Occupational Therapy International最新文献

{"title":"Enhancing Executive Function in Adolescents With ADHD: Preliminary Findings From a Multicomponent Intervention.","authors":"Elisavet Pavlou Papagianni, Eleni Theodorou","doi":"10.1155/oti/6621288","DOIUrl":"10.1155/oti/6621288","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescence is associated with executive function difficulties, which compromise academic performance, daily functioning, and adaptive behaviors. Occupational therapy is aimed at improving EF and occupation and participation impairments. This study presents preliminary findings on the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention protocol designed to enhance cognitive abilities in adolescents with ADHD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quasi-experimental design with one-group, pretest-posttest, was used to evaluate the impact of the MOTI, which included computer-based cognitive training, academic skills training, and complementary but not mandatory a parents' psychoeducation group. Fifty-four adolescents aged 13-18 participated. Preintervention and postintervention assessments measured cognitive abilities and mental health indicators.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant improvements were observed in working memory (digit span, CAB), mental flexibility (Trail Making B), and processing speed (Trail Making A). Omissions on the continuous attention test decreased (p = 0.046), and students self-reported better planning and organizing skills (p = 0.034).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Evidence supports the effectiveness of the multicomponent intervention protocol (MOTI) in improving executive functions in adolescents aged 12-18 with ADHD. Initial analyses of the cognitive and academic skills training component reveal positive outcomes in targeted executive functions, reinforcing this multicomponent intervention as a valuable occupational therapy approach for this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2026 1","pages":"e6621288"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13253606/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148220375","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transferring Occupational Therapy Knowledge to Village Health Volunteers to Enhance Activities of Daily Living Among Older Adults in Community-Based Elder Care: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Autchariya Punyakaew, Suchitporn Lersilp, Napalai Chaimaha, Kewalin Panyo, Supawadee Putthinoi","doi":"10.1155/oti/8750838","DOIUrl":"10.1155/oti/8750838","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Thailand's rapidly aging population highlights the urgent need for sustainable strategies to support older adults' independence in activities of daily living (ADLs). Occupational therapists (OTs) play a vital role; however, their limited availability restricts community-based service delivery. Village Health Volunteers (VHVs), embedded within local communities, provide ongoing support but lack structured guidance in ADL-focused care.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study is aimed at developing occupational therapy-informed practice guidelines that translate professional expertise into culturally relevant recommendations for community-based eldercare.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative design using semistructured interviews was employed with 10 OTs in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. Participants were recruited through stratified and purposive sampling across urban, semiurban, and suburban settings. The inclusion criteria required a minimum of 5 years of clinical experience with older adults and direct involvement in ADL training. Data were collected between April and June 2024, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. Guiding questions were interpreted using the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process, 4th Edition (OTPF-4), while additional inquiry explored broader community and cultural themes. Credibility was ensured through rapport building, audio recording, and member checking.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>OTs recommended adaptive techniques, environmental modifications, caregiver education, and assistive device integration. Culturally adapted solutions, such as Thai garments, bamboo ramps, and gradual modification of bathing practices, were emphasized to enhance acceptance and sustainability.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study provides structured, occupational therapy-informed guidelines to support ADLs among community-dwelling Thai older adults. Empowering VHVs through these recommendations may strengthen community-based eldercare, reduce caregiver burden, and promote active, dignified aging in place.</p>","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2026 1","pages":"e8750838"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13169134/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147934876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring Occupational Therapists' Sleep Intervention Approaches and Perspectives for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Malaysian Qualitative Study.","authors":"Muhammad Radhi Rahimi Abu Bakar, Akehsan Dahlan, Zul-Izzat Ikhwan Zaini, Hanif Farhan Mohd Rasdi","doi":"10.1155/oti/5593400","DOIUrl":"10.1155/oti/5593400","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently experience significant sleep disturbances, adversely affecting their health and family well-being. Despite the high prevalence, limited research exists on sleep interventions employed by pediatric occupational therapists (OTs) in Malaysia. This study explores the types of sleep interventions used and the perspectives of pediatric OTs in managing sleep disturbances among children with ASD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An exploratory qualitative design was adopted. Data were collected through two focus group discussions (FGDs) with 10 pediatric OTs from private rehabilitation centers in northern Malaysia. Thematic analysis followed Braun and Clarke's six-step process, with researcher reflexivity and collaborative coding employed to ensure rigor.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants identified a multimodal approach including behavioral strategies (e.g., visual schedules), sensory-based techniques (e.g., deep pressure), physical activity, and environmental modifications. A structured clinical decision pathway emerged, prioritizing sensory regulation as a physiological prerequisite for behavioral success. Parental involvement was highlighted as critical, though moderated by socioeconomic and cultural factors such as cosleeping. Notably, therapists perceived improvements in children's sleep quality and reductions in parental stress.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study underscores the value of a culturally responsive and modular approach to sleep interventions within the private pediatric OT landscape of northern Malaysia. The findings provide a foundational framework for future quantitative research to establish objective effectiveness. The results advocate for enhanced awareness, specialized training, and framework-aligned assessment tools to support families and therapists.</p>","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2026 1","pages":"e5593400"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13121549/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147786844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preparedness of the University of KwaZulu-Natal Occupational Therapy Students and Novice Occupational Therapists for Acute Mental Health Practice: A Qualitative Exploration of Lived Experiences.","authors":"Phakeme Z Mkhize, December M Mpanza, Deshini Naidoo","doi":"10.1155/oti/6484957","DOIUrl":"10.1155/oti/6484957","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Occupational therapy students and novice occupational therapists often face considerable challenges when entering acute mental health settings, particularly within South Africa's culturally diverse and resource-constrained contexts. This study explored the preparedness of University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) occupational therapy students and novice practitioners for acute mental health practice within KwaZulu-Natal's complex healthcare landscape.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative, exploratory design was used with purposive sampling to recruit 15 participants. Ten fourth-year students and five novice occupational therapists participated in focus group discussions and individual interviews. Data were analysed thematically to identify key patterns related to preparedness, challenges and experiential learning.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Three overarching themes emerged: (1) educational preparation gaps, (2) practice readiness challenges and (3) systemic and transition constraints. Participants demonstrated strong theoretical knowledge but reported limited practical readiness, particularly regarding culturally responsive care, emotional regulation and evidence-based intervention in acute settings.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings emphasise the need to strengthen occupational therapy education through earlier and more intensive acute mental health exposure, enhanced clinical supervision and greater emphasis on cultural competence and acute care interventions. Grounded in experiential learning theory (ELT), improved experiential learning opportunities may better prepare graduates for effective, contextually relevant practice in South Africa's acute mental health environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2026 1","pages":"e6484957"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13328830/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148377728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Occupational Therapy in Return-to-Work Processes After Stroke: A Scoping Review of Ongoing Therapeutic Support and Implications for Work-Treatment Balance.","authors":"Reiko Miyamoto, Peter Bontje","doi":"10.1155/oti/4254501","DOIUrl":"10.1155/oti/4254501","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Return to work (RTW) after stroke is a complex process influenced by residual impairments, workplace demands, and rehabilitation support. However, how therapeutic support is structurally incorporated into RTW processes and the specific contributions of occupational therapy (OT) remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This scoping review is aimed at examining how therapeutic support is incorporated into RTW processes following stroke and at clarifying the roles of OT within these support structures.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Comprehensive literature searches were conducted in Ichushi-Web, PubMed, and Web of Science, complemented by manual searches. Studies published in Japanese or English up to February 2026 were included if they addressed stroke survivors and work participation-related support. Data were extracted using a structured framework to map therapeutic integration during RTW and OT roles. Facilitators, barriers, and assessment approaches were also summarized.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Therapeutic support was described at different stages of the RTW process, ranging from interventions completed before work resumption to support provided alongside RTW and support integrated with workplace demands. OT roles were identified across 10 categories, most commonly involving work participation-oriented assessment and job analysis, employer liaison and stakeholder meetings and mediation, and workplace evaluation and accommodations. Functional impairments and fatigue were frequently reported as barriers to sustained work participation; however, fatigue-specific assessments were reported less frequently.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Therapeutic integration within ongoing work participation is a key structural feature of RTW support for stroke survivors and may also be relevant to how work-treatment balance (WTB) is addressed in practice. The findings highlight the diverse roles of OT in linking worker capacity, workplace demands, and service coordination. They also suggest a discrepancy between commonly reported barriers, particularly fatigue, and the assessment approaches used in RTW-focused studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2026 1","pages":"e4254501"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13401064/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148585916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Turkish Translation and Cultural Adaptation of the Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration (EASI).","authors":"Aymen Balikci, Ayse Firdevs Aracikul Balikci, Isabelle Beaudry-Bellefeuille, Gamze Cagla Sirma, Fatos Kirteke, Zoe Mailloux, L Diane Parham, Susanne Smith Roley, Roseann Schaaf","doi":"10.1155/oti/6542506","DOIUrl":"10.1155/oti/6542506","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Cultural sensitivity and relevance are critical components for best practice in occupational therapy assessment. The Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration (EASI) is a performance-based assessment designed to evaluate sensory perception, sensory reactivity, postural control, ocular control, bilateral integration, and praxis abilities in children aged 3-12 years. Before the development of this tool, no standardized performance-based assessment of sensory integration functions had included a normative Turkish sample. The objective of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the EASI for Türkiye.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A seven-step process for translation and cross-cultural adaptation, grounded in established methodology, was applied. The steps included forward translation, back translation, expert review, linguistic review, cognitive interviews, and pilot testing.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Minor revisions were made following expert and linguistic reviews, but no semantic or conceptual inconsistencies were found in the forward translations. Although some differences emerged in the back translation compared with the original version, these discrepancies did not affect test administration or scoring.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A Turkish version of the EASI has been successfully developed through a systematic translation and cross-cultural adaptation process. The findings support the linguistic and cultural appropriateness of the Turkish version and provide a foundation for future psychometric validation and research in children in Türkiye.</p>","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2026 1","pages":"e6542506"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13595813/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149018355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Expert Consensus on Components of an Evidence-Based Framework to Facilitate Self-Employment for Persons With Disabilities: A Delphi Study.","authors":"Luther Lebogang Monareng, Shaheed Mogammad Soeker, Deshini Naidoo","doi":"10.1155/oti/4109837","DOIUrl":"10.1155/oti/4109837","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In light of the global unemployment crisis, there is a need for research on nonconventional work, including self-employment, an alternative placement option for persons with disabilities.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The objective of the study is to establish consensus on the components of an evidence-based framework to facilitate self-employment for persons with disabilities.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>End users, service providers and policy actors participated in this Delphi study. Relevant data was collected online and analysed thematically, descriptively and using frequencies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The response rates were n = 19/21 (91%) in Round 1, n = 16/19 (84%) in Round 2 and n = 15/16 (94%) in Round 3. The main findings of Round 1, through an open-ended question, were (i) an ideal tool, considerations and interventions related to entrepreneurial skills for persons with disabilities and (ii) expected roles and capacities of persons with disabilities. Through the 5-point Likert scale evaluations in Round 2, the participants identified critical components of the framework, including (i) key features, (ii) legislation that informs disability rights, (iii) involved key role players, (iv) characteristics, roles and duties of persons with disabilities and (v) the ideal tool's facilitation steps. In the final round, the participants agreed on the content of the framework's user's guide document to include the following: (i) purpose of the tool, (ii) background of the tool, (iii) how to use the tool and (iv) tool supporting resources.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Consensus on the components of a framework was achieved; experts regarded the framework as being nonprescriptive, prioritising practicality, accessibility and sustainability within and beyond the South African context. Participants proposed measures like a user's guide to support framework operationalisation.</p>","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2026 1","pages":"e4109837"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13193230/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147989580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrating Assistive Technologies and Smart Home Systems in Neuromuscular Disorders: A Systematic Narrative Review of Clinical Outcomes and Occupational Therapy Perspectives.","authors":"Zisis Lazogkas, Aggeliki Tranta, Georgia Tsakni, Daphne Bakalidou, Pinelopi Vlotinou","doi":"10.1155/oti/3970247","DOIUrl":"10.1155/oti/3970247","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Individuals living with neuromuscular disorders experience progressive functional decline that severely impacts their daily autonomy and quality of life. While restorative robotics and compensatory smart home systems (SHSs) offer potential solutions, there is a need for a synthesized clinical framework to guide their integration. This narrative review, supported by systematic search and PRISMA-style selection, explores the synergy between these technologies and the specific role of occupational therapy in optimizing functional outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic narrative review was conducted by analyzing 20 primary studies focused on the application of assistive technologies in NMD populations. The synthesis categorized evidence into three primary domains: robotics and wearable systems, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and Internet of Things-driven smart home platforms. Clinical efficacy was evaluated based on quantitative performance metrics and qualitative user perspectives.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The review identifies significant functional gains associated with high-tech interventions, including a large effect size (1.06) for robotic upper-limb assistants. AI-driven multimodal smart home platforms demonstrated high technical precision, with monitoring accuracies reaching approximately 94% for motor impairment stages. However, despite this high technical efficacy, real-world utility remains complex, as clinical success is often moderated by nontechnical factors. Implementation is often hindered by barriers such as high costs, technical complexity, and privacy concerns. The findings highlight that successful integration depends on a \"person-technology fit,\" facilitated by occupational therapists through rigorous customization and task adaptation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Integrating SHSs with traditional assistive technologies significantly enhances independent living for individuals with NMD. However, to move beyond experimental success, future research must prioritize user-centered codesign and the establishment of ethical mapping frameworks. Occupational therapists remain essential in bridging the gap between sophisticated technology and the practical, daily needs of patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2026 1","pages":"e3970247"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13576904/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148972007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cultural Translation and Adaptation of the Performance Analysis of Driving Ability (P-Drive) in German for Switzerland.","authors":"Michelle Ziswiler, Ann-Helen Patomella, Isabel Margot-Cattin","doi":"10.1155/oti/1028430","DOIUrl":"10.1155/oti/1028430","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Driving cessation can have adverse effects on an individual's autonomy, health and well-being. Consequently, it is essential to accurately assess the driving fitness of people with cognitive impairments. The performance analysis of driving ability (P-Drive) has been identified as adapted for the Swiss context but is currently only available in English, Swedish, French and Norwegian. This study is aimed at translating P-Drive into German and culturally adapt it for use in Switzerland.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The study comprised a two-phase approach, namely, translation and preliminary feasibility assessment, adapted from Beaton et al. (2000), including a focus group (n = 6) who either work or have experience working with people with cognitive impairments and are experts on fitness-to-drive.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Adaptation of the tool included words and terminology, the inclusion of Swiss roads legal concepts, manual clarifications, scoring clarification and speed-limit interpretation. The 25 items for assessing driving ability were retained, with a substantial modification to the scoring threshold of Item 15 that may affect its equivalence with the original item.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A preliminary German Swiss version of P-Drive was translated and tentatively culturally adapted to the conditions in Switzerland.</p>","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2026 1","pages":"e1028430"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13681349/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149228892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neurology and Cognitive Occupational Therapy Practice Across the Middle East and North Africa: An Exploratory Multicountry Cross-Sectional Survey.","authors":"Hamad AlHamad","doi":"10.1155/oti/7349715","DOIUrl":"10.1155/oti/7349715","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Occupational therapy (OT) has a defined role in neurological and cognitive rehabilitation, yet empirical data describing how this role is enacted across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are sparse, uneven across countries, and rarely drawn from multicountry samples. In a context of rapidly rising neurological disease burden across the region, the absence of workforce-level evidence directly constrains workforce planning, continuing-education design, and evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation. This exploratory cross-sectional online survey aimed to profile occupational therapists working in neurology and cognitive rehabilitation across 13 MENA countries (using the World Bank MENA + Turkey, or \"MENAT\", regional grouping). Licensed occupational therapists with at least 1 year of clinical practice were recruited between November 2023 and January 2024 through professional OT associations, networks and social media platforms. The content-validated questionnaire was administered using Google Forms. Analyses were descriptive with Wilson 95% confidence intervals; χ&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;/Fisher exact tests and Mann-Whitney U tests examined bivariate associations; multivariable logistic regression adjusted for key covariates; reporting followed STROBE and CHERRIES. A total of 118 occupational therapists (61.0% female; 56.8% aged 20-29 years; 78.0% bachelor-level preparation; 58.5% in governmental services) from 13 MENA countries were analysed, with Kuwait (37.3%), Saudi Arabia (19.5%) and Jordan (11.9%) providing most responses. Stroke was the dominant clinical focus (92.4%). Neurodevelopmental treatment (71.2%, 95% CI 62.4-78.6), biomechanical (65.3%) and motor-control/motor-learning (63.6%) were the most commonly reported frames of reference; the Functional Independence Measure (65.3%) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (61.9%) were the most commonly reported standardised tools. Perceived EBP challenges were reported by 72.0% of respondents. Stratified analyses revealed that postgraduate-qualified respondents reported more organisational barriers than bachelor-level colleagues (73.1% vs. 45.7%, p = 0.025), private-sector respondents reported more distinct barriers overall (Cohen d = 0.54, p = 0.005), and respondents practising outside the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) subregion reported substantially higher rates of confidence-related and evidence-quality barriers (all p ≤ 0.008). Conference attendance was independently associated with use of motor-learning approaches (adjusted OR 3.72, 95% CI 1.44-9.58; p = 0.007). Findings identify an evidence-practice gap in the predominance of neurodevelopmental treatment and highlight structural, subregion-linked barriers to EBP across the MENA region. Strengthening organisational support, protecting time for evidence use, expanding postgraduate neuro-OT pathways, and coordinating regional workforce research and assessment-adaptation are priorities aligned with the WHO Rehabilitation 2030 workforce agenda.&lt;/","PeriodicalId":49140,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Therapy International","volume":"2026 1","pages":"e7349715"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13334207/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148392264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}