Investigation of the relationship between occupational balance, quality of life and social participation in young adults with substance use disorder: A comparative study

This study examined the effects of substance use disorder (SUD) on occupational balance, quality of life, and social participation in young adults. It also compared these outcomes with those of individuals without SUD. Additionally, the study analyzed the relationships among these variables within the SUD group. A total of 162 voluntary participants between the ages of 18 and 40 were included: 78 with SUD and 84 without. Data were collected in person by occupational therapists using the Sociodemographic Data Form, the Occupational Balance Questionnaire, World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule–II (WHODAS-II). The results indicated that the SUD group had significantly lower occupational balance scores than the control group (p <0.05). On the WHODAS-II, the SUD group scored significantly higher in all domains except "Mobility" (p <0.05). Similarly, the SUD group had significantly lower WHOQOL-BREF scores in all subdomains except "Physical Health" (p <0.05). Significant correlations were also found among occupational balance, quality of life, and social participation within the SUD group. These results imply that occupational balance, quality of life, and social participation negatively impact young adults with SUD and are significantly interrelated. Therefore, occupational therapists should adopt a holistic approach that considers all three factors when planning interventions. Future research should focus on evaluating the effects of occupational therapy interventions on individuals with SUD to improve these outcomes.