Sara Bachari, Ghazaleh Mandani, Roya Ghasemzadeh, Shadab Shahali,
Volume 22, Issue 3 (9-2021)
Abstract
Objective: Chronic Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often occurs in middle-aged people, who are supposed to take their most important roles in the family and community and thus affect their self-advocacy. This study aimed to identify the barriers to self-advocacy in women with MS.
Materials & Methods: This study was conducted using a qualitative content analysis method. The participants were 10 female members of the MS Association of Khuzestan Province of Iran aged 30-40 years with different educational levels, marital status, and occupations. They were selected using a purposive sampling method. The study data were collected through semi-structured interviews and continued until data saturation from June to November 2019. The content analysis was performed using Lundman and Graneheim’s qualitative content analysis method with an inductive approach conducted continuously and simultaneously with data collection. To evaluate the validity and reliability of qualitative data, we used Lincoln and Guba criteria (credibility, dependability, conformability, and transferability).
Results: The data analysis revealed 900 codes, 21 subcategories, and 6 themes of family barriers, medical barriers, job-related barriers, environmental barriers, sociocultural barriers, and psychological barriers.
Conclusion: Women with MS face a variety of barriers to self-advocacy; most of them are related to family, environment, and society, in addition to personal barriers. Social support and the availability of sufficient and appropriate information about MS can play an important role in confronting these women with mentioned barriers and realizing their self-advocacy.
Hassan Vahidi, Nazila Akbarfahimi, Azad Rahmani, Mehdi Rassafiani,
Volume 24, Issue 3 (9-2023)
Abstract
Objective One of the important factors in choosing purposeful activities and defining the occupational performance of people is the cultural context in the society, which may have different effects in the lives of clients in Islamic countries. This cultural structure in Islamic countries is largely influenced by the religious beliefs that govern the society. The effect of Islamic culture on the occupational performance of clients has been studied less. This study deals with the review of articles related to the relationship between the context of Islamic culture and the occupational performance of clients in Islamic countries using the explicit content analysis method. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explain the effects of Islamic culture on the occupational performance of occupational therapy clients in Islamic countries.
Materials & Methods The number of 46 studies using the keywords occupational therapy, Muslims and Islamic culture were initially selected until 2022 and the articles that were unrelated to occupational therapy and were not about Islam and Islamic culture were removed which finally reduced to 20 studies and then, they were subjected to qualitative analysis.
Results The analysis of extractive studies has led to the emergence of different themes and categories, the theme of positive points has categories (importance of united family structure), (importance of religion in helping clients), (importance of pray as a purposeful activity) and theme challenges have categories (traditional treatments without clinical evidence), (importance of respecting the principle of Mahram in interpersonal communication), (specific beliefs in the cause of illness), (restrictions on praying), (cultural and local challenges), (hesitation in accepting occupational therapy philosophy).
Conclusion In fact, Islam, with its influence on the family structure and the creation of positive beliefs and beliefs among the society, has been able to facilitate the process of occupational therapy and rehabilitation of clients to a great extent, but in the context of Islamic culture, there are many obstacles that unfortunately cause limitations. They are in interpersonal communication and acceptance of occupational therapy philosophy. Occupational therapists can use the opportunities to improve the client's performance, and in order to solve the challenges, it is necessary to do a lot of research to provide the necessary solutions.
Mr Ali Sadeghi Akbari, Mr Gholamhossein Mahmoudirad,
Volume 26, Issue 2 (10-2025)
Abstract
Objective: Spinal cord injury (SCI) significantly impacts an individual's life and necessitates extensive rehabilitation to regain independence. Self-concept, defined as the sum of an individual's beliefs and feelings about oneself, plays a crucial role in motivating individuals to engage in rehabilitation efforts and ultimately achieve success. The primary objective of this research is to qualitatively examine the influence of perceptions and expectations of others, particularly therapists and family members, on the self-concept of individuals with spinal cord injuries during the rehabilitation process.
Method: This study employed a qualitative research approach using content analysis to gain a deep understanding of the lived experiences of individuals with SCI. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 19 individuals diagnosed with SCI (aged 23-50) who were purposively selected from disability associations and rehabilitation centers. Interviews continued until data saturation was reached. For data analysis, an inductive content analysis approach was utilized. Initially, interviews were fully transcribed and then coded using the MAXQDA software. To enhance the credibility of the findings, Guba and Lincoln's criteria, as well as data triangulation and participant feedback, were employed.
Results: The analysis revealed one overarching theme, "The existential affirmation on traversing recovery," and three main categories. "Creating a new identity based on willpower and effort" (Therapist validation, encouragement from family and friends, and witnessing the positive impact on others were identified as significant motivators). "Entrusting oneself to the therapist" (Therapists play a crucial role in shaping rehabilitation experiences by providing emotional support and fostering self-belief). "Finding Strength in Overcoming Challenges" (Individuals with SCI push boundaries and use external limitations as motivation to progress)
Conclusion: The findings indicate that individuals with spinal cord injuries are profoundly influenced by their perceptions and expectations of their environment. Social support, encouragement from therapists, and observing the progress of others play a crucial role in shaping motivation and self-belief in these individuals. The results of this research underscore the necessity of adopting a comprehensive approach to spinal cord injury rehabilitation. This approach should extend beyond physical recovery and also address psychological and social dimensions. Emotional support from therapists, strengthening self-belief, and fostering motivation in patients are key components of this approach. Individuals with spinal cord injuries often face limitations imposed by their injury. However, the findings of this study demonstrate that many of these individuals have achieved significant progress by transforming these limitations into motivation.
