Improving Personal Characterization of Meaningful Activity in Adults with Chronic Conditions Living in a Low-Income Housing Community

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Carrie A. Ciro¹  Patsy Smith² 

[1] Occupational Therapy Program, College of Allied Health, University of Oklahoma, 1200 N. Stonewall Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA;College of Nursing, University of Oklahoma, 1100 N Stonewall Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA; E-Mail:

关键词: meaningful activity;    occupational therapy;    public housing;    mixed-methods;    (feasibility) study;    behavior change intervention;    ageing;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph120911379

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Purpose: To understand how adults living in a low-income, public housing community characterize meaningful activity (activity that gives life purpose) and if through short-term intervention, could overcome identified individual and environmental barriers to activity engagement. Methods: We used a mixed methods design where Phase 1 (qualitative) informed the development of Phase 2 (quantitative). Focus groups were conducted with residents of two low-income, public housing communities to understand their characterization of meaningful activity and health. From these results, we developed a theory-based group intervention for overcoming barriers to engagement in meaningful activity. Finally, we examined change in self-report scores from the Meaningful Activity Participation Assessment (MAPA) and the Engagement in Meaningful Activity Survey (EMAS). Results: Health literacy appeared to impact understanding of the questions in Phase 1. Activity availability, transportation, income and functional limitations were reported as barriers to meaningful activity. Phase 2 within group analysis revealed a significant difference in MAPA pre-post scores (p =0.007), but not EMAS (p =0.33). Discussion: Health literacy should be assessed and addressed in this population prior to intervention. After a group intervention, participants had a change in characterization of what is considered healthy, meaningful activity but reported fewer changes to how their activities aligned with their values.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.