Preethy Sarah Samuel, Nia Anderson, Christina N Marsack-Topolewski, Sharon Milberger
{"title":"Electronic Version of the Family Quality of Life Survey (eFQOLS): Reliability and Validity for Families of Individuals With Disabilities and Chronic Health Conditions.","authors":"Preethy Sarah Samuel, Nia Anderson, Christina N Marsack-Topolewski, Sharon Milberger","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2024.2343676","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07380577.2024.2343676","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study tested the psychometric properties of an electronic Family Quality of Life Survey (eFQOLS) when used with families of individuals with disabilities and/or chronic health conditions. Data gathered from 272 family caregivers using the eFQOLS were subjected to reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis to test the internal consistency of the scales, as well as criterion and construct validity of the internal structure of the scale. Testing factor structures of the item-level domain models indicated that initiative and stability had low factor loadings in many domains. As a result, these items were deleted from the subscales. The subscale-level FQOL factor structure demonstrated a good fit after two adjustments. The internal consistency of the 27-item total FQOL scale was excellent (<i>α =</i> .93), while that of the subscales ranged from moderate to strong (<i>α =</i> .69 to .90). The eFQOLS had a moderate degree of construct validity, good criterion validity, and reliability when used with diverse families across the lifespan. Additional research is needed to continue refining the survey with a more heterogenous sample.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"472-489"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140852376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Duygu Mine Alataş, Mustafa Cemali, Çiğdem Öksüz, Aynur Ayşe Karaduman
{"title":"Caregiving Experiences and Expectations of Turkish Mothers of Children with Disabilities.","authors":"Duygu Mine Alataş, Mustafa Cemali, Çiğdem Öksüz, Aynur Ayşe Karaduman","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2025.2465990","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07380577.2025.2465990","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explored the caregiving experiences and expectations of mothers of children with disabilities. Eighteen mothers agreed to participate and share their caregiving experiences and expectations through a semi-structured interview. Using thematic data analysis, three main themes emerged: transformation of a mother, expectations regarding own needs, and expectations regarding child's needs. Findings indicated that mothers required support due to the loss of their role, changes in lifestyle, the impact on family structure, and shortened routines. Mothers reported needing support for their mental and physical health, as well as help with sleep problems. They also expressed a desire to learn how to improve their children's social skills, body structure and function, and independence. The findings highlight the importance of occupational therapists using appropriate approaches based on the mothers' experiences and expectations to improve caregiving.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"411-423"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143434256","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gino S Panza, Amanda K Rounds, Rosanne DiZazzo-Miller, Andrew D Delgado, Andrew A Guccione
{"title":"The Effect of Overground Locomotor Training on Self-Efficacy Following Spinal Cord Injury: An Exploratory Study.","authors":"Gino S Panza, Amanda K Rounds, Rosanne DiZazzo-Miller, Andrew D Delgado, Andrew A Guccione","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2026.2646496","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07380577.2026.2646496","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study describes changes in movement self-efficacy following full-weight bearing overground locomotor training (OLT) in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries (iSCI). Movement self-efficacy was measured as confidence when completing physical actions as measured by the Outpatient Physical Therapy Improvement in Movement Assessment Log (OPTIMAL). Fifteen individuals with motor iSCI completed the initial 12 wk of training, and 14 after another 12 wk of OLT. The total OPTIMAL showed small effects from baseline to 24 wk of OLT and from 12 wk to 24 wk, with larger effects found in sub-tasks of the OPTIMAL. Post-hoc analysis found significant improvements in movement self-efficacy for squatting and hopping. Findings suggest movement self-efficacy improved with 12 and 24 wk of OLT, and that these changes may be different for those with higher or lower-level SCI. Improvements in movement self-efficacy may have implications for future rehabilitative care, including reduced burden on caregivers for individuals with SCI.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"521-539"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147515785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gülşah Zengin Yazıcı, Suzan Kaya Evsen, Aleyna Demir, Hülya Kayıhan
{"title":"How the Occupational Competence and Quality of Life in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Changed During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Design Study.","authors":"Gülşah Zengin Yazıcı, Suzan Kaya Evsen, Aleyna Demir, Hülya Kayıhan","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2024.2426648","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07380577.2024.2426648","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the occupational competence and quality of life of parents of children with autism using a mixed-methods design. It compared 220 parents of children with autism to 300 parents of neurotypical children, utilizing the Occupational Self-Assessment, Short Form 36 Health Survey, and qualitative interviews for data collection. Quantitative results revealed significant differences in occupational competence and quality of life between the two groups. Qualitative interviews underscored changes in parents' professional and social roles, along with reductions in self-care, productivity, and recreational activities, particularly affecting parents of children with autism.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"335-358"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142630115","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Associations Between Perceived Leisure Benefits, Occupational Balance, and Well-Being in Rural Women.","authors":"Gamze Cagla Sirma, Sumeyye Sarisahin, Hulya Yucel","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2026.2650401","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2026.2650401","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigated the relationships between perceived leisure benefits, occupational balance, and psychological well-being among women in rural Türkiye with low educational levels. A total of 120 women participated, completing the Occupational Balance Questionnaire, Leisure Benefits Scale, and WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Correlation analyses revealed positive associations between well-being and occupational balance, total leisure benefits, and leisure subdomains including physical, psychological, and social benefits. Regression analysis showed that only occupational balance was significantly associated with well-being. These findings emphasize the importance of structured daily routines and suggest that occupational therapists can develop community-based interventions to promote women's health.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147595369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Developing the 'MS and Driving Interview Guide': A Clinical Tool to Assist Occupational Therapists Engage in Discussions About Driving and Multiple Sclerosis.","authors":"Tadhg Stapleton, Jenny Preston","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2026.2650398","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2026.2650398","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Multiple Sclerosis (MS) may impact a person's ability to drive, requiring adjustments to and possible eventual cessation of driving. However, addressing driving is often avoided by healthcare professionals. A Community of Practice approach involving various stakeholders was used to develop an interview guide to provide a structure to discuss driving and MS that may help overcome avoidance of addressing this important instrumental activity of daily living in routine clinical practice. The 'MS and Driving Interview guide' was developed, drafts were reviewed and amended by people with lived experience, subjected to external expert review prior to limited piloting in practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"1-19"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147533389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Quality of Life for Families with a Child with a Chronic Behavioral Disability.","authors":"Kate Eglseder, Barbara Demchick","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2026.2650400","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2026.2650400","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Family Quality of Life (FQoL) describes how individuals perceive their family well-being and family functioning within their community. For families of children with behavioral disabilities, FQoL is not only impacted by conventional aspects of family life including security, housing status, financial stability, and community involvement, but also facets of life associated with the child. The purpose of this phenomenology study was to understand the lived experience of couples and families with children aged 8-13 with chronic behavioral disorders. Eight mothers participated in semi-structured interviews regarding FQoL. Rigorous data analysis resulted in five themes: Family life disrupted!, Couples disconnected, Meaningfulness of the ordinary, School influence on family life, and Help! Need for support and services. Family quality of life is a complex phenomenon made more complicated when raising a child with a behavioral disorder. To provide effective interventions for these children, practitioners should consider this complexity and the resultant needs of the family.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"1-19"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147521885","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Outcomes of Multidisciplinary Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Informed Training of Caregivers of Children and Teens in a Behavioral Health Day Program.","authors":"Amy Rosello, Marion Russell, Yongyue Qi, Keli Mu","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2026.2640978","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2026.2640978","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined the effectiveness of multidisciplinary dialectical behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy informed training for caregivers of youth in a day program setting. A one-group pretest-posttest design was used to assess the impact of multidisciplinary caregiver psychoeducation on caregiver stress and family function. Data was collected from 22 caregivers, revealing statistically significant improvements in caregiver stress and family functioning, suggesting that the caregiver education delivered within a day program setting is an effective intervention among families with children experiencing mental health challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147463938","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Screener of Handwriting Proficiency: Student Performance and Expectations from Kindergarten Through Fifth Grade.","authors":"Denise K Donica, Paul Vos","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2026.2637667","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2026.2637667","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Although handwriting skills are important for child development, there are limited screening tools available to measure print and cursive skills for performance or progress monitoring. The Screener of Handwriting Proficiency (SHP) is a quick non-standardized assessment designed to screen handwriting skills. A retrospective normative research design was used to begin establishing benchmarks using data of students who have completed the assessment compared to peers. The scores from kindergarten through fifth students collected up to three periods during the school year were compared to the assessment developer's expectations. All but one print criterion score increased in median score over the year for kindergarten through second grade with the most growth in kindergarten. Students progressed in all areas of cursive writing within the year except for fifth grade word skills with the most growth during third grade. The progression of handwriting expectations across grades and comparison to assessment developer's expectations are discussed to show gaps and alignments in addition to suggested updates for the assessment.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"1-25"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147366975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Examining the Impact of a Virtual Dementia Simulation on Occupational Therapy Students: A Mixed Methods Study of Empathy Cultivation.","authors":"Julie Larouche, Suzanne Parkman, Ashley Condon, AbouEl-Makarim Aboueissa","doi":"10.1080/07380577.2026.2630705","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2026.2630705","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a virtual dementia simulation on occupational therapy (OT) students' empathy levels and propose practical rationales for optimizing future dementia care. A within-subjects pre-post design was used to collect quantitative data. Qualitative data was collected through focus groups to provide contextual depth and insight into the quantitative data. Students (N = 39) participated in a one-time virtual dementia simulation and a one-hour focus group debriefing session. The Kiersma-Chen Empathy Revised Scale (KCES-R) was administered pre-survey and post-survey. Quantitative data revealed a significant difference in level of empathy pre- and immediate post-survey. Qualitative findings revealed four distinct themes: (1) Walk a Mile: Discovering Empathy, which explored personal empathy development; (2) System Overload, reflecting the complexity and intensity of the simulation; (3) Reflective Practitioner, highlighting the importance of self-reflection in professional growth; and (4) Context Matters, emphasizing the significance of understanding individual and systemic contexts in healthcare delivery. The themes collectively captured the transformative nature of the simulation experience and its potential to reshape students' professional perspectives and empathetic approaches to patient care. These findings support using virtual simulation in educational practice for healthcare students to increase empathy toward individuals with dementia.</p>","PeriodicalId":46157,"journal":{"name":"OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN HEALTH CARE","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146221628","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}