Changes in participation patterns of youth with physical disabilities following the Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation intervention: A time-geography approach

Abstract

Background: The PREP (Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation), an innovative 12-week occupational therapy intervention that focuses on changing the environment, was found effective in improving the participation of youth in specific chosen community-based activities.

Objective: To complement existing evidence, this study explored changes in overall participation patterns of youth with physical disabilities following the PREP intervention.

Methods: Guided by time-geography approach, 13 youth aged 12–17 completed a 24-hr diary using the Aday app during one typical weekday and another day during the weekend, pre- and post-intervention. Data of 50 diaries were plotted and analyzed using the VISUALTimePAcTS program.

Results: Following the PREP, youth were engaged in less digital media and more in study-related activities. Number of occurrences and time spent doing activities with friends were greater post-intervention, whereas time spent doing activities at home was quite similar, particularly during the weekdays. During the weekends, however, youth spent slightly less time at home.

Conclusions and significance: Findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of the PREP, extending beyond the accomplishment of specific targeted activities towards a change in the overall daily patterns of youth. Such knowledge can redirect occupational therapists’ attention to environment-focused interventions involving real-life experiences.

Keywords:

• Diary data
• adolescents
• time-use
• rehabilitation

Acknowledgement

Thanks are extended to Lara Bailey for her contribution in organizing the data and assisting in the programing process.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest or any financial interest or benefit that has arisen from the direct applications of this research. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This Study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) under Grant MOP-130571.