Magister Scientiae - MSc (Occupational Therapy)

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The adaptation of the model of occupational self-efficacy for returning individuals living with tuberculosis to work
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Jainodien, Ayesha; Soeker, Shaheed; Smith, Mario
Tuberculosis (TB) and multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB have been identified as one of the largest health problems in the world, and notably recognized as a big issue in democratic South Africa. Socio-demographic factors such as poverty and unemployment were identified to be major contributing factors to the epidemic. Individuals with TB reportedly have poor levels of occupational self-efficacy and found it challenging to return to work after prolonged hospitalization. The Model of Occupational Self-Efficacy (MOOSE) has been used effectively to assist individuals with traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) to return to work. Adaptation of the MOOSE was recommended for application with other syndromes associated with long hospitalization and absence from work. The aim of the study was to adapt the MOOSE for clients living with tuberculosis and to aid them in returning to work. The study was conducted through exploratory research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten purposively selected key informants from private and public health facilities in the Western Cape. The data was analysed through thematic analysis from which six themes emerged. Themes One, Two and Six describe the barriers experienced by the participants when returning to work following their diagnosis of PTB or MDR-TB. Theme Three, Four and Five discussed the factors that facilitate the resumption of the worker role for the PTB and MDR-TB survivors. The findings of this study were used to inform the adaptation of the MOOSE for use with patients living with TB. Ethics clearance was obtained from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (BMREC) of UWC. Permission was given by the Department of Health to conduct the study on the clinical platform. All ethics principles were upheld.
Best practice interventions for improving executive functioning in individuals returning to work post traumatic brain injury: A systematic review
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Hutchinson, Lauren; Soeker, Shaheed
The recovery process for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be lengthy and taxing on the patient, family and healthcare resources. Part of this recovery process includes interventions for the improvement of executive functioning (EF) required for high level functioning such as return to work (RTW). However, evidence for best practice interventions to improve EF for RTW post TBI is lacking. Randomised control trials (RCTs) evaluating interventions for EF for RTW post TBI are available but have not been synthesised. The review aimed to determine the best practice interventions for improving EF for successful RTW post TBI. Method: A systematic review using a predetermined search strategy to find relevant titles published from inception to June 2020 in six electronic databases (EBSCOhost and PUBMED [both including MEDLINE]; CINAHL, Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews, OT Seeker, and Taylor and Francis Online) was conducted following ethics approval by the Institutional Ethics Review Board.
The effect of an injury prevention programme on the lower limb soft tissues in fast bowlers an intervention study
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Govender, Craig; Frantz, J.M.; Stretch, R.A.; Dept. of Physiotherapy; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
The aim of the study was to determine the effect of astatic stretching programme on injury prevention. Educational pamphlets and a static stretching regime were implemented to the experimental group.
The experiences and perceptions of individuals with stroke about the usefulness of the model of occupational self efficacy in a rural setting
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Smith, Melissa; Soeker, Shaheed
Individuals diagnosed with stroke particularly in rural communities have a poor return to work rate. Vocational rehabilitation has been used as an intervention strategy with various types of clients with disability or injury in order to improve their work skills. The aim of the proposed study is to describe the experiences and perceptions of individuals diagnosed with stroke about the usefulness of the Model of Occupational Self Efficacy in assisting them in returning to their worker role particularly in a rural setting. Eight participants were purposively selected from the data base of a local hospital and semi structured interviews were conducted with the participants until saturation occurred. Furthermore, two focus groups were conducted with eight participants. A key informant was also interviewed to assist the researcher with a different perspective and to avoid bias. The data was analysed by means of thematic analysis into codes, categories and themes. Trustworthiness was ensured by means of credibility, applicability, transferability and conformability. Informed consent and confidentiality was ensured. Permission was obtained from the UWC research committee and from the Department of Health. Four themes were merged from the findings: Theme one: Obstacles which affects the return to work of CVA Participants in a rural community. Theme two: Establishing a strong belief in functional ability through occupation. Theme three: Adaptation strategies that enhances the work participation of stroke survivors in a rural community. Finally Theme four: The MOOSE enables transition to the worker role in a rural context. The findings revealed that the participants experienced a loss of their former self thus affecting their worker identity as they were no longer able to experience the gratification of fulfilling their worker role. This was due to the participants not being aware of the return to work options that they had. After the stroke the participants battled with not only overcoming their condition but also the stigma which the community and their employers had of stroke. Overcoming the stroke event and returning to work required that potential barriers and facilitators be identified by the participants and the researcher. The study also identified adaptation strategies that the participants utilised in order to overcome the barriers and assist the participants to have a smoother transition into the workplace. In conclusion the findings of the study revealed that the participants suffer a loss of their former abilities and undergo a loss of their self-esteem. As a result of the loss, participants struggled to return to work not only due to their loss of abilities but also their lack of knowledge regarding return to work and stroke. The findings indicated that there should be more education regarding the stroke that needs to be conducted in communities via media such as local newspapers, local radio stations, clinics and hospitals. The findings of the study may assist Occupational Therapy practitioners to improve services in a rural community for stroke survivors and improve the facilitation of the return to work process after stroke. The MOOSE facilitates motivation for participants to regain their self-esteem and thus move forward to resume a worker role.
Experiences of caregivers of children with spastic cerebral palsy regarding splinting in Uganda
(2013) Tusiime, Christine; Struthers, Patricia
Splinting is one of the many strategies used globally for managing neuromuscular impairments related to cerebral palsy. In Uganda, some children with cerebral palsy who have been provided with splints return to the physiotherapy department with contractures or deformities. A qualitative research methodological approach was used to understand and describe the experiences of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy regarding splinting in Uganda. The theoretical framework used was the bio-psychosocial model of disability. Purposive sampling was used to select 24 caregivers of children with spastic cerebral palsy who received splints in 2010 at two research settings in Uganda. In-depth interviews were conducted with all the participants at their homes using an interview guide. The data collected was transcribed verbatim and translated from Luganda to English. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse the data. Six themes concerning experiences emerged, namely: caregivers‟ expectations and beliefs; acquisition of splints; knowledge and skills; attitudes to splinting; compliance and benefits of splinting. The results of this study show the overwhelming challenges caregivers face while their children require splinting. When considering providing splints to children, the results highlight the need, to take into account the personal (child) factors, the splint characteristics and the environmental (family and community) factors. There is a need to provide information on splints to both the children with cerebral palsy and their caregivers.
The experiences of occupational therapists regarding returning clients with traumatic brain injury to work through the utilisation of the Model of Occupational Self-efficacy
(University of the Western Cape, 2016) Arendse, Lee-Ann; Soeker, Mogammad Shaheed
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health concern which mostly affects the economically viable population. In addition, the Code of Good Practice as described in South African Labour Law serves as a guide for employers to encourage equal and fair opportunities for employees with disabilities. However, despite the presence of this policy, as well as other legislation, research has shown that individuals with TBI are failing to return to work. The Model of Occupational Self-Efficacy (MoOSE) was developed as a client centered approach to return individuals with TBI to work. The aim of the current study was to explore, and describe the experiences and perceptions of occupational therapists who have used the MoOSE in the vocational rehabilitation and return to work process of clients with TBI. The participants in the study were selected by means of purposive sampling and semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted on a monthly basis for three months with 10 occupational therapists. The semi-structured interviews were used to gain insight into and explore the perceptions of the occupational therapists who have used the MoOSE in their vocational rehabilitation programmes with clients who have suffered TBI. The findings of the study were analyzed by means of thematic content analysis. The outcome of this study was aimed at finding ways to enhance / improve the model when it is used in the vocational rehabilitation process with people who have suffered TBI. Informed consent was obtained from the research participants and confidentiality of their information was maintained. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews which were audiotaped and transcribed. Transcriptions were analysed by using constant comparative methods of data analysis which resulted in categories, which reflected the purpose of the study being created. The analysis of transcripts was done using Microsoft Word. Results were then divided into themes and discussed holistically. Four themes emerged that answered the research question. Theme one described how client related factors impacted on the implementation of the MoOSE. Theme two explored the therapist related factors that impacted on the implementation of the MoOSE while theme three discussed how characteristic of the model impacted on the vocational rehabilitation and return to work process. The participants appreciated the clear four stages of the MoOSE and the dynamicity of the model. Theme four described how the job market and employer perceptions impacted on the return to work process. Recommendations were then discussed that could further improve the model and the implementation thereof. Recommendations included adding a motivation component to the MoOSE, involving family members in the rehabilitation process and therapist reflection as a means to foster client-centered practice. Other recommendations were aimed at addressing policy issues which interferes with the return to work process and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration in the vocational rehabilitation of individuals with TBI.
An exploration of the experiences and perceptions of employers and caregivers of individuals with mild-moderate traumatic brain injury returning to work
(University of the Western Cape, 2016) Ganie, Zakeera; Soeker, Shaheed
An estimate of 89 000 cases of new traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are reported annually in South Africa. South African legislation advocates for the employment of persons with a disability. Individuals with mild-moderate TBI that do qualify to return-to-work (RTW) often do not have access to vocational rehabilitation (VR) and, as a result, return to the occupational therapy work assessment units for Disability Grant assessments. Not having the necessary insight and understanding about the condition influences the affected individual’s chances of returning to work. Failing to return to work results in dependency on a caregiver. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of employers and caregivers of individuals with mild traumatic brain injury returning to work after completing a VR programme, using the Model of Occupational Self-Efficacy. A purposive sample comprising employers and caregivers of 10 individuals with mild TBI was selected. Semi-structured interviews were completed and data manually managed, with confidentiality and anonymity strictly ensured. The findings of the study were analysed by means of thematic analysis, from which five themes emerged. Themes one and two described the employers’ and caregivers’ experiences and perceptions that hindered the RTW process. Theme three related to the enabling aspects they derived from engaging in the VR process, along with the individual with mild-moderate TBI. Themes four and five presented the coping strategies that aided the employer and caregiver in playing a continued role in the RTW process. The International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF) was used to conceptualise the findings and interpret the perspective of the barriers, enablers and coping strategies as seen through the lens of the employer and caregiver. The results of the study can be used to help individuals with TBI adapt to the work environment, as well as inform policy development regarding social grants and access to rehabilitation services for TBI survivors. Occupational therapists (OT) using the MoOSE should regard the employer and caregiver as key role players during therapy. Employers should gain a better understanding of TBI and allow for sick leave during rehabilitation. Caregivers would benefit from finding or establishing a support network for themselves, and by connecting with employers of the individual with TBI in order to understand the individual’s work environment.
An exploration of the experiences and perceptions of TBI survivors about accessing rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic and how this has affected their worker roles
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Petersen, Tarryn Lee; Soeker, Mogammad Shaheed
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often results in residual cognitive, behavioural, physical, and functional impairments that may influence the person’s independence in most areas of occupation, including work. Few resources are available for the rehabilitation of patients with TBI in South Africa, and access to rehabilitation facilities in the public sector is limited. On 7 January 2020, ‘Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2’ (SARS-CoV-2) was confirmed as the causative agent of ‘Coronavirus Disease 2019’ or COVID-19. On 15 March 2020, the president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, declared a national state of disaster.
An exploration of undergraduate Occupational therapy students’ perspectives on occupational balance
(University of Western Cape, 2019) Apollis, Josephine Lizelle; Mthembu, Thuli G; Hess-April, Lucia
Occupational justice empowers individuals, especially the previously disadvantaged, to have their basic needs met, as well as turn their potential into reality, through human rights and labour legislation, which provides access to equal opportunities. However, with the amount of different choices, in terms of occupational roles, facing the individual to fill their time with, effective management thereof to preserve one’s health and well-being on a daily basis, is not necessarily guaranteed. Occupational science, and more specifically, occupational therapy education imparts the importance of occupational balance, a concept which denotes a balance between the person, their environment and their occupations, some of which are strenuous and others relaxing. Occupational balance can be achieved by adapting the physical, mental, social and rests occupations.
Exploring the challenges that women with traumatic brain injury experience in their work environment after vocational rehabilitation
(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Darries, Zareena; Soeker, Shaheed
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has enjoyed extensive research and several therapeutic modalities, approaches and models have been developed where the main outcomes are focused on the successful return to work of individuals with brain injury. Research into women with TBI has, however, been negligible compared to research into the young adult male population. Gaining insight into how women with traumatic brain injury participate in their work environment would contribute valuable feedback to clinicians utilising return to work approaches and models. The study aimed to explore the challenges women who sustained TBI experience in the work environment after vocational rehabilitation. A qualitative research design was used to explore these experiences and perceptions from ten female participants. The method of data collection used to access the experiences and perceptions of the participants was in-depth semi-structured interviews. Furthermore semi-structured interviews were conducted with two occupational therapist, who were selected as key informants. The data from the study was analysed using thematic analysis. The study further aimed to obtain the participants` perceptions and experiences of barriers and facilitators as well as adaptation processes that influenced their ability to resume their work roles. Four themes originated from the findings of this study. Theme one describes the barriers experienced by women with TBI while returning to work in the form of barriers to work participation for women with TBI, loss of functional capacity hindering return to work, experiences of negative stigma and exploitation in the workplace, and contextual hindrances in the form of parental roles as well as public transportation systems. Theme two describes the factors that facilitated the resumption of the work role for women with TBI. Reestablishing a worker identity by means of vocational rehabilitation, utilising the Model of Occupational Self-Efficacy (MOOSE) as an approach, enabled the women with TBI to overcome their barriers and return to work. Theme three describes an inherent adaptation process where participants could come to terms with their losses, accept the present self and aspire towards a future self, by utilising personalised response approaches to overcome demands and challenges in the work context as well as experiencing success at work by adapting to the work environment. Theme four describes the participants’ views of changes needed in the rehabilitation program and services as well as policies that would aid in the quick return of women with TBI to productive roles. These suggestions are discussed as attainable through developing a multi-dimensional rehabilitation program for women with TBI as well as partnering with relevant stakeholders in the promotion of work opportunities for women with disabilities. The Model of Occupational Adaptation (MOA) was used as a framework to interpret the findings of this study; the barriers, facilitators and adaptation process were assessed as they impact on the experiences of the women with TBIs return to work. The return to work of the women with TBI was not observed only to be influenced by the personal characteristics but also by the environmental context within which the return to work process took place.
Exploring the experiences and perceptions of individuals with schizophrenia about the use of the model of occupational self-efficacy in enhancing work skills
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Abbas, Iesrafeel; Soeker, Mogammad
Globally, high unemployment rates exist amongst individuals with schizophrenia. Evidence suggests that these individuals have a desire to return to work (RTW), however, they experience difficulty in finding as well as sustaining employment. Work plays a pivotal role in the functioning of individuals with schizophrenia and has a substantial positive influence on their quality of life (QOL). Several studies recommend supported employment as a practice aimed at improving rates of competitive employment for individuals with schizophrenia. The current study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of individuals, with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia, about the use of the Model of Occupational Self-Efficacy (MOOSE) as a supported employment strategy in enhancing the work skills and facilitating RTW in the open labour market. A qualitative research design was utilised to explore these experiences and perceptions from nine participants. Additionally, one occupational therapist and one occupational therapy technician were selected and participated as key informants of the study. Participants were selected through the use of purposive sampling. Written informed consent was received from the participants, and their confidentiality was upheld throughout the study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, and were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcriptions were anal
Exploring the experiences of rehabilitated stroke survivors and the perceptions of stakeholders with regard to stroke survivors returning to work in South-West Nigeria
(University of the Western Cape, 2013) Olaoye, Olumide Ayoola; Soeker, Shaheed; Olaogun, M O B
Stroke has been identified as a global cause of neurological disability with a resultant burden shared not only by the survivor but also by the society. The resumption of one’s role as a worker after having a stroke is an important rehabilitation goal. South-West, Nigeria has experienced high incidence and prevalence of stroke leaving a quarter of survivors with severe disability and difficulty in community integration after rehabilitation. As a disability resulting from a stroke could be viewed as being a dynamic interaction between the health condition and contextual factors, a client-centred approach should be focal to stroke management to facilitate return to work. Therefore, it became necessary to explore the return to work process from stroke survivors and stakeholder’s perspective in order to understand the challenges stroke survivors face while adapting to their worker roles, to improve service design and delivery as well as to facilitate the return to work after having a stroke. The study was aimed at exploring and describing the experiences of rehabilitated stroke survivors and perceptions of stakeholders about stroke survivors returning to work in South-West Nigeria. A qualitative research design was used to explore these experiences and perceptions from nineteen participants that comprised of nine stroke survivors, two key informants (rehabilitation specialists) and eight caregivers of the respective stroke survivor. Two methods of data collection were used by the researcher to access the perceptions and experiences of the participants. The researcher made use of focus groups with the caregivers while in-depth interviews were conducted with the stroke survivors and rehabilitation specialists. One pilot testing in-depth interview and eleven in-depth interviews were conducted with the stroke survivors and rehabilitation specialists while two focus group discussions were held with the eight caregivers consisting of four participants per group. The data from the study was analysed using thematic analysis. All data were managed manually. The study was further aimed at obtaining participants` perceptions and experiences of barriers and facilitators as well as adaptation processes that influenced the stroke survivors’ ability to resume their worker role. The findings were revealed in five themes. Theme one and two describes the barriers experienced by the stroke survivors while returning to work in the form of loss of former self and returning to work is a struggle. The resumption of the previous worker role by the stroke survivors was construed to be a contest which entails a struggle between the survivor, survivor’s job characteristics, rehabilitation intervention and stigma from the society. Poor access to rehabilitation interventions, inadequacy of treatment and poor insight of the stroke survivor regarding condition, job characteristics as well as social stigma related to the condition were observed as factors that posed great challenges to the participants. Theme three describes the factors that facilitated the resumption of the worker role for the stroke survivors. Engagement in rehabilitation as well as social support enabled the stroke survivors to overcome the barriers and returning to work. Theme four describes the adaptation strategies that enable the return to work for the stroke survivors. Theme four was described by an intrinsic adaptation process that involves the acceptance of the illness and being motivated to return to work and an extrinsic adaptation process that involves gradual work exposure, workplace and home adaptation. Theme five describes the participants’ perception of changes needed in the rehabilitation services and policies that would facilitate the quick return to work of the stroke survivor. Promoting participation of stroke survivors in work through government policies was observed to be a necessary recommendation for the study. These were seen to be achievable through the improvement of rehabilitation resources, enabling access to rehabilitation through financial assistance, change of the regulatory environment to accommodate for the disabled and the initiation of health promotion through public awareness campaigns in the community regarding stroke. The Person Environment Occupation model of occupational performance was used as a framework to interpret the findings of the study; the barriers, facilitators and adaptation process was placed into perspectives as they impacted on the experience of the stroke survivors ‘resumption of their worker role. The resumption of the worker role of the stroke survivors was observed not only to be influenced by the individual characteristics of the survivors but also by the environmental context within which the return to work process took place.
Exploring the grandparents’ perceptions and experiences regarding the influence of occupational injustice in taking care of their grandchildren, De Aar, Northern Cape, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Forward, Danielle; Mthembu, Thuli Godfrey
Background: Grandparents are increasingly assuming parental responsibilities for their grandchildren. More than half of grandchildren (54.7%) reside with one grandparent. It is estimated that 2.6 million children in South Africa have been orphaned or occupy a household in which their parents do not form part of their family. This is a concern for the advancement of the grandparents’ functional ability in their meaningful contexts. Therefore, little is known about the influences of occupational injustices on the occupations of caregiving among grandparents. Aim: The study aims to explore the grandparents’ perceptions and experiences regarding the influence of occupational injustices in taking care of their grandchildren in the district of Pixley Ka Seme, De Aar, Northern Cape. Objectives: To explore the experiences and perceptions of grandparents about their engagement in everyday occupations within their families and communities; to explore the perceptions and experiences of grandparents regarding their participation in the occupation of caring for their grandchildren; to explore how the grandparents’ occupational legacy is passed on to their grandchildren; and to explore the occupational injustices affecting the grandparents’ participation in their daily routines.
Exploring the lived experience of leisure travelling for people with disabilities
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) van der Westhuizen, Yolanda; Wegner, Lisa; Hess-April, Lucia
Historically travelling was an option only for the affluent; however, with the turn of the 20th century, travelling shifted to an important form of free-choice learning by means of discovery. Travelogues of able-bodied travellers state that travelling offers them an opportunity for constructing new identities as it broadens their perspectives of self. This caused the researcher to question if the same experiences could be prompted amongst people with disabilities. Various disciplines recognise that travelling is a valuable opportunity for growth, but no literature could be found within Occupational Therapy. This led to the research question explored in this study: what is the shared, lived experience of travelling for people with disabilities? The objectives of this study are to describe and explore the purpose and overall experiences of travelling for people with disabilities, explore how people with disabilities perceive, understand and make sense of their experiences of travelling, and lastly to explore the meaning that travelling has for people with disabilities. The theoretical framework underpinning this study is the Peron-Environment-Occupation Model and the Model of Human Occupation, with specific reference to the philosophy of occupational science. Embedded in a philosophical worldview of social constructivism, a Hermeneutical Phenomenological design was chosen using a qualitative approach. Through purposive sampling, six participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was applied to analyse data subsequent to cross analysis, thereby developing a composite understanding of the meaning of travelling to the participants. The findings present three themes, namely: a Double edged sword which highlights the contradictory effects that travelling can have, followed by People are part of the package, which emphasises the participants’ interpretations of the immense role that society plays in disability, and lastly the most prominent theme Pilgrimage to self-discovery. Additionally, an Integrated Model was developed which integrates two prominent models within Occupational Therapy. Conclusively this study provides insight into how travelling facilitated the participants to develop a new identity.
Exploring the perceptions and experiences of previously homeless persons regarding the impact of a work skills programme on their worker role
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) van der Pol, Petra; Soeker, Shaheed
Globally, high rates of homelessness exist and continue to grow, despite interventions offered by government and suggested by policy. Evidence suggests that long term intervention and vocational skill development can facilitate an escape from homelessness and support the transition of homeless persons into a worker role in the open labour market. Occupational therapists advocate for occupational justice in the lives of all individuals and therefore have a role to play in the intervention of the homeless who are experiencing disengagement in occupation, leading to a poor sense of well-being. The current study aims to describe and explore the experiences and perceptions of previously homeless individuals who escaped homelessness by means of a vocational skill development programme. The study explores the barriers and facilitators that the participants experienced in their change process and how the programme facilitated their adaptation to their worker role in the open labour market. A qualitative research design was employed to investigate the experiences and perceptions of ten participants who were purposively sampled. In addition, two occupational therapists were selected to participate as key informants. Written and informed consent was obtained and ethical standards were maintained throughout the study. The researcher collected data by recording semi-structured interviews, which were then transcribed. The transcribed information was analysed by use of thematic analysis, sorting the information into codes, categories and themes that emerged out of the findings. The themes looked at barriers experienced by the participants, facilitators experienced by the participants, motivational factors for engagement in the skill development programme and the usefulness of an occupational therapist as part of the intervention team. These themes were discussed, using the theory of Occupational Adaptation as well as the Trans-theoretical model of change. The researcher attempts to answer the objectives of the study by discussing the findings and themes that have emerged out of the data. Analysis of the findings suggest that if homeless persons are provided with vocational skill development, acceptance and support, mental health care and provision for sustenance needs, they can transition and adapt to a role in the open labour market and consequently experience an improvement in their sense of well-being. Occupational therapists are equipped to play an important role in the intervention of homelessness. Recommendations of the research focus on policy development, further research and intervention in homelessness. The researcher suggests that occupational therapy’s role in homelessness should be clearly defined and articulated. Research is also needed to prove the efficacy of long term development programmes as opposed to short term employment or training opportunities that may not prove to be sustainable.
Exploring the sensory compatibility of ten children with autism and their mothers
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Pillay, Sarosha; van Rensburg, Viki Janse; NULL; Faculty of Science
Children with autism typically present with sensory processing difficulties that affect their ability to relate to people. This qualitative study focused on exploring the sensory processing of children with autism and their mothers, using a frame of reference of sensory integration theory. The purpose of the study was to help mothers gain knowledge and understanding into their own sensory processing so that they could develop a better understanding of their child's sensory processing in order to facilitate better mother-child relationships. An evaluation tool, the Sensory Profiles by Dunn (1999) and the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile by Brown & Dunn (2002) was used as the instrument for gathering information on sensory processing. The population consisted of ten sets of mothers and their children with autism who attend Vera School for Learners with Autism. The Sensory Profiles was completed to investigate the phenomenological issues regarding the sensory modulation aspects of the parent-child relationship. Each mother received individual feedback on their own and their child's sensory processing. Two focus groups were then conducted with the mothers to determine the value of the information gained from the profiles. Data consisted of two audio taped feedback from the focus group. Data was analysed for emerging themes. The three major themes that emerged were, (a) You realize how similar you are to your child, (b) I also have needs (c) They walk away and leave you with this wreck of a child. The findings of the study suggest that an understanding of sensory processing can influence the mother-child relationship positively.
Final year occupational therapy students' experience of supervision during community fieldwork practice
(University of the Western Cape, 2012) Vermeulen, Nicola; De Jongh, Jo-Celene; Hess – April, Lucia
Fieldwork is seen to be an essential component in the curriculum of an undergraduate occupational therapy (OT) program through which students develop their professional behavior and apply theoretical education to clinical practice. Students in their final year of the undergraduate OT program at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) use the UWC Community Process as a guide to community fieldwork in community settings. This process follows a community development approach to allow students to focus on the needs of the community. The community fieldwork placement is compulsory for all final year OT students. The main aims of the placement are for students to develop their understanding of the role of an occupational therapist in a community setting and to enhance their understanding of the occupational nature of communities. This study focuses on final year UWC OT students' experiences of the supervision they received while following the steps of the Community Process as well as their perceptions of the relationship between their supervision and their learning about occupation based community practice. The aim of the study was to explore how the 2009 final year OT students experienced fieldwork supervision during their community fieldwork placement. The study followed an interpretivist paradigm with a qualitative research methodological approach and a phenomenological design. Purposeful sampling was used to select participants from the UWC OT department who undertook their community fieldwork placement in 2009. All the data utilized in this study was directly linked to the students' experiences of supervision during their learning of the Community Process. Therefore, the methods of data collection that were used included the students' daily reflective journals, their portfolio files and an evaluative focus group held at the end of the year 2009. All data was critically analyzed through a process of thematic analysis in order to meet the research objectives. The techniques of triangulation and a detailed description of the research process were employed to ensure trustworthiness of the study. The ethical principles of autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence as well as informed written consent were adhered to in the study. The findings of the study highlighted the emotions that the students experienced, the development of their professional judgement and the challenges and experiences they encountered in their personal and professional development. The findings further showed that the process of becoming a part of the community allowed the students to define their role as an OT in a community setting and to increase their understanding of community development in the context of their role within the community. The findings also emphasized the students' experiences with regards to various teaching and learning techniques and approaches used within the supervision of their community fieldwork placement. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to the generation of an understanding of how supervision influences students' understanding of occupation-based community practice in occupational therapy.
I'm going back to work: perceptions and experiences of back rehabilitated clients regarding their worker roles
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Soeker, Shaheed; Wegner, Lisa; Pretorius, Blanche; Dept. of Occupational Therapy; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
Clinical research has shown that patients experience difficulty in adjusting to their pre-morbid worker roles after they have been through a back rehabilitation programme. The pressure and competitiveness of modern day society to achieve competence and to survive has proven to be stressful, both for the injured and uninjured, the unemployed and employed. Back rehabilitation and the successful return of the injured worker to the workplace have been of great interest to industry for the last decade, due to the ever-increasing support of legislature for the injured. There is a range of medical interventions available but few of these achieve successful outcomes due in part to the fact that many intervention strategies do not take the patients perspectives into consideration. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to explore back rehabilitated clients perceptions and experiences of the challenges they face in adapting to their worker roles.
Investigating the prevalence of health risk behavior and the association with leisure boredom among high school students in Lagos, Nigeria
(University of Western Cape, 2019) Olatunji ,Deji Funmibi; Mthembu, Thuli; Wegner, Lisa
Health risk behaviors are public health problems which are of concern in occupational therapy because they tend to be the causes of disability and death among adolescents and youths in the world. Identifying risk factors related to health risk behaviors is therefore an important part of health promotion. The main aim of this thesis was to investigate the prevalence of health risk behaviors and the association with leisure boredom among high school adolescents in Lagos State, Nigeria.
Meeting the occupational needs of recovering drug addicted adolescents
(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Parker, Insauf; Soeker, Shaheed
The growing phenomenon of drug abuse has alerted the attention of health professionals, addiction counsellors, school educators, the media and community members. Susceptible sub groups of the population such as adolescents have been seriously affected as addiction destroys their identities, health, daily performance, family structure and ultimately results in social disintegration. Consequently, rehabilitation facilities have been established and addicts are entering the treatment system via referrals from school principals, the judiciary court or desperate parents and family members. Despite this, after having spent a reasonable amount of time and money in rehabilitation centres, relapse rates are significantly high and addicts are returning to treatment. The question was then raised as to whether recurrent relapses were as a result of their occupational needs not being met in treatment. To understand whether the occupational needs of these recovering adolescents are met, a true client-centred approach was employed. A descriptive approach was used within a qualitative research paradigm. The participants that were selected from four drug rehabilitation facilities in the Cape Town Metropolis, included 8 recovering drug addicted adolescents, 2 rehabilitation workers employed at two different facilities, and a sum of 26 parents of recovering addicts. Purposeful sampling was used for the adolescents and rehabilitation workers while convenient sampling was used for the parents. To access the perspectives and perceptions of the participants the researcher used individual semi-structured interviews for the recovering adolescents and drug rehabilitation workers, and focus groups for the parents. The data was analysed thematically using Lincoln & Guba’s (1985) method of qualitative data analysis. All data was managed manually. The objectives of the study explored perceptions of drug addicted adolescents with regard to relapse, to describe the barriers with regard to drug rehabilitation and their occupational needs, to reveal facilitators with reference to the recovery process, and to present suitable strategies which may improve drug treatment practice. Three themes were constructed based on the findings of the study. The themes were: 1) easy to get in, difficult to get out, 2) breakdown on life caused by drug addiction, and 3) moving forward towards recovery. Since adolescence is known as a transitional period characterised by identity development, adolescents are naturally influenced by their social and physical environment, particularly their peer groups at school and in the community. Consequently, adolescents enter treatment with numerous physical, psychological, social, intrapersonal, and legal needs. The constant pursuit of drugs and its lifestyle leads to dysfunction and imbalance in the individual’s daily performances with relapse remaining a common element in the recovery process. The lack of knowledge from participants pertaining to the concept of relapse was perceived as a barrier to recovery. The physical and social environment such as the general availability and accessibility of drugs in adolescent’s community, the unfavourable influence that peers and family relationships play, organisational challenges such as staff handling principles regarding their developmental stage and ineffective communication within the rehabilitation centre, and personal barriers including manipulative and behavioural difficulties, emerged as contra-indicative to the recovery process. Many of the recovering drug addicted adolescents were unable to cope with the array of needs and triggers, and found themselves relapsing and returning to the rehabilitation facility. Among the many facilitators as perceived by the participants, the actual programme at the rehabilitation centre was significant in promoting progress. If it included education groups, where clients are taught about substance abuse, relapse and how to restructure their lifestyle of recovery, it was deemed as beneficial. Another facilitator highlighted by the participants was the involvement of family by incorporating parent support sessions, and an interesting factor suc Recommendations for the study included that adolescents who abuse substances need to be treated very differently to adults or children, and that maintaining communication or a connection with them via aftercare for example, will enable them to sustain their sobriety outside of the rehabilitation facility. Since addiction affects the individual’s identity, roles, and habits on an occupational performance level it is paramount that treatment should be addressed from an occupation-based perspective in collaboration with existing evidence-based addiction models. Occupational therapists are uniquely equipped to deal with these components. h as including spirituality as a resource was raised as valuable in their recovery process.

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