PEOP related environmental factors and occupational performance of persons with spinal cord injury in Saudi Arabia
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Date
2020-01
Authors
Moonsamy, Yarmon
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
Background: This study focused on the environmental factors as identified by the PEOP Model that influence the occupational performance of persons living with spinal cord injuries in Saudi Arabia. Spinal cord injury is a devastating and life-disrupting condition and the person living with SCI will face many impairments and complications as a consequence of their injury. Impaired performance of daily activities e.g. activities of daily living, leisure, home maintenance, vocational and educational activities is a prevailing reality for the person living with SCI. Limited research has been conducted on the impact of the environment on the occupational performance of persons living with SCI in Saudi Arabia. The aim of the study was thus to determine which environmental factors as identified by the PEOP model influence the occupational performance of persons living with SCI in Saudi Arabia. The research was conducted at a tertiary care medical facility in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: The objectives of this research study was to identify and describe the environmental factors as identified by the PEOP model which are either barriers or facilitators of occupational performance of persons with SCI, and to compare the identified barriers or facilitators of occupational performance as it relates to the time since previous inpatient rehabilitation. A descriptive quantitative research approach was used, and convenience sampling was selected as the most appropriate sampling method. One hundred and twenty-one participants were included in the research study over a three-month period (April to June 2019). A questionnaire was developed by the researcher based on the environmental factors as described in the PEOP model of practice. Data was gathered during a structured interview with participants. Results: The results are presented in three sections namely the demographic description, the known environmental factors that act as barriers or facilitators of occupational performance and the barriers or facilitators of occupational performance since previous inpatient rehabilitation. The physical layout shows that the home is a facilitator in nine self-care activities and a barrier of occupational performance of the remaining three self-care activities. Results show that three of the six components of the design properties of the home are facilitators of occupational performance. The remaining three are barriers of occupational performance. The geographical location of the home and type of terrain is a facilitator of occupational performance however climate is a barrier of occupational performance. All participants indicated that their religious beliefs and customs or traditions are facilitators of occupational performance. The results show that social acceptance and social prejudice by others is a barrier of occupational performance. Participants also indicated that social interaction and the social support by others is a facilitator of their occupational performance. The participants indicated that there was a significant change in their economic status after their injury and that their current economic status is a barrier of occupational performance. Access to health care services was also identified as a barrier of occupational performance. Conclusion: The results confirm that certain environmental factors are either barriers or facilitators of occupational performance, participation and well-being of persons living with SCI. A few limitations were identified by the researcher during the research study. Recommendations that arose from the outcomes of this study were provided on the impact for OT practice, institutional level, governmental level and opportunities for future research. Furthermore, it is the hope of the researcher that the recommendations gained from this study will aid relevant stakeholders and policymakers to ease the plight of persons living with SCI in Saudi Arabia.
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Keywords
Dissertation (M.Occupational Therapy (Occupational Therapy))--University of the Free State, 2020, Spinal cord wounds and injuries -- Saudi Arabia, Occupational performance, PEOP model -- Saudi Arabia, Environmental factors