Abstract
Caregiving for a loved one can be difficult and negatively affect health and quality of life. This pilot mixed-method study explored an intervention to increase participation in meaningful occupation for women who care for their spouse. Participants completed the World Health Organization Quality of Life: Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). The 4-week intervention consisted of an activity log (Daily Experiences of Pleasure, Productivity, and Restoration Profile) and a reflective journal (Journal of Activities and Experiences). Researchers analyzed data from the reflective journal using content analysis. Preliminary findings showed an increase in the physical health domain (p <.05), and satisfaction with meaningful activities had clinical significance. Qualitative themes included caregiving is a demanding role, writing down experiences helped caregivers take action, and caregivers reorganized daily activities. Although preliminary results showed a positive trend, the intervention was brief, and more research is needed to determine whether greater gains are possible, and can be sustained.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 213-221 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | OTJR Occupation, Participation and Health |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1 2019 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- caregivers
- mixed methods
- occupational balance
- older adults
- women
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Occupational Therapy