Zainab A. Jasem

Background: Caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) encounter unique challenges that are not common in typical families. The distress of these families starts in the diagnosis period, which is marked by a “wait and see” approach, and continues because of the lack of a clear prognosis. Objective: This study aimed to identify the level of perceived ease of care faced by families of children with CP in Kuwait and its effect on their satisfaction with daily activities. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited caregivers of children with CP aged 5 to 16 years. The Ease of Caregiving for Children (ECC) scale, the self-care domain of the Child Engagement in Daily Life Measure (CEDLM), and the Satisfaction with Daily Occupations (SDO) questionnaire were used. Results: Fifty-three caregivers participated (mean age 39.77, SD 7.56 years; children’s mean age 8.04, SD 2.57 years; Gross Motor Function Classification System: level I, n=18; level II, n=10; level III, n=13; level IV, n=5; and level V, n=7). ECC score was significantly correlated with SDO score ( P =.03) and the participation score in the self-care scale of the CEDLM ( P =.001). Conclusions: Challenges of caring for a child with CP are positively correlated with caregivers’ satisfaction with daily activities and the child’s self-care abilities. Regular check-ins with caregivers and the establishment of support groups for caregivers would help with providing help sooner. Qualitative assessment is needed to explore these challenges in this region.

Internationalization-at-home facilitates intercultural learning and cultivates global citizenship opportunities for students in higher education while in their home environments. The International Discussions in Occupational Therapy (i-DOT) project is an annual, online collaborative learning initiative that supports occupational therapy education. This study aims to assess the benefits of the i-DOT project and identify factors influencing student participation. A convergent mixed methods design was used. Quantitative survey data and qualitative focus groups and/interviews were gathered from occupational therapy students and educators involved in the project. Data were collected from 139 students who completed an online questionnaire and 14 students and educators who participated in the focus groups or interviews. Reported benefits included improved social and interpersonal skills, professional, and academic development, and increased diversity awareness. Most students indicated that these outcomes would not have been achieved through engagement with peers from their own country alone. Challenges to participation were attributed to logistical issues and participant-related difficulties. Participation in the i-DOT project enabled equitable international engagement for occupational therapy students. Despite participation barriers, occupational therapy students enhanced their learning and developed skills essential for independent professional practice.

Introduction: Global trends in occupational therapy practice such as telehealth, community-based practice, and culturally safe care have become integral in occupational therapy. It highlights the need for curricula that integrate emerging practices alongside core competencies of practitioners. Thus, understanding occupational therapy graduates’ perspectives concerning their educational curriculum is important as it provides insights into their experiences, identifies gaps in education, and ensures alignment with evolving professional demands. These perspectives further assist in refining curricula to enhance competency and preparedness for clinical practice. Purpose: This preliminary research studied the perspectives of occupational therapy graduates regarding their educational experiences at the occupational therapy department at Kuwait University. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed-methods approach was utilized using a self-developed questionnaire (ie Curriculum Questionnaire) with close- and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis and t-test served as primary analyses of the quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. Results: The study included 83 participants, with the questionnaire demonstrating strong validity and internal consistency. Graduates reported moderate satisfaction with faculty support (mean=3.7 ± 1.1), with higher satisfaction among participants with more years of experience within practice (P=0.035). Conversely, satisfaction with laboratory classes was notably low, particularly concerning equipment and space (mean=2.7 ± 1.0). Graduates emphasized curriculum strengths such as professionalism, occupation-based models, and environmental adaptation; however, they highlighted gaps such as lack of specialty exposure (eg, dysphagia, assistive technology, and neonatal care), limited interprofessional education, and insufficient preparation for emerging areas like telehealth and culturally responsive practice. Conclusion: Understanding graduates’ perspectives is crucial for advancing the educational curriculum, enhancing clinical learning environments, and ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for professional challenges. Linking findings to Kuwait’s healthcare priorities and university reform agenda underscores the practical significance of curriculum adaptation.

Objectives To investigate the perspectives of paediatric occupational therapists on factors relating to the use of evidence-based practice (EBP) in clinical practice/settings. Design A qualitative approach entailing the use of (face-to-face) semistructured interviews. Collected data were analysed using thematic analysis. Setting Governmental and private hospitals, clinics and schools in Kuwait that offered occupational therapy services. Participants 10 occupational therapists with a minimum of 2 years experience working with children. Primary and secondary outcome measures Occupational therapists’ perspectives on the factors relating to the implementation of EBP in clinical practice. Results Three themes emerged: (1) source of motivation towards EBP; (2) organisational support for EBP use and (3) creativity and flexibility in implementing EBP. Several motivators encouraged therapists to use EBP in their clinical practice, including their personal motivation and clients’ outcomes. However, the barriers to EBP implementation are due to the lack of organisational support for EBP. Using creativity and flexibility in practice is essential to overcome challenges. Conclusion This study identified factors related to the implementation of EBP from the perspective of paediatric occupational therapists in Kuwait. It provides several implications and recommendations for occupational therapy education and practice in the region due to similarities in culture. As therapists’ concerns are identified, developing the educational curricula at universities and providing continuous professional development courses in regard to EBP utilisation are important for delivering effective healthcare services.

Objectives: Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) are known for their prolonged and persistent effects on patients. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the PASC on the quality of life (QOL) of patients, their levels of activity participation, and satisfaction with these levels, in addition to exploring whether the duration of post-intensive care unit (ICU) discharge is associated with the effects of PASC. Subject and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 134 patients with COVID-19 discharged from an ICU in Kuwait. Data were collected using two validated questionnaires: the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) and Satisfaction with Daily Occupations. Additionally, demographic information was collected, and 11 categories of related symptoms were investigated. Results: Most patients reported health issues post-ICU discharge. Furthermore, most PASC-related symptoms decreased over time, whereas a few increased. Notably, we observed a negative association between post-discharge duration and overall improvement in level of participation in activities of daily living. However, patients discharged from the ICU for more than 6 months demonstrated higher satisfaction with functional performance and improved QOL. Additionally, patients who received rehabilitation, and were vaccinated were less likely to have poor QOL. No significant sex differences were observed in the WHOQOL-BREF score. Conclusion: PASC adversely affected the daily functioning of patients, especially in leisure, social, and religious aspects. However, these effects lessened over time, with corresponding improvement in QOL. Additionally, patient satisfaction with functional performance increased over time. These findings shed light on the rehabilitation needs of patients with COVID-19.

Paediatric occupational therapy (OT) is considered the largest practice area in OT in several regions, including the Eastern Mediterranean (EM) countries. This study aimed to establish a profile of paediatric occupational therapists in EM countries to identify theoretical models, assessments and interventions employed. It also investigated the therapists' usage of evidence-based practice in their practice. We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire which was distributed electronically to occupational therapists working with children. The participants included 118 therapists. Majority of the participants were working at rehabilitation centres. The primary client groups were pre- and school-age children with autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy. The most frequently used assessments were sensory-related tools. Activities of daily living and play were the most often targeted interventional area. Participants highlighted some of the challenges faced in implementing evidence in their practice. Paediatric occupational therapists are usually exposed to specific age groups and conditions. However, a lack of knowledge practice in some areas and challenges in others exist. Within the EM region, knowledge regarding therapists' practices is lacking. Actions should be taken to improve current practice and meet the current needs of clients, and utilise evidence-based practices.

Children living with palliative care needs are less engaged in play, despite its importance in their lives. The environment may have a crucial role in supporting these children’s play. Understanding the importance and impact of environmental factors on children’s play is essential to being able to support their participation in play. Data were collected from caregivers (mostly parents) of children living with life-threatening/limiting conditions, who were between 5 and 11 years old. Thirty-nine participants were recruited from two children hospitals and two hospices in Kuwait and in the United Kingdom. The participants’ perspectives were explored using Q methodology. By-person factor analysis was used to explore the ranking of each statement. Content analysis was used to analyse the participants’ verbal comments. The most important environmental factors were the need for others to share play and get assistance to facilitate play. However, this is not always possible as these conditions, the life-threatening/limiting conditions, may be socially isolating. Children also experience limitations in accessing play resources that match their abilities and meet their play needs. Being aware and responsive to children’s play needs is essential for building appropriately supportive play environments for children living with life-threatening/life-limiting conditions.

Background: Play is central to children’s lives. Children living with palliative care needs experience disruption in their play. In this study, we sought to discover the characteristics and patterns of children’s play when receiving care in children’s hospital wards and hospices in Kuwait and the United Kingdom. Methods: A qualitative nonparticipatory observation design was used. Thirty-one children were observed, between the ages of 5 and 11 years, all diagnosed with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and receiving palliative care. The data were analysed using content analysis. Results: The children’s illnesses were negatively impacting their ability to have typical play for their age and development. The children’s interactive play was with grown-ups and very rarely with other children. This was associated with isolation precautions, the child’s need for assistance and a lack of play resources that match children’s physical and cognitive abilities. This gave rise to their engagement in more sedentary, solitary play. The findings of the study did not indicate significant cultural differences between the two countries. Conclusion: Children living with palliative care needs may be socially isolated due to their illnesses and their play participation can be limited. Understanding the influencing factors that determine these children’s play is essential for implementing effective modifications to enhance their play routines.

Background Living with a life threatening/limiting condition changes and challenges children’s play. The environment is known to support participation in play, yet there is a lack of evidence highlighting its specific factors contributing to children’s play. In this study, we investigated the perspectives of children living with life threatening/limiting conditions with regards to the environmental factors that are related to their engagement in play whilst receiving inpatient healthcare. Methods Twenty-seven children took part in this study. Participants were aged between 5y and 11y, diagnosed with life threatening/limiting conditions and were receiving care at either a children’s hospital or hospice in either Kuwait or the UK. Children were asked to rank-order a Q set according to their perceived importance. The used Q set comprised of social and physical environmental factors. The data were analysed using factor analysis and content analysis. Findings Two shared viewpoints were identified which represented children from both countries. For factor1, the children’s need for social connectivity guided their answers regarding the environmental factors. For factor2, although children considered being surrounded by others important, their selections of the play conditions directed their play. For both factors, children had relatively little concern for outdoor and the type of play to engage in, with the exception of arts and crafts play activities which were deemed important. Conclusions Play settings are important to support rich, social play experiences and opportunities that match children’s play preferences. Children living with life threatening/limiting conditions in Kuwait and the UK have relatively similar play needs.

Background. Play, which is fundamental to children’s lives, can be utilised to enrich their daily experience. However, the available knowledge regarding the impact of play on children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is limited. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating mothers’ perspectives on their children with ADHD in Kuwait regarding their play preferences, the impact of play on ADHD behaviours, and the strategies used to regulate their children’s ADHD symptoms. Methods. Eight mothers of children aged five to ten years old with ADHD were recruited via purposive sampling. Their perspectives were qualitatively explored through one-week diaries of their children’s routines followed by semistructured interviews. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results. Four themes emerged: (1) play characteristics for children with ADHD, (2) play preferences, (3) play settings and their impact on ADHD symptoms, and (4) mothers’ values, understanding, and influence on play. Children were found to spend most of their playtime in indoor settings, largely playing video games. The mothers acknowledged the positive influence on their children of outdoor play and the deleterious effect of video games. However, they undervalued the contribution of play to their children’s development. Their strategies for regulating the types of play that diminish their children’s ADHD behaviours were less well understood. The weather and mothers’ other responsibilities were the main barriers. Conclusions. Understanding the play of children with ADHD revealed the requirement for more opportunities for different types of play, with more consideration of those that positively manage ADHD behaviours.