Research Article
Issue Date: September/October 2018
Published Online: August 16, 2018
Updated: April 30, 2020
Occupational Performance Issues of Adults Seeking Bariatric Surgery for Obesity
Karen S. Barclay; Susan J. Forwell
Author Affiliations
  • Karen S. Barclay, MRSc, BSc(OT), is Clinical Instructor, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
  • Susan J. Forwell, PhD(OS), is Professor, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; susan.forwell@ubc.ca
Article Information
Mental Health / Obesity / Special Section: Research Articles
Research Article   |   August 16, 2018
Occupational Performance Issues of Adults Seeking Bariatric Surgery for Obesity
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, August 2018, Vol. 72, 7205195030. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.025924
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, August 2018, Vol. 72, 7205195030. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.025924
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. We sought to describe the occupational performance issues of a sample of bariatric surgery candidates and to explore the relationships among occupational performance, satisfaction with performance, demographic characteristics, and mental health factors.

METHOD. We reviewed the health records of 241 bariatric surgery candidates and analyzed their scores on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and standardized mental health questionnaires.

RESULTS. Exercise and eating behavior were the most common occupational performance issues. Cognitive and affective issues were reported more frequently than physical issues. Occupational performance and satisfaction correlated negatively with anxiety and depression and positively with self-esteem. Self-esteem contributed 27% of the variance in occupational performance.

CONCLUSION. COPM scores revealed a wide range of occupational performance issues and significant associations with mental health factors, supporting a psychosocial approach to occupational therapy with this population. Routine mental health screening can help ensure that mental health factors are adequately addressed.