Occupations of users of a Brazilian mental health service during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its resulting health measures led to occupational disruption in several contexts of everyday life. This study aimed to investigate the occupations of users of a unique Brazilian mental health service during the pandemic. This qualitative case study utilized semi-structured interviews to examine the lived experiences of 14 individuals (11 male and 3 female) who were users of a Center of Convivência for mental health. The participants were primarily from low-income backgrounds and mostly identified as Black. Two categories emerged from the content analysis: occupations experienced in and through the Center of Convivência and at home. The center was one of the few places attended by users outside home. During the pandemic, users reduced their weekly attendance, choices, and modality for participating in workshops at the center. Also, they presented a home-restricted life before the pandemic, with limited social circulation, access to leisure and work opportunities. Thus, users had few changes in routine during the pandemic, and housework was their main occupation. Although users had no changes in the existing social limitations and occupational deprivation in the home environment, they experienced occupational disruptions in the Center of Convivência during the pandemic.