Occupational performance status and reliability of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure in children with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Background/Aims Cystic fibrosis affects the respiratory system and may interfere with an individual's occupational performance. This study intended to evaluate the reliability of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure in children with cystic fibrosis and to compare the occupational performance of children with cystic fibrosis to that of healthy participants. Methods A total of 21 children with cystic fibrosis were included in the reliability and comparison phases of this study and 30 healthy children were recruited for the comparison phase. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was used to collect data on occupational performance and satisfaction. Intraclass correlation coefficients and standard error measurements were obtained to evaluate the reliability of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. An independent t-test was used to compare the occupational performance of the two groups. Results The test–retest reliability using a 7-day interval was 0.86–0.87 (standard error: 1.79–1.91). The agreement between therapists' scores for inter-rater reliability ranged from 0.87 to 0.90 (standard error: 1.44–1.68). There was a significant difference in performance subscale scores between children with cystic fibrosis and healthy children (P<0.05). There was no significant between-group difference in satisfaction scores. Conclusions The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure is a reliable tool for evaluating the occupational performance of children with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis directly and indirectly affects occupational performance. Children with cystic fibrosis and their parents may require help and education in the performance and organisation of activities and occupations.