Document Type

Student Research Paper

Date

Spring 2016

Academic Department

Occupational Therapy

Abstract

The trend in occupational therapy is to move toward holistic care that considers the client's quality of life. However, current practice for individuals with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) focuses on managing joint pain and degeneration and tends not to address overall life satisfaction. The purpose of this research is to 1) analyze the quality of life of individuals with JIA and related conditions, 2) identify quality of life needs and strengths in this population and 3) discuss identified needs in light of the potential role of occupational therapy. In this quantitative study, adults with JIA and similar conditions completed the shortened version of the World Health Organization's Quality of Life assessment (WHOQOL-BREF), a survey tool that measures life satisfaction. The results were analyzed in the domains of physical health, social relationships, psychological health, and the environment. This has implications in understanding how JIA and related conditions influence quality of life. Occupational therapy may be able to improve the areas in which individuals reported decreased satisfaction by providing tools and strategies that can be utilized in everyday life.

Notes

Senior Thesis.

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