Self-reported quality of ADL task performance in adults with schizophrenia

Background: Previous studies, often based on observation, indicate that adults with schizophrenia are having problems related to performing activities of daily living (ADL). However, little is known about how adults with... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Previous studies, often based on observation, indicate that adults with schizophrenia are having problems related to performing activities of daily living (ADL). However, little is known about how adults with schizophrenia perceive the quality of their ADL task performance in terms of effort/fatigue, use of time, safety risks, and need for assistance.
The aim was to investigate the self-reported quality of ADL task performance in adults with schizophrenia.

Method:
Participants were recruited from Aalborg University Hospital – Psychiatry and Brønderslev Psychiatric Hospital. The sample was a consecutive sample of convenience. Data were collected using the ADL Interview (ADL-I). The ADL-I is a standardized occupational therapy evaluation tool developed to describe and measure the quality of ADL task performance in terms of effort/fatigue, use of time, safety risks, and need for assistance based on self-report.

Results and conclusion:
In total 107 patients participated in the study. Two thirds were men and the participants were between 20-71 years.
Results indicated that the participants to some extent reported decreased quality of both personal ADL (PADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL). Aside from decreased independence, the participants also reported problems related to increased effort, increased use of time, and some safety problems.

Application to Practice:
This study outlines the importance of evaluating different aspects related to quality of ADL task performance. If only addressing one single aspect (e.g. independence) other ADL problems, important to the client, might be overlooked.

Financial support by The Danish Occupational Therapy Association is gratefully acknowledged.