The change in occupational participation and quality of life following occupational therapy for people supervised by probation

Abstract

IntroductionThe probation system is a penal and enforcement system in which the completion of sentences of individuals who are incarcerated and rehabilitation processes are carried out together. This study considered the change in occupational participation and quality of life following occupational therapy for people supervised by probation.MethodsThe research was planned as a pre‐test and post‐test study. Fifteen individuals participated in the study voluntarily. The participants completed the Socio‐Demographic Information Form, COPM for occupational participation, and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) for quality of life. We implemented an intervention program consisting of, on average, 1 h once a week for 12 weeks. Post‐intervention evaluations were completed, and the results were compared.ResultsThere was a significant difference between the pre‐intervention and post‐intervention measures of the total quality of life scores (p = 0.003) and the COPM scores for performance (p = 0.001) and satisfaction (p = 0.001).ConclusionImplementing a client‐centred occupational therapy intervention involving personal behaviour, organisational environment, and activity change resulted in an increase in clients' activity performance, satisfaction with their performance, and quality of life.