Carrie Anne Marshall1, Leonie Boland2, Lee Ann Westover3, Sarah Wickett4, Laurence Roy5, Jenni Mace6, Rebecca Gewurtz7, Skye Barbic8, Bonnie Kirsh9. 1. Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Elborn College, Western University, London, Canada. 2. Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Peninsula Allied Health Centre, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK. 3. Teacher's College, Columbia University, New York, USA. 4. Bracken Health Sciences Library, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada. 5. School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montréal, Canada. 6. Department of Occupational Science and Therapy, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand. 7. School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada. 8. Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, Canada. 9. Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Abstract
Background: Studies exploring the occupational experiences of homeless persons have grown in the past twenty years, and there is a need to identify, evaluate, and aggregate existing studies to direct future research. Objectives: To capture the scope and quality of literature exploring the occupational experiences of homeless persons in high-income countries, and to aggregate the findings of these studies to inform future research efforts.Method: Using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines, we conducted a systematic review including a critical appraisal, and meta-aggregation of themes in existing qualitative literature. Results: Fifteen studies were included and were of high quality (Mdn = 8/10; IQR = 2). Meta-aggregation resulted in four themes (n = 335 participants) describing the occupational experiences of homeless persons: 1) Restrictions on time use and activity engagement; 2) Activity as a means of belonging; 3) Institutional processes as determining time use; and 4) Transcending the self through doing.Conclusions: Homeless persons in high-income countries face multiple challenges to engaging in meaningful activity, which we argue is a disabling experience. Simultaneously, homeless persons demonstrate resilience by finding ways to engage in activities of meaning, and opportunities to connect with others in the face of multiple barriers.Significance: Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Background: Studies exploring the occupational experiences of homeless persons have grown in the past twenty years, and there is a need to identify, evaluate, and aggregate existing studies to direct future research. Objectives: To capture the scope and quality of literature exploring the occupational experiences of homeless persons in high-income countries, and to aggregate the findings of these studies to inform future research efforts.Method: Using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines, we conducted a systematic review including a critical appraisal, and meta-aggregation of themes in existing qualitative literature. Results: Fifteen studies were included and were of high quality (Mdn = 8/10; IQR = 2). Meta-aggregation resulted in four themes (n = 335 participants) describing the occupational experiences of homeless persons: 1) Restrictions on time use and activity engagement; 2) Activity as a means of belonging; 3) Institutional processes as determining time use; and 4) Transcending the self through doing.Conclusions: Homeless persons in high-income countries face multiple challenges to engaging in meaningful activity, which we argue is a disabling experience. Simultaneously, homeless persons demonstrate resilience by finding ways to engage in activities of meaning, and opportunities to connect with others in the face of multiple barriers.Significance: Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Entities:
Keywords:
Homeless persons*; activities of daily living*; meaningful engagement; occupational therapy*; social participation*
Authors: Laura Jacxsens; Joke De Pauw; Emilie Cardon; Annemarie van der Wal; Laure Jacquemin; Annick Gilles; Sarah Michiels; Vincent Van Rompaey; Marc J W Lammers; Willem De Hertogh Journal: Front Neurol Date: 2022-08-22 Impact factor: 4.086