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Background/Aims: Substance abuse is a global health problem with harmful consequences for the individual, family and society. This study explored the personal factors contributing to substance abuse from the perspective of Jordanian clients and its implications for occupational therapy. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted using a questionnaire with nine open-ended questions to explore participants' experience of their illness and recovery. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse data. Results: Participants were 146 Jordanian substance abuse clients (142 male) with a mean age of 28 years. Five main themes emerged: fears; personal traits; helpers; speaking out; the best solution. Conclusions: Occupational therapists might design client-centred interventions for substance abuse where they consider the perspectives of clients with regard to the personal traits that contribute to their recovery. Occupational therapy services that take an interdisciplinary team approach are recommended for clients diagnosed with substance abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine if Jordanian health professionals have adequate understanding of occupational therapy. A convenience sample of 556 Jordanian physicians, nurses, and physical therapists from two hospitals completed a developed questionnaire about occupational therapy including general knowledge, areas of practice, therapy goals, treatment strategies, and perceptions. Results showed that physical therapists were more informed about occupational therapy than physicians and nurses, although the level of knowledge of occupational therapy was limited for all three groups. The implications of the results are discussed in addition to exploring ideas about improving the awareness of the profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]