as physical and cognitive symptoms. CFS is thrice as prevalent in women than in men. OBJECTIVE: To compare women with and without CFS concerning social support and participation in daily routine occupations, and to assess the relationships between the two variables among women with CFS. METHODS: This study included 110 women aged 24-69: 41 were diagnosed with CFS and 64 were not diagnosed with CFS. Participants completed the Occupational Questionnaire and the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Social Support Survey. RESULTS: Women with CFS reported lower participation in instrumental activities of daily living and work occupations than women without CFS. However, they spend more time resting and enjoying it. In addition, they reported less social support than women without CFS. Positive correlations were found between the number of close friends and time spent in play and leisure occupations and a negative correlation with sleep/rest. CONCLUSIONS: Women with CFS participate less in IADL and work occupations and more in rest/sleep than women without CFS and their social support is attenuated. SIGNIFICANCE: Intervention plans should be developed for women with CFS, focussing on expanding their participation while considering their social support resources.

A scoping review on occupational science research in European contexts.

BACKGROUND: A survey showed European occupational scientists cover a broad range in occupational science (OS) research, however, no contemporary overviews of European OS research exists, and current research may provide valuable information for OS and occupational therapy. AIM: The aim was to provide an overview of contemporary European OS research. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A scoping review was performed, including studies conducted in Europe and published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy (BJOT), the Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy (SJOT) or the Journal of Occupational Science (JOS) between 2015 and 2020. The journals were systematically searched, and quality assessment and thematic analysis were undertaken. RESULTS: Findings from 93 articles identified many studies from the Nordic countries. Most studies applied qualitative research methods. Theoretical concepts from OS were used in data generating and discussions. A wide range of demographics, and living conditions were explored. Recent articles took a reflexive stance on the positionality of the researcher/s. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the diversity of OS research, suggesting a solid theoretical knowledge base within European OS research. SIGNIFICANCE: The results contribute to further development and maturation of the discipline of OS in Europe and internationally.

A Scoping Review of the Maternal Role at Older Age; Perceptions and Occupations.

Motherhood is a meaningful life role among adult women. Occupations within the maternal role of younger mothers have been well documented, but less is known regarding the maternal-role at older age. This review aimed to describe the occupations, activities, and perceptions that older women ascribe to their maternal role. In the future, this information may promote health and wellbeing of older women. A systematic search of peer reviewed articles, that included healthy, community-dwelling mothers, 60 years of age or older, was conducted. Maternal-role occupations and perceptions of older mothers were identified and classified according to the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF). Fourteen articles, representing 3102 older mothers, were included. The identified occupations and activities within the maternal role were from two categories: Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) (such as assistance with daily chores) and social participation (such as sharing holiday rituals). Three themes reflecting maternal-role perceptions were identified: providing support; relationship with children; and motherhood as a never-ending role. Maternal occupations were identified in only a few articles and from only two categories, IADL and social participation. These findings together with the perception that motherhood is a 'never-ending' role suggests that further research is needed to better characterize the maternal role of older women from an occupational perspective.

Fatherhood Experiences of Men With Inflammatory Arthritis: A Preliminary Grounded Theory.

OBJECTIVE: Minimal prior research has examined the impact of inflammatory arthritis (IA) on men's perspectives on parenting. We aimed to describe fathering roles and experiences, the effect of IA on parenting activities, and strategies used by fathers with IA to fulfill this role. METHODS: A grounded theory approach guided data gathering and analysis. Nine men with IA, parenting at least 1 child age <19 years, were recruited through rheumatology practices, therapy clinics, and social media. Each engaged in 1 in-depth personal interview. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive and iterative steps to identify key themes and a preliminary explanatory framework of fathering experiences of men with IA. RESULTS: All men were married, ages 31-62 years, with 1 to 5 children ages 6 months to 28 years. "Being an involved father" describes participants' perspectives on fulfilling their role as hands-on parents, role models, and financial providers. "Taking ownership" explains how participants managed daily life, comprising 2 subthemes, "taking care of yourself," using strategies like exercise and communicating with loved ones, and "redefining yourself," a process of adapting to reframed identity and lifestyle adjustments. "Accessing support" indicates men who felt well-supported by social networks (most critically their wives), health care providers, and informational and educational resources. CONCLUSION: This small, grounded theory study offers an enriched understanding of fatherhood experiences of men with IA. When social, practical, and educational supports are in place, these men found parenting joyful and rewarding. Despite task limitations, their perspectives on being involved fathers was unrestricted by arthritis.

The perceived meaning of occupations among children: correlations with children's socio-emotional characteristics and executive functions.

INTRODUCTION: Participation in meaningful occupations within our everyday environments contributes to health and wellbeing. Therefore, it is important to study perceived meaning and its inter-related factors. The perceived meaning of occupations is the emotional and cognitive qualities people attach to their occupations. However, research on the perceived meaning of occupations among children is limited. The meaning of occupations may be related to personal factors concerning the child. Hence, this study aimed to assess the correlations between socio-emotional characteristics and executive functions of typically developing children and their perceived meaning of occupations-value, challenge, and sense of time and autonomy. METHODS: A cross-sectional study comprising 80 children (6-13 years old) and their parents was conducted. The parents completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function. The children completed the Perceived Meaning of Occupation Questionnaire and the Verbal Working Memory test. RESULTS: Children with higher scores on the SDQ-internalised behaviours and lower working memory-perceived their everyday activities as more challenging (r = .300, r = -.244, p < .05, respectively). Children with higher scores on the SDQ-prosocial behaviours-attached higher value to their everyday activities (r = .23, p < .05). However, increases in executive function difficulties were found to decrease the perceived value (r = .24, p < .05) and to alter the perceived sense of time (r = . 27, p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The meaning children attach to their everyday activities changes when they experience socio-emotional and executive difficulties. Therefore, to inspire positive meaning of occupations among children, practitioners should consider the child's socio-emotional and cognitive strengths and difficulties.

Performance of Everyday Occupations and Perceived Health of Spouses of Men With Spinal Cord Injury at Discharge and 6 Months Later.

STUDY DESIGN: An exploratory longitudinal study. OBJECTIVES: (a) Compare the occupational performance, and life satisfaction of spouses of men with SCI with those of spouses of healthy men, (b) compare the occupational performance, perceived health, and life satisfaction of spouses of men with SCI at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and 6 months postdischarge; and (c) assess whether the functioning levels of men with SCI and the perceived mental health of the spouse, correlate with her occupational performance. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Spouses of men with spinal cord injury (SCI) report having symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, their ability to choose everyday occupations and perform them satisfactorily (occupational performance) was less studied. METHODS: Fifteen women spouses of men with SCI and 15 women spouses of healthy men participated. Study measures included four self-report questionnaires and the Occupational Performance History Interview that was analyzed quantitatively and measured occupational performance by three components: occupational identity, competence, and settings. RESULTS: Occupational performance and life satisfaction of caregivers were lower than those of spouses of healthy men and did not significantly change over 6 months. However, they had higher scores on physical, mental, and general health 6 months postdischarge than at discharge. Mental health of the spouse correlated with her occupational identity. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that rehabilitation intervention focus not only on patients with SCI, but also on their healthy spouses to promote their occupational performance, health, and well-being. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

A video-game group intervention: Experiences and perceptions of adults with chronic stroke and their therapists: Intervention de groupe à l'aide de jeux vidéo : Expériences et perceptions d'adultes en phase chronique d'un accident vasculaire cérébral et de leurs ergothérapeutes.

BACKGROUND: Ongoing physical activity is important for maintaining the functional level of individuals with chronic stroke. Video games in a group setting might be a cost-effective way for providing mobility and preventing physical inactivity. PURPOSE: This study explores the experiences and perceptions of individuals with chronic stroke who participated in a novel community-based video-game group intervention and their therapists. METHOD: A qualitative study, nested in a randomized controlled trial, was conducted using semistructured interviews with eight individuals with chronic stroke (four men and four women) ages 29 to 69 and a focus group of their three occupational therapists, following a video-game intervention. Data were analyzed using content analysis. FINDINGS: Three main categories were identified by the study participants: (a) using video games, (b) the group/team experience, and (c) intervention outcomes/evolving understandings following the intervention. IMPLICATIONS: Playing video games was perceived not as treatment but as a motivating tool to facilitate whole-body movement. Therefore, this intervention might be suitable to be used in the community for ongoing intervention.

The role of personal resilience and personality traits of healthcare students on their attitudes towards interprofessional collaboration.

BACKGROUND: Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) improves communication between healthcare workers and healthcare delivery. Interprofessional education (IPE) is essential in preparing healthcare students for cooperating with other healthcare disciplines in a real work setting. Although higher education settings have a responsibility to provide collaborative healthcare practice to students, IPE has not yet been prompted worldwide as a formal division in health professional education and in Israel IPE among health professions students is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To examine the attitudes of health professions students towards IPC in correlation with their personal resilience and personality traits. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Participants were fourth year nursing, occupational therapy (OT), and physical therapy students studying in an academic undergraduate program at a School of Health Professions in a central university in Israel. METHODS: Attitudes were assessed with a questionnaire consisting of the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Big Five Inventory of personality dimensions, and a question evaluating students' experience with the PBL (Problem-Based Learning) method. RESULTS: Questionnaires were completed by 184 health professions students. Nursing students' perception of actual cooperation with other professions and their perceived competency and autonomy in their profession were slightly lower than those of other students. Among nursing students, positive correlations were found between competency & autonomy and resilience (p<0.01) and between competency & autonomy and agreeableness (p<0.05). Positive correlations were also found between their perception of actual cooperation with other professions and: resilience (p<0.01), agreeableness (p<0.05), conscientiousness (p<0.05), and openness (p<0.05). Only OT students were familiar with and experienced in the PBL method. This experience with PBL was found correlated with more positive attitudes towards competency and autonomy in the profession and higher positive perception of actual cooperation with other professions. CONCLUSIONS: IPE, including PBL, should be integrated in health professions students' training.

Problem-based learning in occupational therapy curriculum - implications and challenges.

PURPOSE: Problem-based learning (PBL) is an educational method that fosters self-directed study in small groups. The purpose of this study was to describe the Tel Aviv University's occupational therapy (OT) program and the challenges implementing such program. In addition, the study compared the PBL grades obtained by students who are native Hebrew speakers with those students who are native Arabic speakers; and, assessed the correlation between the grades in the PBL course and the grades in the clinical fieldwork studies. METHOD: 166-second year OT undergraduate students participated. All completed three PBL courses and seven weeks of clinical fieldwork studies. Data collection included students' grades in PBL course (based on PBL evaluation forms) and in clinical fieldwork studies (based on preceptor's evaluation and a written assignment). RESULTS: Pearson correlations revealed significant correlations between PBL grades and clinical fieldwork studies grades. T-test analysis between students who are native Hebrew speakers and those who are native Arabic speakers revealed significant differences in PBL grades. CONCLUSIONS: Findings imply partial congruence between students' grades in the PBL course and their achievements in the fieldwork studies. Findings might suggest that adjustments should be made in order to assist students from minorities (challenged by language requirements) in gaining higher grades in the PBL program. Implications for Rehabilitation Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an educational method, which fosters independent, self-directed study in small groups. PBL studies have the potential to prepare students for their clinical experience during studies. The PBL program should be adjusted for students from minorities (challenged by language requirements and different cultural backgrounds) in order to assist them in gaining more benefits from the program.

Managing Everyday Occupations as a Predictor of Health and Life Satisfaction Among Mothers of Children With ADHD.

OBJECTIVE: Raising a child with special needs disturbs the balance of family life and affects mothers' everyday life. The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of occupational competence, occupational settings, and role load to the health and life satisfaction of Arab mothers of children with and without ADHD. METHOD: Participants included 40 Israeli Arab women aged 25 to 40 years. Half were mothers of children with ADHD and half were mothers of children without ADHD. Data were collected by using four self-report questionnaires. RESULTS: Occupational competence and occupational settings predicted mothers' mental health and life satisfaction. Having or not having a child with ADHD only reflects a minor contribution. CONCLUSION: Enhancing mothers' occupational competence and settings may increase their health and life satisfaction. This study highlights the need to focus on maternal occupational competence and settings as they affect mothers' health and well-being when providing intervention to children with ADHD.

Ascribing Meaning to Occupation: An Example From Healthy, Working Mothers.

Ascribing meaning to occupation is a multifaceted process. Understanding this process is illusive, yet fundamental to theory and practice. The objective is to describe the meaning that mothers ascribe to their occupations. A secondary analysis was conducted with data from a convenience sample of 35 Israeli mothers, ages 25 to 45 years. Data were collected using the Occupational Performance History Interview as part of a larger study. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and content analysis applied. Two main categories emerged: the meaning of "giving" (investing values) and the meaning of "receiving" (ensuring needs are met). Values such as responsibility require mothers to do occupations they find less desirable than others associated with the mothering role. The study illustrates how values and needs are intertwined to contribute to the meaning of occupation. Moreover, meaningful occupations can be undesirable but doing them arises from the values that drive mothers to fulfill this role.

Context and psychosocial intervention in mental health.

OBJECTIVE: Occupational therapy (OT) services have been provided for people with mental health conditions since the foundation of the profession, but OT practices are not clearly outlined. This paper presents the standard OT practices performed in the mental health area. The aim of the study is to quantitatively characterize domains of OT intervention in mental health. Specifically, OT intervention in community and inpatient-based mental health settings is described, further delineated by age groups and gender. Eighteen occupational therapists (OTs), who work in the area of mental health, participated in the study. Each OT had at least two years of experience, was between the ages of 26 and 40, and documented 2-4 treatment sessions. In total, 70 treatment sessions were recorded; half were recorded in hospitals and the majority of recorded sessions involved clients diagnosed with schizophrenia (n = 47). Significant differences were found in the intervention provided in the different settings. In addition, the intervention focus for men and women, and for age groups, was different. Despite these differences, many aspects of the intervention were similar in all contexts. The study results support previous notions that context influences intervention.