Clients using community occupational therapy services: sociodemographic factors and the occurrence of diseases and disabilities.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe sociodemographic factors and the occurrence of diseases and disabilities among a representative sample of clients who were using community occupational therapy services in Norway.


METHODS
A postal survey of occupational therapists about their last clients (n=168) was carried out in 2001. A survey questionnaire based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) was developed. Diagnoses were coded according to the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC-2).


RESULTS
This study showed that more than half of the clients were adults, youths, or children. Only 17% of adults participated in "ordinary working life", and of those approximately 10% were on sick leave and 62% were on disablement pension. A predominance of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease was found (24%). Stroke was the most common principal diagnosis (19%). Musculoskeletal (16%) and mental diseases (13%) were also frequently reported. "Movement impairments" (96%) were most common in the body function component. Frequent problems in several domains of the activity and participation components were reported, in particular in "education, work and employment" (93-94%) and "recreation and leisure" (94%).


CONCLUSIONS
Clients using community occupational therapy in Norway had numerous types of chronic and severe diseases, and a high occurrence of musculoskeletal impairment, activity limitations, and participation restrictions.
Aas
Randi W
RW
Diakonhjemmet University College Rogaland, Norway. randi.aas@irisresearch.no
Grotle
Margreth
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003151:Community Health Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012923:Social Class; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation