The assumed relation between occupation and inequality in health

Abstract

Background: Occupational science and therapy scholars have argued that research on inequality in health is needed. Simultaneously, a knowledge gap between how to understand and take action on health inequalities exists in occupational science and therapy. Objective: To identify how inequality in health, high-risk areas of health, and engagement in health for low-income adult citizens have been described and conceptualized in contemporary occupational science and therapy literature. Material and methods: A structured literature review of 37 publications in occupational science and therapy literature, published from 2004 to 2014. Findings: The review revealed several descriptions and conceptualizations based on environmental, social, cultural, historical, and personal perspectives on occupation and already existing occupational science concepts. However, these descriptions were mainly based on assumptions regarding the relation between occupation and inequality in health, and statements on the need to explore this relation. Conclusion: Basic theory and reasoning, as well as empirical studies, on inequality in health are missing in occupational science and therapy. Based on the findings and theoretical trends, the authors suggest a transactional perspective on occupation is a possible frame for understanding inequality in health and related issues.

Keywords:

• Engagement
• health disparity
• health inequities
• health promotion
• high-risk areas of health
• low-income citizens
• transactionalism

Acknowledgement

The study was conducted with support from the research and development programme Technologies Closely Connected to Citizens’ Health at the University College of Northern Denmark (UCN).

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.