An exploration of how people living in Belem, a city in the Amazon region of Brazil, perceive their occupational lives: considerations to identify potential implications for occupational therapy services

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the occupational lives of persons served in the Basic Health Unit or employed in the National Institute of Social Security within communities in Belem, Brazil. A mixed-method design was performed with qualitative interviews and two quantitative measurements, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and the Health Assessment Questionnaire. The intent was to provide occupational therapists a better understanding of the need for their service in both institutions. The two populations included were similar regarding age, gender, and race, however, although connected geopolitically, differences in educational level, income, and access to goods and services were noted. The results demonstrated that both groups experienced difficulties and unfulfilled wishes for their occupational performances and lack of occupational engagement, due to environmental circumstances, which may lead to a risk of occupational injustice. This study contributes valuable knowledge which may determine if occupational therapy services could benefit these populations.