title: Effect of an occupation-based cultural heritage intervention in long-term geriatric care: a two-group control study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We investigated the effectiveness of an occupation-based cultural heritage intervention to facilitate adaptation to relocation into long-term care (LTC) facilities as measured by quality of life, activity engagement, and social participation.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used a quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group design with pre- and posttests. Residents receiving the cultural intervention were compared with residents in a typical activity group. Eight sessions, two per week for 4 wk, were facilitated by certified occupational therapy assistants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-nine participants completed the group sessions. Quality-of-life scores improved significantly over time for both groups. Statistically, a greater percentage of time was spent in discretionary than obligatory time, pretest and posttest, with no significant difference between groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study demonstrated effectiveness of a structured, occupation-based social group intervention that improved quality of life, an indicator of adaptation. It also provided a description of activity patterns and social participation of LTC residents.
authors.affiliation: School of Occupational Therapy, Texas Woman's University, 6700 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA. ghersch@twu.edu
authors.forename: Gayle
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hersch
authors.forename: Shirley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hutchinson
authors.forename: Harriett
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Davidson
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Maharaj
authors.forename: Kathleen B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Watson
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003469:Culture; D005853:Geriatrics; D006126:Group Processes; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations; D011788:Quality of Life