Randi Nossum1, Ann-Elin Johansen1, Ingvild Kjeken2,3. 1. a Department of Clinical Services , St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital , Trondheim , Norway. 2. b Diakonhjemmet Hospital, National Advisory Unit on Rehabilitation in Rheumatology , Oslo , Norway. 3. c Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences , Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences , Oslo , Norway.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Even if occupational therapists meet many people with obesity in the course of their work, a majority of them do not seem to view weight management as within their area of professional practice. AIM: To explore the occupational problems and barriers among persons with severe obesity from an occupational therapy perspective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used the Canadian Model of Occupation and Engagement (CMOP-E) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) to identify and analyze prioritized occupational performance problems and barriers perceived by 63 individuals with obesity. RESULTS: The occupational problems individuals with obesity most frequently prioritized comprised playing with (grand)children, purchasing clothes, implementing regular meals and going to the swimming pool, while the barriers they most frequently described were dyspnea, musculoskeletal disorders, narrow chairs and seats, fear of glances and comments from others, and social anxiety. CONCLUSION: Persons with obesity struggle with a large variety of occupational performance problems, which occur in the dynamic relationship between these individuals, their environment and their occupation. Occupational therapists have the skills to take more active role in helping persons with obesity to perform valued occupations and establish healthier everyday routines.
BACKGROUND: Even if occupational therapists meet many people with obesity in the course of their work, a majority of them do not seem to view weight management as within their area of professional practice. AIM: To explore the occupational problems and barriers among persons with severe obesity from an occupational therapy perspective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used the Canadian Model of Occupation and Engagement (CMOP-E) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) to identify and analyze prioritized occupational performance problems and barriers perceived by 63 individuals with obesity. RESULTS: The occupational problems individuals with obesity most frequently prioritized comprised playing with (grand)children, purchasing clothes, implementing regular meals and going to the swimming pool, while the barriers they most frequently described were dyspnea, musculoskeletal disorders, narrow chairs and seats, fear of glances and comments from others, and social anxiety. CONCLUSION:Persons with obesity struggle with a large variety of occupational performance problems, which occur in the dynamic relationship between these individuals, their environment and their occupation. Occupational therapists have the skills to take more active role in helping persons with obesity to perform valued occupations and establish healthier everyday routines.