Exploring Occupational Balance in Adults With Rheumatoid Arthritis

OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health

AOTF: The American Occupational Therapy Foundation

Life Balance: Multidisciplinary Theories and Research

Feature Article
Exploring Occupational Balance in Adults With Rheumatoid Arthritis

OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health
Vol. 30, No. 3 Summer 2010

By Mary Forhan, MHSc.BSc.OT Reg (Ont); Catherine Backman, PhD, OT(C), FCAOT

ABSTRACT

Chronic illness disrupts participation in daily living. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with three indicators of occupational balance: perceived satisfaction with performance of one's primary occupation, the balance of time spent on occupations, and daily achievements. One hundred sixty-nine adults (78% women) with rheumatoid arthritis completed the Occupational Questionnaire and a survey of health and functional status. Using multiple linear regression, general health status was a significant predictor of all three indicators of occupational balance. Self-efficacy with respect to arthritis symptoms, work limitations, and self-care ability were additional predictors of satisfaction with achievements; social function, pain, and work ability were additional predictors of satisfaction with performance; and the proportion of time spent in occupations deemed as enjoyable was an additional predictor of satisfaction with balance of time spent across occupations. Study results provide support for emerging models of occupational balance as a multidimensional concept.

AUTHORS

Mary Forhan, MHSc.BSc.OT Reg (Ont), is PhD candidate and CIHR Strategic Training Fellow in Rehabilitation Research, School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Catherine Backman, PhD, OT(C), FCAOT, is Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Originally submitted December 12, 2008. Accepted for publication March 25, 2009. Posted online June 25, 2009.

Address correspondence to Mary Forhan at forhanm@mcmaster.ca.

doi: 10.3928/15394492-20090625-01

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