Findings support the role of occupational therapists in collaborating with clients to develop individualized medication routines to promote medication adherence.
This study demonstrates the high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in parents of children under the age of 4 years. It underscores the association between physical and psychological factors in the development of musculoskeletal discomfort. It suggests the need for occupational therapy wellness programs that focus on preventing musculoskeletal discomfort and providing support for the parenting role.
The use of structured reflections for promoting personal understanding and community self-efficacy was examined in 65 occupational therapy college students in a service learning course. Students in the experimental group wrote structured reflections throughout the semester while students in the control groups used non-structured reflections. Outcome measures included quantitative tests of personal understanding and community self-efficacy (Personal Growth Initiative Scale, New General SelfEfficacy Scale, and the Community Self-Efficacy Scale) and a qualitative narrative. Results indicated that students who wrote structured reflections significantly increased in personal growth and personal self-efficacy, whereas those using non-structured reflections showed no change. Both groups improved in community self-efficacy scores with no significant difference between groups.
Occupational stress represents a cause of attrition from the field of dental hygiene. However, few studies have examined occupational stress in dental hygienists with a focus on the dynamics of the organization and the concept of emotional labor. The purpose of the study was to investigate the nature of occupational stress (organizational stress and emotional labor) in experienced dental hygienists and to examine the relationship between occupational stressors and manifestations of stress (or personal strain). Two hundred invitations were sent to randomly selected dental hygienists in the Northeast. Only 40 dental hygienists met the inclusion criteria for the study and 30 individuals participated in the study. Participants completed a demographics questionnaire, an Emotional Labor Survey, the Occupational Stress Inventory, and a Musculoskeletal Discomfort Body Map. Overall, levels of occupational stressors, personal strain, and coping resources were within norms. The sample indicated high frequency of musculoskeletal discomfort in the neck (87%), upper back (63.3%), lower back (63.3%), shoulders (53%), and wrists (36.7%). Moderate correlations existed among occupational stressors related to organizational ambiguity, emotional labor, personal strain, and musculoskeletal discomfort. Emotional labor emerged as an occupational stressor that may warrant future investigation.
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