World Federation of Occupational Therapy

Beskrivelse

Abstract WFOT

Title: Occupational performance amongst asylum seekers in Denmark

Introduction: Increased health problems are reported among asylum seekers, often related to torture, but there is no knowledge regarding occupational performance and whether there are any changes in asylum seekers occupational performance during time spent in a centre.
Objectives: Our aim was to assess if newly arrived asylum seekers had impaired occupational performance and if this was associated with previous exposure to torture and/or self-reported psychological symptoms and pain measures. We also wanted to evaluate changes in occupational performance and general health over time.

Methods: At baseline 43 newly arrived asylum seekers, age 20-43, were consecutively enrolled in the study. All participants were assessed using AMPS and the questionnaires WHO-5, Major Depression Inventory, Pain Detect Questionnaire and a questionnaire about exposure to torture and trauma.
Ten months later, 17 participants were accessible for re-assessment, based on the same instruments as above. The participants took part in the usual activities in a centre during the time between baseline and follow-up.

Results: At entrance, the asylum seekers had an impaired occupational performance, but no differences between tortured and non-tortured were observed. There were weak to moderate correlations between self-reported psychological distress, pain measures and occupational performance. At follow-up the occupational performance impairment and the general health problems had increased. Further, the preliminary findings indicated an association between number of torture incidents and a decline in occupational performance and general health at follow-up.
Conclusion: The findings showed that the asylum seekers had an occupational performance impairment that increased during time spent in a centre, and that the increase may be associated with exposure to number of applied torture methods.

Contribution to practice/evidence base of occupational therapy: The knowledge contributes to the planning and execution of preventive and rehabilitation interventions regarding the occupational performance of torture survivors.


Mundtligt oplæg ved session

Periode	18 jun. 2014
Begivenhedstitel	16th International Congress of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists: In collaboration with 48th Japanese Occupational Therapy Congress and Expo
Begivenhedstype	Konference
Konferencenummer	16th International Congress of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists
Placering	Yokohama, JapanVis på kort