Satisfaction with daily occupations amongst asylum seekers in Denmark

Abstract

AIM:

The aim of this study was to describe asylum seekers' satisfaction with daily occupations and activity level while in a Danish asylum centre, and whether this changed over time. Another aim was to describe whether exposure to torture, self-rated health measures, and ADL ability were related to their satisfaction with daily occupations and activity level.

METHODS:

A total of 43 asylum seekers at baseline and 17 at follow-up were included. The questionnaires Satisfaction with Daily Occupations, Major Depression Inventory, WHO-5 Wellbeing, Pain Detect, a questionnaire covering torture, and basic social information were used as well as Assessment of Motor and Process Skills.

RESULTS:

The results showed a low level of satisfaction with daily occupations at both baseline and follow-up. There was no statistically significant change in satisfaction or activity level between baseline and the follow-up. Associations between AMPS process skills--education, worst pain and activity level--were present at baseline, as was a relationship between AMPS process skills and satisfaction. At follow-up, associations between WHO-5 and satisfaction and activity level and between MDI scores and activity level were found.

CONCLUSION:

Asylum seekers experience a low level of satisfaction with daily occupations, both at arrival and after 10 months in an asylum centre. There is a need for further research and development of occupation-focused rehabilitation methods for the asylum seeker population.

CITATION:

Morville AL1, Erlandsson LK, Danneskiold-Samsøe B, Amris K, Eklund M. Satisfaction with daily occupations amongst asylum seekers in Denmark. Scand J Occup Ther. 2015 May;22(3):207-15. doi: 10.3109/11038128.2014.982702. Epub 2015 Jan 12.