Clients using community occupational therapy services: Sociodemographic factors and the occurrence of diseases and disabilities

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe sociodemographic factors and the occurrence of diseases and disabilities among a representative sample of clients who were using community occupational therapy services in Norway. Method: A postal survey of occupational therapists about their last clients (n=168) was carried out in 2001. A survey questionnaire based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) was developed. Diagnoses were coded according to the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC-2). Results: This study showed that more than half of the clients were adults, youths, or children. Only 17% of adults participated in “ordinary working life”, and of those approximately 10% were on sick leave and 62% were on disablement pension. A predominance of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease was found (24%). Stroke was the most common principal diagnosis (19%). Musculoskeletal (16%) and mental diseases (13%) were also frequently reported. “Movement impairments” (96%) were most common in the body function component. Frequent problems in several domains of the activity and participation components were reported, in particular in “education, work and employment” (93–94%) and “recreation and leisure” (94%). Conclusion: Clients using community occupational therapy in Norway had numerous types of chronic and severe diseases, and a high occurrence of musculoskeletal impairment, activity limitations, and participation restrictions.