The Effectiveness of PEO Model-Based Occupational Therapy Intervention on Occupational Performance and Quality of Life in Individuals Working from Home due to Covid-19

Abstract

Purpose: It is predicted that the quality of life and occupational performance of desk workers will be adversely affected by working from home due to Covid-19. This study aims to investigate the effect of the Participant-Environment-Occupation Model (PEO)-based occupational therapy intervention on occupational performance and quality of life in individuals working from home due to Covid-19.

Methods: Eight desk workers between the ages of 25-45 participated in the study. A participantcentered treatment program was applied to the participants for 4 weeks, once a week for 30-45 minutes. Evaluations were made with the tests, scales, and questionnaires used within the scope of the PEO model. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale were applied before and after the intervention and the difference was calculated statistically.

Results: Although there was an increase in the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale and COPM performance and satisfaction scores in the analysis performed before and after the intervention, no statistically significant difference was found between the scores. According to the correlation analysis, it was seen that there was a significant relationship between COPM satisfaction and SF-36 general health perception scores.

Conclusion: In this study, although no statistically significant effect of PEO-based occupational therapy intervention on occupational performance and quality of life was found, the increase in scores showed that the intervention could have positive effects. It is thought that it is important to provide holistic approaches by adding ergonomics, joint energy conservation techniques, relaxation techniques, and self-management skills to the intervention process in occupational therapy interventions. It is recommended to investigate the effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention in studies with more participants, with longer intervention times, and with a control group.