title: Exploring occupational balance in adults in Sweden.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between occupational balance (measured by the occupational balance questionnaire [OBQ]) and self-rated health and life satisfaction. A secondary aim was to explore differences in occupational balance among adults in Sweden.
  
  
  METHODS
  The 153 participants (63% women), recruited using convenience sampling, answered a questionnaire comprising demographic questions, the OBQ, one item about self-rated health, and one about life satisfaction. The OBQ was analysed for correlation with subjective health and life satisfaction. The OBQ and its individual items were also analysed for correlations with age and for differences between men and women and participants living with children younger than 18 years versus not.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The OBQ was significantly positively correlated to self-rated health and life satisfaction, supporting the relationship between occupational balance and health. No significant correlation between age and the total OBQ was identified but some differences in occupational balance, related to whether the participant was living with or without children at home, were revealed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results should be interpreted with caution due to the nature of the sample and data but they can serve as a point of departure for further studies and hypotheses regarding occupational balance in different populations.
authors.affiliation: Jönköping University, School of Health Sciences , Sweden.
authors.forename: Petra
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wagman
authors.forename: Carita
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Håkansson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Occupational Balance Questionnaire; cross-sectional study; demographic differences; health and well-being