title: A Wellness Program for Men With Spinal Cord Injury: Participation and Meaning.
abstract: Little is known about how participating in a wellness program influences the well-being of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The purpose of this study is to explore how men with SCI describe their experiences and meaning of participating in a wellness center program, how they perceived these experiences as influencing their well-being, and how these experiences relate to co-occupations and occupational spin-off concepts. Investigators employed a descriptive qualitative design. Four adult males with an SCI participated in the study. Data collection methods included individual semi-structured interviews and observations. Participation in a wellness program positively influenced the physical, mental, and social well-being of participants. Findings expand our understanding of the value of social environment, social participation, co-occupations, and occupational spin-off. It is essential that occupational therapists promote occupational justice by advocating for clients so they can participate in wellness occupations in the community.
authors.affiliation: 1 Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Beth A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Ekelman
authors.affiliation: 2 St. Mary of the Woods, Avon, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Darcy L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Allison
authors.affiliation: 3 Montefiore, Beachwood, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Dario
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Duvnjak
authors.affiliation: 4 Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation-LakeMed, Painesville, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Dorothy R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: DiMarino
authors.affiliation: 5 The Heights, Broadview Heights, OH, USA.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jodzio
authors.affiliation: 6 Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Cleveland, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Paolo V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Iannarelli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006293:Health Promotion; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D058992:Social Participation; D012944:Social Support; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*
keywords: co-occupation; spinal cord injury; well-being