Investigation of the effect of lesiure time related occupational therapy intervention in individual with schizophrenia

This study was conducted to examine the effects of leisure time related occupational therapy intervention in individuals with schizophrenia. The research was carried out with 18 participants with the diagnosis of schizophrenia, aged between 18-65 years, who were followed up in the Community Mental Health Center (TRSM) and preferred to do activities such as walking in their spare time. Sociodemographic data form before and after the intervention, Subjective WellBeing Scale (SSRI), Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LSS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to determine sleep, fatigue and stress levels, and Calgary Depression in Schizophrenia Scale (CDSS), depression level were used in order to determine Canadian Occupatıon Performance Measurement (COPM), Functional Independence Measurement (FBÖ), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (UFAA-short form) and environmental status interviews were also utilized within the activity. A combined occupational therapies program was applied to all of the participants leisure awareness training, person-centered individual occupational therapy and leisure group activity training. Individual and group occupational therapy were completed within the course of 20 sessions for 5 weeks. An increase in the individuals' activity participation, life satisfaction, well-being and physical activity levels and a significant improvement in depression symptoms were cited as a result except, for the early awakening subcomponent (p<0,05). In the light of these results, it is considered that the combined application of person-centered individual therapy and leisure group activity training of individuals with schizophrenia can be used as an effective intervention method in the occupational therapy of the individuals. It is recommended that the results of the research should be supported by long-term follow-up studies.