Occupational balance of Spanish occupational therapists – a challenge

Abstract

Background Occupational balance is a central aspect in occupational therapy. Awareness of occupational balance/imbalance among occupational therapists could influence the orientation of their professional interventions. Objective To describe and compare the occupational balance status of occupational therapists working in Spain. Material and methods Cross-sectional descriptive study using an online questionnaire. Participants were occupational therapists working in Spain who answered a questionnaire including 22 questions on the sociodemographic and employment data and the Spanish version of the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ-E) ranging 0–65 where higher ratings equal better occupational balance. Results A total of 648 currently working occupational therapists participated. Mostly women, with median age of 32 years, without partner, children, or dependents. The median OBQ-E was 37 (IQR = 27; 45). Statistically significant differences were found between the medians of participants varying in the categories ‘hired as an occupational therapist’, weekly work hours, and population working with children and adults. Conclusions and Significance Spanish occupational therapists presented a moderate occupational balance that varied between subgroups. Professional recognition, working hours, and the population they attend are aspects that influence their occupational balance. Knowledge of occupational therapists’ occupational balance could contribute to the development of policies aimed at promoting it.