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Throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, changes in daily activity-travel routines and time-use behavior, including the widespread adoption of telecommuting, have been manifold. This study considers how telecommuters have responded to the changes in activity-travel scheduling and time allocation. In particular, we consider how workers utilized time during the pandemic by comparing workers who telecommuted with workers who continued to commute. Commuters were segmented into those who worked in telecommutable jobs (potential telecommuters) and those who did not (commuters). Our empirical analysis suggested that telecommuters exhibited distinct activity participation and time use patterns from the commuter groups. It also supported the basic hypothesis that telecommuters were more engaged with in-home versus out-of-home activity compared to potential telecommuters and commuters. In terms of activity time-use, telecommuters spent less time on work activity but more time on caring for household members, household chores, eating, socializing and recreation activities than their counterparts. During weekdays, a majority of telecommuters did not travel and in general this group made fewer trips per day compared to the other two groups. Compared to telecommuters, potential telecommuters made more trips on both weekdays and weekends while non-telecommutable workers made more trips only on weekdays. The findings of this study provide initial insights on time-use and the associated activity-travel behavior of both telecommuter and commuter groups during the pandemic.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of adapting and translating an evidence‐based occupational therapist‐delivered program shown to be effective in the community to residential aged care (RAC). The program aims to improve quality of care and quality of life for people living with dementia and the wellbeing of the family care partner. Methods: This study took place in a not‐for‐profit RAC home in Adelaide, South Australia. Mixed methods, specifically questionnaires, activity logs, focus group, and one‐on‐one interviews were used to evaluate the feasibility of the program implementation. Staff working in the participating home, occupational therapists trained to deliver the program, and residents and their family carer partners were included. Quantitative data were analysed using proportions, means, and standard deviations. Qualitative data were analysed using a thematic approach. Consumer and Community Involvement: This study was conducted together with a consumer (person living with dementia) and a carer representative (family member of someone residing in RAC). These representatives provided input towards the study design, interpretation of study data, discussion of results, and recommendations for future consideration. Results: Small changes to the program improved feasibility and acceptability for delivery in RAC. While the care home staff required added support during implementation, the intervention therapists felt that the program could be delivered in this setting. Family care partners of residents with dementia felt that the program may be better suited if provided upon entry to RAC or in early stages of dementia. Conclusion: Adapting a community‐based dementia care program to RAC can be safe and feasible. Program adaptations are necessary for feasibility. Further adaptations and evaluations of associated outcomes (related to residents with dementia and their family care partners) are needed to assess the program effectiveness in larger scale. Plain language summary: Spending quality time with family members in residential aged care is important. However, many struggle to know what to say or do when visiting a family member who lives with dementia. Programs that teach families about how to communicate with people living with dementia, how to support them to take part in important everyday living activities, or how to understand why changes in behaviours may occur have not been available in residential aged care. This paper describes how we adapted one such evidence‐based program from community to residential aged care settings. We consulted with people living with dementia, carers, and families and found that the program could also be valuable in this care setting. Residential aged care staff described how the program is very different to what is usually available in residential aged care, but they were optimistic that with the right support, it could be a valuable way to support residents with dementia and their families. Family members of residents with dementia and therapists delivering the program felt that residents in early stages of living in residential aged care and/or early stages of dementia could benefit the most from these programs. We found that including family members in the intervention process can be useful and empowering for families and residents. Future work should also focus on involving other staff members caring for residents in the process. Communication between staff and families is the key for program delivery and success and treating each person as an individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Internalizing conditions, such as anxiety and depression, and difficulties with developing and maintaining friendships are common among autistic children and adolescents. Participation in extracurricular activities may buffer against these challenges as they provide naturalistic opportunities to bring peers with shared interests and skills together. As such, the purpose of the current study was to examine associations between sport and club participation and (1) friendship success and (2) co-occurring anxiety and depression in a large sample of autistic youth. Methods: Secondary analysis was performed using data from the 2018–2019 National Survey of Children's Health. Participants were 562 autistic children (ages 6–11 years) and 818 autistic adolescents (ages 12–17 years). Within each age group, a series of binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: Club participation was not associated with friendship or internalizing conditions. However, participation in sports was positively associated with friendship success among both children (OR = 2.07, p =.006) and adolescents (OR = 2.35, p =.001). Results also found that adolescents who participated in sports were 34% less likely to have diagnosis of depression (p =.048). Conclusion: Findings suggest that participation in sports may play a meaningful role in protecting against depression during adolescence and serve as a context for friendship development across childhood and adolescence. Future research should address barriers to extracurricular activity participation and identify the specific components of sports that are most beneficial to autistic youth to inform activity offerings and the development of interventions targeting friendship formation and mental health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The world population is rapidly aging, and depression mainly affects middle-aged and older adults with chronic diseases and cognitive impairments. The sample for this study was obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) public database. The sample size for inclusion was 12,767. There were 6,773 females and 5,994 males, with an overall low level of education. This study aims to provide a theoretical and practical reference basis for the clinical non-pharmacological treatment of depression in middle-aged and older adults (age = 50 years) with chronic diseases. Additionally, the study seeks to promote the development of mental health interventions for middle-aged and older adults (age = 50 years) with chronic diseases, ultimately enhancing the sense of well-being and quality of life for this demographic. Methods: Cognitive functioning and depressive symptoms of the study participants were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination Scale (MMSE) and the short version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10). Results and discussion: Binary logistic regression results showed that among middle-aged and older adults (age = 50 years) with chronic diseases, participation in physical activity [OR = 1.397; 95% CI (1.181-1.651); p < 0.05] was more effective than participation in social activities [OR = 0.997; 95% CI (0.924-1.076); p < 0.05] for preventing depression. Those with cognitive impairment [OR = 1.206; 95% CI (1.089-1.335); p < 0.05] were more likely to experience depression than those without cognitive impairment. Activity participation (physical activity and social activity) had a more significant effect on mild and moderate depression compared to no depression, and cognitive level had a more pronounced effect on moderate depression [OR = 1.491; 95% CI (1.278-1.740); p < 0.05] and major depression [OR = 2.231; 95% CI (1.282-3.884); p < 0.05]. Within the specific cohort of middle-aged and older adults (age = 50 years) with chronic diseases, both activity participation and cognitive level exert a significant influence on the prevention and intervention of depression. Engagement in physical activity, participation in social activities, and enhanced cognitive functioning emerged as protective factors against depression. Therefore, the policy-maker should strengthen the prevention and treatment of depression in a comprehensive manner through the promotion of physical and social activities and the enhancement of cognitive level, so as to safeguard the mental health of middle-aged and older adults with chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have investigated how older people's daily activities and characteristics of the surrounding urban environment affect their emotions and daily satisfaction. This study fills the research gap by using a paper-based survey and a smartphone ecological momentary assessment (EMA) application (with GPS tracking and pop-up surveys about activities) to study older people's well-being in Hong Kong. Three hundred and two older adults completed the paper survey and forty-two of them further completed a six- to seven-day EMA survey. Based on a total of 1,530 activity episodes, generalized estimating equation models were developed to examine the relationship between older people's socioeconomic background, activity participation, urban environment characteristics, and their feelings of happiness and calmness. Results show that older people's daily life satisfaction is affected by the emotions they experienced throughout the day. In particular, a higher level of happiness was associated with socializing, leisure, and recreation activities taking place outside of the immediate neighborhood, and calmness was best achieved during passive relaxation and resting activities within the residential neighborhood. Furthermore, characteristics of the environment at activity locations are statistically significant in explaining momentary well-being. The findings support the planning for age-friendly cities and communities through encouraging older people to engage in activities outside their residential neighborhoods and designing activity locations with more leisure facilities, lower road density, and higher exposure to water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Assistive technology (AT) use is prevalent in older adulthood and can accommodate activity difficulties to support well-being. However, within the context of multiple activity difficulties and multiple technology use, it is unclear how to best assess their combined effects on older adults' health outcomes. This study proposed four distinct approaches to quantify multiple AT use and examined their respective impact in later life. Material and methods: Using data from the 2015 round of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (n = 6,936), we compared four indices to summarize the state of multiple AT use among the U.S. older population: binary, item-specific, cumulative, and accommodative. Separate regression analyses tested the impact of each index on older adults' well-being and restricted participation in meaningful activities. Results: In 2015, 59.9% of the respondents were identified as AT users. Among these users, 53.8% reported using two or more technologies when performing daily self-care and mobility activities. The implications of multiple AT use for health outcomes varied across the four indices. Approaches that captured elements of person-technology fit provided the most nuanced and actionable insights on the benefits of using AT to support well-being. Conclusions: ATs were commonly adopted by older adults in everyday activities. Overall, findings suggest that there are multiple approaches to conceptualize the independent, cumulative, or balanced effects of multiple AT use. Each measurement approach has unique implications for understanding the impacts of using ATs on older adults' health outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Multiple assistive technology (AT) use is observed and prevalent in later life, highlighting that there is great need for older adults to deploy different technologies to help with different daily activities. The concept of multiple AT use can be approached in various ways (e.g., where effects of each AT are independent, cumulative, or dependent on fit), with each conceptualization based on distinct assumptions and capable of serving different purposes in rehabilitation research. This study demonstrates that information on person-technology fit plays a critical role in helping rehabilitation engineers and clinical practitioners assess the effects of AT use on health and well-being outcomes among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines the extent to which a two-factor model of affect explains how caregiving appraisals experienced by caregivers influence their own well-being. We used data from three waves of Nation Study of Caregiving (NSOC) to conduct latent growth curve models with the time-varying predictors to investigate the effect of between-person (BP) and within-person (WP) caregiving appraisals on positive and negative affect. Furthermore, we simultaneously modeled WP differences in activity participation and affective experience with multilevel modeling. Then, we tested the moderating effect of activity participation in the association between WP caregiving appraisals and emotional valence. We found that BP and WP caregiving negative appraisal also contribute to caregiver positive affect similar to that of negative affect. Time-varying effects of negative appraisals and emotional valence are consistent with the two-factor model. Future longitudinal investigations could target WP and BP activity participation to alleviate caregiving cognitive appraisal among caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There was a need to investigate the appropriateness of the standard manual wheelchair for occupational performance in Thulamela Municipality Vhembe District, Limpopo. Methods: An observational cross-sectional descriptive design using simple random sampling was used to select n=60 wheelchair users who were issued with standard manual wheelchairs between 2014 and 2018. The Wheelchair Outcome Measure was used to investigate the participants' level of satisfaction in engagement in ADL and IADL and the suitability of the wheelchair in terms of the user's comfort and satisfaction with positioning and prevention of skin breakdown. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Results: The wheelchair users viewed activity participation in the home as important and were generally satisfied with their standard manual wheelchairs while performing occupational activities at home and outside the home. A total of (n=46; 78%) of the participants felt comfortable in their wheelchair. Conclusions: Wheelchair prescription should take into consideration the occupational choices of the user. Further qualitative studies to explore the factors that determined the participants' choices for their activity participation goals should be undertaken. Implications for practice * Training of new occupational therapy staff in each facility in the Thulamela district to equip them with the skills to prescribe wheelchairs is necessary. * The level of importance that wheelchair participants attached to level of importance of activity participation inside and outside the home was high therefore there is a need to consider the client's occupational choices when prescribing wheelchairs. * The wheelchair needs to facilitate participation in a wide range of occupational choices ranging from self-care activities and watching TV in the home to visiting friends and family and attending events outside the home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Childhood adversities may lead to decreased activity participation in later life, impacting memory health in ageing adults. Childhood adversities related to deprivation and threat, as conceptualized by the Dimensional Model of Adversity, can exhibit distinct impacts on cognitive and emotional outcomes in children and younger adults. This study examined the potential influence of childhood deprivation and threat on memory function in later life and the mediating role of activity participation in these relationships. Methods This study used data from the first wave of Panel Study of Active Ageing and Society (PAAS), a representative survey of Hong Kong residents aged 50 or above (N = 1,005). Key variables included late-life memory function measured by delayed recall test, deprivation- and threat-related childhood adversities, and the frequency of participation in informal and formal types of activities. Mediation tests were used for analysis. Results Childhood deprivation was associated with a lower late-life memory function, whereas threat was not. The negative effects of childhood deprivation and its subdomain, economic hardship, on memory function were mediated by activity participation. Total participation scores presented the strongest mediating effect (17.3–20.6%), with formal activities playing a more substantial mediating role than informal activities in mitigating the effect of childhood deprivation. Conclusions These findings expand the applicability of the Dimensional Model of Adversity to ageing populations, highlighting the influence of deprivation on life-long cognitive development. Furthermore, this study revealed an indirect mechanism by which childhood deprivation affects memory health in old age through diverse activity participation.

Background: Childhood adversities may lead to decreased activity participation in later life, impacting memory health in ageing adults. Childhood adversities related to deprivation and threat, as conceptualized by the Dimensional Model of Adversity, can exhibit distinct impacts on cognitive and emotional outcomes in children and younger adults. This study examined the potential influence of childhood deprivation and threat on memory function in later life and the mediating role of activity participation in these relationships. Methods: This study used data from the first wave of Panel Study of Active Ageing and Society (PAAS), a representative survey of Hong Kong residents aged 50 or above (N = 1,005). Key variables included late-life memory function measured by delayed recall test, deprivation- and threat-related childhood adversities, and the frequency of participation in informal and formal types of activities. Mediation tests were used for analysis. Results: Childhood deprivation was associated with a lower late-life memory function, whereas threat was not. The negative effects of childhood deprivation and its subdomain, economic hardship, on memory function were mediated by activity participation. Total participation scores presented the strongest mediating effect (17.3–20.6%), with formal activities playing a more substantial mediating role than informal activities in mitigating the effect of childhood deprivation. Conclusions: These findings expand the applicability of the Dimensional Model of Adversity to ageing populations, highlighting the influence of deprivation on life-long cognitive development. Furthermore, this study revealed an indirect mechanism by which childhood deprivation affects memory health in old age through diverse activity participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background With the rapid population aging, healthy aging has become a concern for society as a whole. In this study, loneliness and its relationships with activity-related individual factors were examined among older Chinese individuals from the perspective of mental health and daily leisure activities. Methods The data were from the fourth investigation of the Sample Survey of the Aged Population in Urban and Rural China, which had a total of 220,506 participants. Activity ability was assessed by the Barthel Activity of Daily Living Index, a self-designed activity type questionnaire was used to evaluate activity participation, and loneliness was measured with a single-item question. Results The prevalence of varying degrees of loneliness among Chinese older individuals was 36.6%. The prevalence of loneliness among the older individuals differed significantly by age gender, age, physical health status, annual household income, education level, marital status, living status, ethnic minority status, religious faith and territory of residence. There were differences in activity participation among older Chinese adults in terms of all the demographic factors mentioned above, while there were no significant differences in living status or religious faith, and significant differences in several other demographic factors in terms of activity ability. Self-care ability, as a form of activity ability, and activity participation significantly predicted loneliness among the older participants. Conclusion The topic of loneliness among Chinese older individuals is complex and requires greater attention. The buffering effect of activity-related factors on loneliness suggests that old people should improve their activity ability and participate more in daily activities.

We examined the relationship among living arrangements, activity participation and depression and the mediating effects of activity participation on the relationship between living arrangements and depression. This was a cross-sectional study based on nationally representative data. 9647 older adults aged 60 years and over were recruited from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Three-step regression and mediation analysis methods were used. Compared with older adults living with family members, those living in institutions attended fewer activities and experienced higher depression rates, and those living alone attended more activities and experienced higher depression rates. In the group living with family members, living with a spouse was an important way to increase activity participation and reduce depression. Mediation analysis suggested that activity participation mediated the impact of living arrangements on depression. Attending more activities could alleviate depression for older adults who are living alone, living in institutions and living without a spouse. Our findings suggest an emphasis on the role of spouses and activity participation during depression interventions among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citizens participate in various activities to fulfill their needs, advance their socio-economic status, and enhance their well-being through social and health-related engagements. However, activity participation is influenced by many factors in the built environment, such as the spatial and temporal dissemination of activities, which therefore necessitate travel to overcome physical distances. Moreover, individual attributes such as gender, daily schedules, and other socio-economic characteristics also influence mobility patterns. In this paper, we aim to investigate these factors in the specific context of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area using three different samples of residents from annual mobility surveys conducted between 2018 and 2020. To this end, we employ a sequence analysis method that examines the entire trajectory of an individual's daily activities and travel, considering the number, order, and duration of activities. In this way, we analyse in detail how various individual characteristics and the built environment influence the fragmentation of activities. Our study yields multiple results. First, we find that even in a transport-oriented city, the fragmentation of activities is shaped by gender, especially after age 30, when major changes occur in an individual's life course, in particular caring responsibilities and family status. Second, we observe that the educational level and year of the sample also play a central role in shaping mobility patterns. Finally, our paper makes a methodological contribution by defining sequence distances, after projecting the original space onto the factorial one defined by the Multiple Correspondence Analysis. This study shows that mobility policies should not focus solely on transport aspects, but also consider the built environment, dwelling location, gender, equity, and individual lifetime characteristics in an integrated manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This two-phased study aimed to collate, summarize and characterize – through the lens of an occupation-based, person-centred framework – ongoing research and practice featuring activity participation-supportive digital health technology (DHT) for direct use by older persons with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (PwMCI/ADRD). Phase 1: Using scoping review procedures, PubMed, MEDLINE and PsycInfo were searched to identify primary research studies. Phase 2: Semi-structured interviews were completed with MCI/ADRD expert stakeholders identified through publicly available biographies and snowball referral. Thematic analysis was used to identify, synthesize and cross-compare emergent themes from both data sources that were subsequently organized into core facets of the Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model. The scoping review resulted in 28 studies, which were primarily feasibility work with small sample sizes. Interviewed experts (N = 17) had 4+ years of MCI/ADRD experience, came from a variety of settings, and held myriad roles. Real world and research-based use of DHTs held some commonalities, particularly around support for social participation and instrumental activities of daily engagement. No DHT for sleep or work/volunteerism were noted in either phase. People with milder MCI/ADRD conditions were most often targeted users. Soft technology strategies facilitating implementation centred on product design (e.g., prompting software, customisability, multimedia/multisensory experiences), instructional methods and technology partner involvement. This study demonstrates that although DHT supportive of activity participation is being studied and integrated into the lives of PwMCI/ADRD, there are still key opportunities for growth to meet the needs of diverse MCI/ADRD end users. Mainstream digital health technologies (DHTs) are being utilized by persons with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (PwMCI/ADRD) in everyday life, in limited capacities, to support social participation, leisure, health management and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Innovative research-based technologies to be used directly by PwMCI/ADRD are under development, particularly to facilitate management of ADL, social participation and IADL in persons with mild-to-moderate forms of cognitive impairment. Soft technology strategies to support technology implementation with MCI/ADRD target users include close attention to design of the technology (e.g., customisability, sensory stimulators and prompting features), instructional strategies that promote learning and motivation and involvement of technology partners to facilitate engagement with the technology. Future studies will require more robust research designs with transparent reports of participant characteristics and facilitative instructional methods to expand DHT's potential to account for and better meet the needs of diverse MCI/ADRD communities in real-world contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer contributes to 25% of the cancer cases globally. The cancer screening program and advanced treatments lead to an increase in cancer diagnoses at a younger age and improved the survival rate. Yet, the survival might not be disability-free. GI cancer and its treatments may result in ongoing physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments, contributing to a higher risk of functional deficits. However, no studies have prospectively examined the functional abilities of people before and after their GI cancer diagnosis, despite the functional risk. GI cancer is 20 times more commonly diagnosed among people with cardiovascular disease after GI bleeding. Thus, we studied patients with cardiovascular disease and GI bleeding who are at risk of developing GI cancer and examined their change in functional ability before and after their newly diagnosed GI cancer. Materials and Methods: We identified INTERBLEED (The International Study of the Risk Factors for GI Bleeding and Cardiovascular Events after GI Bleeding) participants who were newly diagnosed with GI cancer after study enrolment and completed the Standard Assessment of Global Everyday Activities (SAGEA) pre and post-GI cancer diagnoses. SAGEA assesses the activity participation and difficulty performing tasks in 4 domains: cognitive, instrumental, basic activities of daily living (ADLs), and mobility. Wilcoxon Sign Rank test was used to analyze the difference in SAGEA scores and activity participation. Results: Twenty-six participants had a mean age of 79, 65% were men, and 84% reported baseline functional deficits. Their SAGEA scores were not different from pre and post-GI cancer (p=0.47). Participants reduced participation from 10 to 9 tasks (p=0.0028), and 69% performed fewer tasks after GI cancer, mostly iADLs. Over 42% reported more difficulty in mobility after GI cancer diagnosis. Conclusions: Individuals may experience participation loss after GI cancer, highlighting the need for functional assessment after cancer diagnoses.

Demand-responsive technologies are rapidly changing the transportation landscape. The City of Belleville, Ontario has recently replaced its evening and nighttime fixed route bus service with an on-demand transit (ODT) service. Preliminary reports have found a 300% increase in nighttime bus ridership since the implementation of this service, yet to fully understand the social return on the investment in on-demand services, we must also quantify whether and for whom these new services have enabled time savings and increased levels of activity participation. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether riders are satisfied with the service, and whether satisfaction levels have an impact on activity participation. As such, this study explores the determinants of activity participation of ODT users using a custom ridership survey instrument. We collect information on travel experience, satisfaction, and perceived changes in activity participation due to ODT. We then performed a factor analysis and estimated structural equation models to identify the relationships between aspects of the ODT service and activity participation. Our results show that reliability and service quality are the most important aspects of the ODT services in terms of positively influencing activity participation, and that shorter wait times, are most likely to lead to an increase in activity participation. Our findings further suggest that Belleville can eliminate barriers to nighttime activity participation by providing reliable and affordable ODT service, and that ODT can be an effective solution to provide transit services for transport-poor in low demand areas or during low demand periods of the day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The world population is rapidly aging, and depression mainly affects middle-aged and older adults with chronic diseases and cognitive impairments. The sample for this study was obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) public database. The sample size for inclusion was 12,767. There were 6,773 females and 5,994 males, with an overall low level of education. This study aims to provide a theoretical and practical reference basis for the clinical non-pharmacological treatment of depression in middle-aged and older adults (age ≥ 50 years) with chronic diseases. Additionally, the study seeks to promote the development of mental health interventions for middle-aged and older adults (age ≥ 50 years) with chronic diseases, ultimately enhancing the sense of well-being and quality of life for this demographic., Methods: Cognitive functioning and depressive symptoms of the study participants were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination Scale (MMSE) and the short version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10)., Results and Discussion: Binary logistic regression results showed that among middle-aged and older adults (age ≥ 50 years) with chronic diseases, participation in physical activity [OR = 1.397; 95% CI (1.181-1.651); p  < 0.05] was more effective than participation in social activities [OR = 0.997; 95% CI (0.924-1.076); p  < 0.05] for preventing depression. Those with cognitive impairment [OR = 1.206; 95% CI (1.089-1.335); p  < 0.05] were more likely to experience depression than those without cognitive impairment. Activity participation (physical activity and social activity) had a more significant effect on mild and moderate depression compared to no depression, and cognitive level had a more pronounced effect on moderate depression [OR = 1.491; 95% CI (1.278-1.740); p  < 0.05] and major depression [OR = 2.231; 95% CI (1.282-3.884); p  < 0.05]. Within the specific cohort of middle-aged and older adults (age ≥ 50 years) with chronic diseases, both activity participation and cognitive level exert a significant influence on the prevention and intervention of depression. Engagement in physical activity, participation in social activities, and enhanced cognitive functioning emerged as protective factors against depression. Therefore, the policy-maker should strengthen the prevention and treatment of depression in a comprehensive manner through the promotion of physical and social activities and the enhancement of cognitive level, so as to safeguard the mental health of middle-aged and older adults with chronic diseases., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Jin and Jing.)

Purpose: Fatigue is an overlooked symptom for musculoskeletal diseases, including rare conditions like systemic sclerosis (SSc). The purpose of this study were the following: (1) to adapt the content and delivery method of an existing fatigue intervention, and (2) to determine the feasibility of Fatigue and Activity Management Education in Systemic Sclerosis (FAME‐iSS). Methods: In Phase 1 adaptations were recorded using the Framework for Modification and Adaptations. In Phase 2, participants completed the 6‐week FAME‐iSS intervention and baseline, post‐intervention, and 3‐month follow‐up assessments measuring fatigue levels, fatigue impact, mental health, self‐efficacy, and use of energy conservation strategies. Qualitative data included a post‐intervention focus group and 3‐month follow‐up interviews. Results: Three main changes were made to the original intervention: (1) the content was adapted from management of Lupus‐related fatigue to management of SSc‐related fatigue, (2) context for delivery from Ireland to United States, and (3) in‐person to online format. Participants (n = 4) were 51.8 ± 12.1 years old, had been diagnosed with SSc for 12.0 ± 8.0 years, were receiving disability support, and had college degrees. All participants had 100% attendance and completed all study activities. Participants had positive comments about the programme format, content, and implementation. Post‐intervention, improvements were observed in most measures. Moderate effect sizes were noted in fatigue and self‐efficacy scores. Conclusion: Participants' positive responses supported the need for FAME‐iSS for people with SSc. Even with the small sample, FAME‐iSS led to improvements in fatigue and use of energy conservation strategies. The online format allowed for participation and sharing of ideas, especially during the global pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generation of daily activity patterns (DAPs) has gained considerable attention due to its capacity to capture the interdependencies among activities and underlying behavioural dynamics. Existing clustering methods often face limitations related to the aggregation of heterogeneous DAPs, leading to reduction in prediction accuracy. This study presents a novel hybrid approach that integrates "direct activity sequence" recognition with a sequence matching algorithm grounded in Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques. Unlike traditional methods, our approach preserves the distinct identity of each activity sequence, assigning DAPs based on the frequency of distinct sequences within each representative DAP group. This process is further enhanced by a hierarchical activity categorization structure, enabling deeper exploration of in-home activities, household interaction effects, and spatial changes between activity types. Additionally, the introduction of weighted activity categories and a match score calculation system opens new possibilities for future sequence alignment methodologies. Using data from 1808 households (approximately 6500 individuals) in Bidhannagar, India, we demonstrate that our approach outperforms traditional methods in terms of prediction accuracy. This study also explores the impact of evolving patterns of online activities, socio-economic heterogeneity, built-up area and neighbourhood characteristics, distinction between weekday and weekend on DAP prediction in the context of emerging countries. • A noble flexible approach for activity sequence generation. • Addressed aggregation bias & computational challenges. • Application of NLP in daily activity sequence matching considering semantic matching. • Context specific hierarchical activity categorization structure. • Analysis of weekday and weekend daily activity-travel pattern separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved accessibility by transit service constitutes a critical component in removing spatial barriers in daily mobility for disadvantaged groups. However, the effects of transit accessibility on the daily mobility and activity participation of different social strata remain inconclusive. This study investigates the role of transit accessibility on the activity space of three income groups in Hong Kong. The results show that the availability of transit stations and network accessibility by mass transit rail (MTR) are significantly linked to the spatial extensiveness of activity space of the higher- and medium-income commuters, while bus plays a more important role for the daily mobility of the low-income group. Concerning non-work activity participation, the low-income non-commuters appear less affected by the availability of MTR stations than the other two groups, suggesting a potentially lower ability of using MTR to carry out different daily activities. Our findings offer some in-depth insights into the possible social inequality of using transit service, thereby contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between transit accessibility and mobility in relation to economic status. Policy recommendations to alleviate transport disadvantage and improve social equity are proposed.

This paper presents an analysis of people's time use patterns, incorporating the mediating role of ICT and personal networks on their daily activity-travel patterns, explicitly addressing the issue of activity fragmentation for social-based episodes. Implementing a seven-day time use survey, which includes temporal, spatial, and social characteristics for each activity, and using a theoretical framework based on current theory, a structural equation model was estimated to study these relationships. The results suggest a positive effect of ICT episodes on social activity interaction, activity fragmentation, and out-of-home social allocated time. We also found that ICTs encourage social trip generation only indirectly. Finally, those who had a social network physically close showed higher levels of fragmentation in their social episodes and less out-of-home social activity time. These results add evidence to this research stream, enhancing, and further clarifying ICT's role in people's daily activity behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Little is known about predictors of activity participation that are objectively measured in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) graduates. This prospective observational study aimed to determine the predictors of objectively measured activity participation among adults with chronic cardiac conditions who have completed Phase II CR. METHODS: Twenty-five adults with chronic cardiac conditions graduating from traditional CR program participated in the study. The outcome variable was an activity participation level measured by light-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (LVPA) minutes using ActiGraph GT9X Link accelerometer after CR discharge. Covariates were collected at the discharge from CR, and outcome variables were collected at 1 month, 3 months, and 9 months post CR discharge. RESULTS: Gender, standardized LVPA at CR discharge, body mass index, and motivation for physical activity and leisure were significantly associated with the activity participation levels at 1 month, 3 months, and/or 9 months post CR discharge. Gender, standardized LVPA at CR discharge, highest education completed, and depressive symptoms significantly predicted the activity participation levels at 1 month (R2 = 0.69, p < 0.001), 3 months (R2 = 0.65, p < 0.001), and/or 9 months (R2 = 0.80, p < 0.001) post CR discharge. Female CR participants who were more active, had more than high school education, and showed more depressive symptoms at CR discharge were more likely to be active post CR. CONCLUSIONS: CR participants may benefit from individualized approach to plan their days post CR and application-focused and education-level sensitive sessions to understand the importance of activity participation maintenance post CR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yee-Pay Wuang,1 Chien-Ling Huang,2 Hsien-Yu Tsai1 1Department of Occupational Therapy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; 2Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, TaiwanCorrespondence: Yee-Pay WuangDepartment of Occupational Therapy, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung, TaiwanTel +11-886-7-3121101 ext2658Fax +11-886-7-3215845Email yeepwu@kmu.edu.twPurpose: This study aimed to investigate the sensory integration and perceptual-motor performances in elementary school children (5– 12 years) with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in Taiwan. The impacts of comprehensive body functions on activity participations in ASD were also investigated to provide evidence for clinical applications and further study.Methods: One hundred and seventeen children with ASD (42 females; aged 5– 13 years, average age 8 years 3 months) were recruited. All participants were assessed with standardized measures of body functions and activity participations. The body function measures included Bruininks–Oseretsky of Motor Proficiency – Second Edition, Sensory Profile, Test of Sensory Integration Functions, and Test of Visual Perception Skills – Third Edition. The activity participation measures included the Chinese versions of both Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale and School Function Assessment.Results: School-aged children with ASD had different levels of impairments on body function measures. Most participant scores fell within the impairment range on 13 to 15 items out of the total 19 sensory and perceptual-motor measure subtests, with worst performance on coordination-related motor task and most sensory integrative dimensions. The results indicated a significant main effect for age and sex on some body functions and activity participations. Correlation analyses indicated strong associations between body function and activity participation across settings in ASD.Conclusion: Our findings characterized the developmental continuum of body functions of school-aged children with ASD and showed their associations with adaptation and participation. While emphasizing the development of functional skills to facilitate age-appropriate activity participation in multiple scenarios, interventions aiming to improve body functions are indispensable.Keywords: ASD, motor function, sensory processing, sensory integration, visual perception, activity participation

Introduction: Lack of evidence on the effect of interventions is one of the several ongoing challenges facing healthcare services in South Africa. The increasing emphasis on routine outcome measurement has urged occupational therapists to demonstrate the impact of their intervention in mental health. This study aimed to evaluate the change in activity participation of the mental health care users attending an occupational therapy programme. Methods: A one-group pre/post-test design was used. The Activity Participation Outcome Measure (APOM) was administered to measure activity participation of 64 mental health care users. Five measurements were done between admission and follow-up after discharge. Results: Majority of the participants were between the ages of20 - 29 and mainly diagnosed with substance use disorders. The effect sizes, Cohen's d (> 0.80) and Cohen's r (>0.37) demonstrated a significant positive change (p=0.00) across all APOM domains during hospitalisation. An insignificant change (p> 0.05) was noted in the effect sizes during the follow-up stages with a substantial decline in some of the APOM domains indicating that patients were not well-integrated into their communities. Conclusion: This study revealed the importance of measuring change in participation for shaping clinical practice, to ensure meaningful intervention, and successful integration of MHCUs in their communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate feasibility of recruitment, tablet use in intervention delivery, and use of self-report outcome measures and to analyze the effect of Energy Conservation plus Problem-Solving Therapy versus Health Education interventions for individuals with heart failure-associated fatigue. Methods This feasibility study was a block-randomized controlled trial involving 23 adults, blinded to their group assignment, in a rural southern area in the United States. Individuals with heart failure and fatigue received the interventions for 6 weeks through videoconferencing or telephone. Participants were taught to solve their fatigue-related problems using energy conservation strategies and the process of Problem-Solving Therapy or educated about health-related topics. Results The recruitment rate was 23%. All participants completed the study participation according to their group assignment, except for one participant in the Energy Conservation plus Problem-Solving Therapy group. Participants primarily used the tablet (n=21) rather than the phone (n=2). Self-report errors were noted on Activity Card Sort (n=23). Reported fatigue was significantly lower for both the Energy Conservation plus Problem-Solving Therapy (p=0.03, r=0.49) and Health Education (p=0.004, r=0.64) groups. The Health Education group reported significantly lower fatigue impact (p=0.019, r=0.48). Participation was significantly different in low-physical demand leisure activities (p=0.008; r=0.55) favoring the Energy Conservation plus Problem-Solving Therapy group. Conclusion The recruitment and delivery of the interventions were feasible. Activity Card Sort may not be appropriate for this study population due to recall bias. The interventions warrant future research to reduce fatigue and decrease participation in sedentary activities (Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT03820674).

The present study will be the first to examine the participation intention of physical activities if new normal conditions are implemented in Indonesia. Socio-economic and household factors, spatial characteristics, perception of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and the virtual activities behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic were explored to understand the magnitude of respondents' intention to undertake out-of-home activities during new normal conditions. Based on a questionnaire survey, the study, with 834 respondents, was conducted in the middle to the end of May 2020. By applying the ordered logit model, the model results revealed that younger people tend to participate more in maintenance activities of shopping and outside eating and leisure activities of recreation and social. Meanwhile, the factor of gender, income, and education level had no significant impact on participation intention of mandatory, maintenance, and leisure activities. Excluding non-grocery shopping, there was also no significant difference in activity participation intention between people living in the Greater Jakarta as epicentrum of COVID-19 in Indonesia and people living outside the Greater Jakarta. Furthermore, people living in a household with a high number of motorcycle and car ownership had a greater propensity to pursue outside eating activity. The activity behaviour change from physical to virtual activity participation during new normal conditions could not be replaced by the experience of virtual activities, including e-working, e-learning, non-grocery e-shopping, food delivery, and movie streaming during the pandemic. Finally, some policies are proposed to control activity participation during the new normal period to minimise the virus spread in Indonesia.

Background: Persons with and without aphasia experience decreased participation in meaningful activities post-stroke that result in reduced autonomy and poorer quality of life. Physical, cognitive, and/or communication deficits are prevalent post-stroke and many activities given up are purported to require high levels of communicative, cognitive, or physical skill. However, the relationship between deficits after stroke and participation in life activities that appear to require high skill levels in these three areas has not been investigated fully.Objectives: The objectives of this study are to: (1) determine differences in reported participation in communicatively-, cognitively-, or physically-demanding activities in persons after stroke with and without aphasia living in the community, and to (2) investigate whether performance on commonly used self-perception assessments of these three areas predicts reported participation in activities requiring higher levels of skill in these domains.Methods: In a cross-sectional design, 82 individuals at least 6 months post-stroke with (N = 34) and without aphasia (N = 48) were administered a battery of neuropsychological and participation-based assessments. Supported communication techniques maximized inclusion of individuals with aphasia. A series of regression analyses investigated the relationship between self-perceived communicative, cognitive, and physical functioning and reported participation in activities post-stroke that required high amounts of skilled function in these areas.Results: People with and without aphasia did not differ in terms of the percentage retained in communicatively-, cognitively-, or physically-demanding activities. All individuals retained higher levels of participation in communicatively- and cognitively-demanding activities (at least 60% retained), compared to participation inphysically-demanding activities (about 50% retained). The strongest predictor for retaining participation in two of the three domains of activities was self-perception of physical function, though much of the variance remained unexplained. Self-perception of communication was not related to participation retention in any of the three domains.Significance of Impact: Rehabilitation professionals should be aware of the impact that a variety of communicative, cognitive, and physical factors may have on participation post-stroke. Self-perceptions of impairments in communication and cognition may not directly predict participation in activities requiring high levels of communicative and/or cognitive skill, at least for those with mild impairment, even though activities requiring those skills are given up or done less after stroke.

Background: A school-based physical activity intervention designed to encourage adolescent girls to be more active was more effective for some participants than for others. We examined whether baseline enjoyment of exercise moderated response to the intervention. Methods: Adolescent girls with a low level of baseline activity who participated in a controlled trial of an intervention to promote increased physical activity participation (n = 122) self-reported their enjoyment of exercise and physical activity participation at baseline, mid-way through the intervention, and at the end of the 9-month intervention period. At all three time points, participants also underwent assessments of cardiovascular fitness (VO(2)peak) and body composition (percent body fat). Repeated measures analysis of variance examined the relationship of baseline enjoyment to change in physical activity, cardiovascular fitness, body composition and enjoyment of exercise. Results: A significant three-way interaction between time, baseline enjoyment, and group assignment (p < .01) showed that baseline enjoyment moderated the effect of the intervention on vigorous activity. Within the intervention group, girls with low enjoyment of exercise at baseline increased vigorous activity from pre-to post-intervention, and girls with high baseline enjoyment of exercise showed no pre-post change in vigorous activity. No differences emerged in the comparison group between low-and high-enjoyment girls. Conclusion: Adolescent girls responded differently to a physical activity promotion intervention depending on their baseline levels of exercise enjoyment. Girls with low enjoyment of exercise may benefit most from a physical-education based intervention to increase physical activity that targets identified barriers to physical activity among low-active adolescent girls.

Participation in daily activities is crucial for healthy aging. There is limited research on participation of older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), defined as the experience of cognitive deficits with no evidence of objective cognitive deficits. Therefore, this study examined perceived changes in participation in this population, and compared it to perceived changes reported by individuals with objective cognitive deficits. The study aimed to: (1) examine the reported changes in activity participation of older with SCD; (2) investigate differences in the reported changes in participation between individuals with SCD and those with mild or severe objective cognitive deficits; (3) examine the relationship between activity participation, subjective memory, and objective cognitive status; and (4) explore whether subjective memory explains additional variance in activity participation after accounting for age and objective cognitive deficits. Participants were 115 older adults (60+), divided into three groups based on their Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores: (1) SCD (MoCA≥26; n = 66); (2) mild objective cognitive deficits (MoCA = 20–25; n = 34); and (3) severe objective cognitive deficits (MoCA ≤ 19; n = 15). The Activity Card Sort was used to measure participation in instrumental activities of daily living, social, and leisure activities. The Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire—Ability subscale was used to assess subjective memory. We found that individuals with SCD, mild cognitive deficits and severe cognitive deficits reported participation withdrawal to a level of 80, 70, and 58% of their past participation, respectively. A significant between group difference was found on participation [χ2(2) = 16.44, p < 0.01], with the SCD group reporting higher participation than the other two groups. Participation significantly correlated with both cognitive status (r = 0.40, p < 0.01) and subjective memory (r = 0.45, p < 0.05). A regression analysis revealed that subjective memory contributed significantly to the explained variance in participation, beyond that accounted for by objective cognitive deficits and age. Our findings demonstrate the important role of subjective memory problems in activity participation of older adults, even in the absence of objective cognitive deficits.

In the context of an increasing interest in understanding travel for non-mandatory activities, such as recreation and socializing, this work focuses on studying the relationships between activity participation, social networks, and expenditures in daily travel patterns associated with leisure activities in order to understand people's strategies for performing activities in daily life. Using a 7-day time use diary from a resident sample of Concepción, Chile, along with information about people's socio-demography, social network and expenditure behavior, structural equations models were estimated to study the role of social networks on people's space–time and monetary patterns. The results suggest a positive relationship between people's interaction with their social networks, their expenditure levels, and their space–time activity patterns. The analysis adds empirical evidence towards a better understanding of people's decision-making processes by using a time use and a social networks approach. The model results reveal that out-of-home leisure time has a strong impact on the interactions with alters and monetary expenditures. In this context, "with whom" and how much time someone spends doing a specific activity act as key intermediary dimensions to explain leisure activity participation and travel behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review synthesizes current evidence to determine how subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) relates to physical, cognitive, and social activity participation in older adults. Nine peer-reviewed articles were reviewed and appraised for evidence quality. Most were cross-sectional and had high methodological quality. Higher levels of SCI were almost universally associated with lower levels of physical and social activity participation. These findings suggest that older adults who report higher SCI engage in fewer activities. Examining these relationships longitudinally is an important next step to determine whether SCI precedes withdrawing from activities in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Private vehicle travel entails costs to society. However, in a world designed around the automobile, adults who lack access to a vehicle for economic reasons may experience a significant handicap due to constrained mobility and accessibility. This paper examines whether private vehicle access is associated with the quantity and quality of out-of-home activities in which low-income individuals participate. We use pooled data from multiple time use surveys drawn from the Netherlands, Canada, Spain, and the United Kingdom, and employ Cragg two-part hurdle modeling to determine whether there is an association between household vehicle access and participation in twelve out-of-home activity types. As a robustness check, we also estimate multiple discrete continuous extreme value (MDCEV) models. Further, we examine travel time by mode for those with and without vehicles. Finally, we use American Time Use Survey data and fixed-effects panel models to determine the subjective well-being that is associated with our out-of-home activity types. A lack of private vehicle access is associated with significantly less frequent out-of-home activity participation, both in the aggregate and for seven of the twelve individual activities. Moreover, the activities most likely to be foregone are generally associated with high subjective well-being, suggesting that constrained mobility comes with significant emotional costs. We find a greater "activity penalty" for rural residents and for Canadian residents without vehicle access; urbanites without vehicles in the U.K. are the only geographic group which do not exhibit an activity penalty. Finally, respondents with vehicle access spend more total time traveling, although those without private vehicles partially offset spending less time in them with higher use of alternative modes. Overall, the findings suggest that the lack of a private vehicle is deleterious for quality of life, raising troubling questions about inequity possibly arising when people are denied access to vehicles for economic reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between (a) activity-limiting fall worry (ALW) and (b) self-reported health-related restrictions and social engagement among older adults. Method : The National Health and Aging Trends Study Waves 5 (T1) and 6 (T2) provided data (n = 6,279). Binary and multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine association of T2 social engagement restrictions with T2 fall worry and association of T1–T2 changes in social engagement restrictions with T1–T2 changes in fall worry. Results : ALW was significantly associated with both informal and formal social engagement restriction at T2. Onset of ALW and continued ALW between T1 and T2 were also significantly associated with newly reported restrictions in both informal and formal social engagement at T2 even controlling for falls incidents and changes in health status and other covariates. Discussion : The findings underscore the importance of reducing fall worry and preventing social disengagement in late life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participation in daily activities is crucial for healthy aging. There is limited research on participation of older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), defined as the experience of cognitive deficits with no evidence of objective cognitive deficits. Therefore, this study examined perceived changes in participation in this population, and compared it to perceived changes reported by individuals with objective cognitive deficits. The study aimed to: (1) examine the reported changes in activity participation of older with SCD; (2) investigate differences in the reported changes in participation between individuals with SCD and those with mild or severe objective cognitive deficits; (3) examine the relationship between activity participation, subjective memory, and objective cognitive status; and (4) explore whether subjective memory explains additional variance in activity participation after accounting for age and objective cognitive deficits. Participants were 115 older adults (60+), divided into three groups based on their Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores: (1) SCD (MoCA≥26; n = 66); (2) mild objective cognitive deficits (MoCA = 20–25; n = 34); and (3) severe objective cognitive deficits (MoCA ≤ 19; n = 15). The Activity Card Sort was used to measure participation in instrumental activities of daily living, social, and leisure activities. The Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire—Ability subscale was used to assess subjective memory. We found that individuals with SCD, mild cognitive deficits and severe cognitive deficits reported participation withdrawal to a level of 80, 70, and 58% of their past participation, respectively. A significant between group difference was found on participation [χ2(2) = 16.44, p < 0.01], with the SCD group reporting higher participation than the other two groups. Participation significantly correlated with both cognitive status (r = 0.40, p < 0.01) and subjective memory (r = 0.45, p < 0.05). A regression analysis revealed that subjective memory contributed significantly to the explained variance in participation, beyond that accounted for by objective cognitive deficits and age. Our findings demonstrate the important role of subjective memory problems in activity participation of older adults, even in the absence of objective cognitive deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Assistance to Participate Scale is a questionnaire to evaluate activity participation of children with developmental disabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Assistance to Participate Scale. Methods: Ninety‐eight mothers' children with developmental disabilities were included in this study. The Assistance to Participate Scale, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory were applied to all subjects. To evaluate reliability, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, minimal detectable change (MDC) with standard error of measurement (SEM), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for test–retest were used. The relationship between Assistance to Participate Scale, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory was investigated, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were used for construct validity. Results: Cronbach's alpha value of the scale was found.93, demonstrating that this value has excellent internal consistency. Test–retest reliability was found 0.99 (ICC 95% CI [0.995, 0.998]; SEM:0.57, MDC:1.58). For construct validity, the correlations between Assistance to Participate Scale, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory total scores and items were significant (p <.001). Factor analysis showed that the questionnaire had unidimensional and the explained variance was 0.84%. Conclusions: The Turkish version of the Assistance to Participate Scale is valid and reliable scale for children with developmental disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The study was conducted to document the impact of the cleft of lip and palate among adults using International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Participants: A total of 32 adults with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and a matched control group of 32 adults without CLP (non-CLP [NCLP]) were included in the study. Methods: To identify a set of items from ICF framework that is relevant to adults with CLP (ICF-CLP item set) from the components of activity participation and environmental factors. Two expert teams were involved in the selection of the final set of items from both the components. Then, the item set (ICF-CLP item set) was developed in Tamil. ICF-CLP item set in Tamil was piloted on 32 adults with repaired CLP and a matched control group of adults without CLP (NCLP) group by self-administering method. Results: There was a significant difference (P = 0.000) between CLP and NCLP group, in both the components –activity participation and environmental factors. In the item-wise comparison, individuals with CLP had a greater limitation in activity, restriction in participation in the domains of communication, maintaining interpersonal interactions and relationships, employment, and major life areas. In environmental factors, the domains of support, relationship, health services, education training systems and policies, attitudes of authorities, and strangers were projected as barriers by individuals with CLP. Conclusion: This study helps us in understanding the overall impact of the cleft of lip and palate among adults in the components of activity participation and environmental factors using the ICF framework. On the other hand, the ICF-CLP item set developed is clinically relevant in identifying conditions which limit activities/participation and serve as barriers/facilitators in their environments both in CLP population as well as in normal individuals.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between quality of life, activity-participation and environmental factors in adolescents with cerebral palsy. METHODS: Seventy-five (75) adolescents (M:45, F:30) aged between 14–18 years (mean: 15.52±1.60 yrs) were included in the study. Participants were divided into three groups: Level I, Level II and Level III according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System. Gross Motor Function Classification System, Gross Motor Function Measure, Functional Independence Scale, Manual Ability Classification System, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Child-Youth version Short Form (ICF-CY) (14–18 yrs) were used for assessments. RESULTS: It is found that there is a moderate and high level of correlation between quality of life and activity participation and body functions, a moderate and high level of correlation between quality of life and activity participation and body functions with gross motor function levels, and a moderate and low level correlation between environmental factors and gross motor function levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The fact that the ICF-CY short form used for cerebral palsied children is compatible with other assessment scales suggests that the use of ICF-CY short forms may be useful in assessing the health status of individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-income commuters have distinct activity-travel characteristics from non-low-income commuters. This study examines low-income commuters' activity-travel pattern for a better understanding the mechanism of activity participation and travel behaviour based on the travel survey data collected in Nanjing, China. Structural equations modelling (SEM) methodology was adopted to estimate the complex relationships among socio-demographics, accessibility, activity participation, trip generation and mode choice. Results show that strong relationships do exist among socio-demographics, activity engagement and travel behavior. Specifically, we can understand travel behaviour better by including activity participation endogenously in the model. Furthermore, it allows us to better forecast how increasing any one type of activity will affect demand for other activities, as well as trip generation and mode choice. Lastly, the results reveal the effects of accessibility variables on activity participation and travel behaviour in which population density measure has more ubiquitous effects. Findings in this study might provide insightful policy implications for improving the travel environment of the low-income commuters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Interrelationships between ICT, social disadvantage, and activity participation. • Evidence of positive relationship between 'access to ICT' and 'social advantage'. • Marginal effects of 'access to ICT' were most prominent on leisure activities. Studies on the social role of transport disadvantage have influenced the policy discourse, especially in the developed world. However, the potential of information and communication technologies (ICT) to improve access to opportunities has been rarely explored. In a scenario where disparities exist in both physical proximity and access to ICT, this study aims to analyse the interrelationships between three key areas viz. ICT, social disadvantage, and activity participation behaviour. A time use survey representative of Mumbai's housing disparity was conducted for 1205 individuals. The data showcased the differences in household socio-economic characteristics, individual personal characteristics, ICT use patterns, activity participation, and time allocation patterns. Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate exclusionary factors and their interconnectedness. It was found out that 'social advantage' had a significant positive relationship with 'access to ICT' and 'farness to services'. The effects of exclusionary factors, along with activity and individual specific variables were tested on activity participation and time allocation behaviour using type II Tobit models. Finally, marginal effects of 'access to ICT' and 'farness to services' on activity participation and time allocation behaviour were estimated. The findings suggested that an increase in access to ICT increased in-home leisure participation and travel time allocation. However, no significant positive relationship was established between access to ICT and in-home mandatory activities. Policy implications of the findings were discussed highlighting the importance of an integrated framework to improve both physical access and the access to ICT to tackle the issue of social exclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessibility, as a requisite to guarantee the individual ability to participate in valued activities, has been receiving increasing yet scattered attention from diverse theoretical and operational approaches. These approaches focus on how individuals are able to engage in out-of-home activities, participate in social life as well as on their involvement in other activities that contribute to their overall well-being. The paper aims at further investigating such approaches, analysing forms of inequality in job-related mobilities while assuming that a person's accessibility depends on both contextual and individual factors. Taking the Buenos Aires metropolitan area as a suitable testbed, the paper offers an approach to identify the inequalities in job-related accessibility at the neighbourhood scale. The approach considers the relationship between the quality and supply of public transport, level of social exclusion and reachable employment opportunities. The research proposes a synthetic index of inequalities in access to job opportunities (IAO) to identify disadvantaged urban areas characterized by a confluence of problems related to socio-economic deprivations, low accessibility to employment as well as a low mobility and poor quality of transport supply. The approach has an explicit operational dimension and intends to contribute to outlining tailored measures to guarantee better job opportunities, as in the case of people living in areas experiencing sub-standard levels of accessibility to workplaces. • An approach to assess areas with sub-standard accessibility to job opportunities is proposed. • Accessibility provided by transport systems is studied in the light of activity participation. • Emerging forms of inequality in job-related mobilities in Buenos Aires are highlighted. • The equity effects of current trends transport supply and urban policies are assessed. • Policy orientations for disadvantaged areas with emerging mobility needs are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social interaction difficulties in children with autism spectrum disorder can be challenging, especially during adolescence. In addition, high rates of comorbid internalizing disorders in autism spectrum disorder can lead to social isolation. With limited social activity participation, social deficits and internalizing problems in autism spectrum disorder may be related to participation, exposure, and practice with friends. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relations among friendship, activity participation, and internalizing problems. Participants included 129 children with autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 6 and 18 years. Measures of friendship, sport, hobby, and club participation, and internalizing problems were assessed. Results showed that activity participation was related to more friendships, even after controlling for intelligence quotient. This study sheds light on the impact of social engagement with peers in developing and maintaining friendships as well as managing internalizing problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Cancer survivors experience persistent symptoms such as pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression post-treatment, resulting in social isolation and decreased activity participation. A 6-week, occupation-focused, self-management programme, OptiMal, was delivered to cancer survivors. A mixed methods approach was employed to explore the impact of the programme. For the purpose of addressing the focus of this paper, only qualitative data were extrapolated. Methods A qualitative description design was undertaken with survivors to explore their perceptions of the impact of OptiMal on cancer survivorship and opinions of the programme. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups and semi-structured interviews post-intervention and at 3 months follow-up. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Four OptiMal programmes were delivered with 26 individuals of mixed cancer diagnoses over an 18-month period. Following thematic analysis, two themes emerged: 1. Supporting the transition to survivorship; 2. Programme design and delivery. The content and design of OptiMal was reported to meet cancer survivors' needs. However, many survivors stated that they would have benefited from it earlier post-treatment. Conclusion An occupation-based group programme, OptiMal, appears to assist cancer survivors to transition from treatment to survivorship. However, many survivors stated that they would have benefited from the programme earlier post-treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With an aim to examine the paths of recovery of persons with aphasia (PWA), focusing specifically on their return to work and life activities through a barrier-facilitator analysis of personal aspects, psycho-social aspects and other factors for eight PWA. Using interviews, barriers and facilitators experienced along the way, paths common to all patients as well as the unique successes and challenges faced by each were explored from eight PWAs and their caregivers. The typical patterns of functional recovery as well as the fuller range of possibilities that are experienced by patients post stroke were documented and thereby rehabilitation options were explored. A barrier--facilitator analysis considering each of the environmental and personal factors revealed that each of the factors behaved as a two-way-gateway to the path of recovery. These factors were found to either act as a facilitator or a barrier which is determined depending upon the individualistic dynamics. This study re-iterates the importance of tailor-made approach to therapy for PWA through a meticulous evaluation of factors hindering and aiding recovery which may complicate and/or compliment the process of recover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: To investigate the effect of cognitive stimulation task for community living elderly people with MCI on cognitive function and activity participation. Method/Statistical Analysis: Subjects were 15 community-dwelling elderly persons. The cognitive behavior therapy included the warming up, cognitive stimulation program, cognitive activity program, and cooling down. MMSE-DS to evaluate the cognitive state, and K-ACS to evaluate the activity participation level were conducted with all subjects before and after the intervention in the same method. All statistical analysis method were performed using SPSS version 21. Findings: Among all participants, men were 4(26.67%) and women were 11(73.33%). significant difference of cognitive state was found between the pre and the post-test. A number of studies have shown that cognitive stimulation program can help maintain opposite to cognitive decline. K-ACS was significant differences between leisure (p=0.034) and social activities(p=0.028). The mean instrumental activities score increased, but this was not significant. This is similar to the result of a study that meaningful activities through the intervention are an important factor on the life of elders. Improvements/Applications: This research provide useful information for designing efficient interventions and identifying their good influence for progress of community involvement. Future research should examine the effects of community activities on the social impact of the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]