CHARACTERISTICS OF NORWEGIAN CLUBHOUSE MEMBERS AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR PARTICIPATION IN WORK AND EDUCATION

Background: Persons with mental health problems, in particular persons with psychosis, have more problems related to getting and keeping a job than people in the general population. Clubhouses for persons with mental health... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Persons with mental health problems, in particular persons with psychosis, have more problems related to getting and keeping a job than people in the general population. Clubhouses for persons with mental health problems are becoming increasingly common, but little is known about clubhouse members and their participation in work and education. The aim of this study was to explore these issues.
Method:
A member survey was conducted at one clubhouse in Oslo during February 2015. The data were analysed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis.
Results:
Eighty-nine clubhouse members completed the survey (response rate 55.6 %). More than half of the sample had a desire to work, but only 14 % participated in ordinary work. The participants were relatively old, and they were frequent users and long-time members of the clubhouse. Higher age among the participants decreased their chances for participating in work and/or education.
Conclusion:
The study indicates that the clubhouse is of importance to its members, and that older members who have a desire to participate in work and/or education may be particularly challenged in their work towards such goals.
Application to Practice:
Participation in the clubhouse activities and environment may be important to members in and of itself. However, given the discrepancy between the desire to work and actual work in the sample, efforts should directed towards facilitating work participation.