Exploring Research Priorities for Occupational Therapy in India: A Descriptive Analysis of the AIOTA Conference Abstracts during 2017 2021.

Background: The majority of the Occupational Therapy (OT) research in India is disseminated through the All India Occupational Therapists Association's Annual National Conference (ANC). Analyzing the abstracts, selected for the presentation at the ANC could help identify the research priorities for OT in India. Objectives: The objective of the study is to assess the trends in Occupational therapy research in India. Study Design: Descriptive analysis and non-systematic review. Methods: Descriptive, Non-systematic Review and analysis of the conference abstracts of the AIOTA ANC published in Indian Journal of OT (IJOT) between 2017 and 2021. Results: 218 abstracts were identified from the ANC abstract publications between 2017 and 2021. State level trends indicated that close to 85% of the research submission were from Maharashtra (49%), New Delhi (15%), Karnataka (10%), and Tamil Nadu (9%). We did not find any submission from the North-eastern states until 2020. About 40% of these research abstracts were related to Paediatrics, followed by neurology (17%), Musculoskeletal (15%), mental health (10%), ergonomics and assistive technology (8%). There was only 1-2% of research abstracts submission related to COVID-19 and Geriatrics. Close to 60% of the abstracts were clinical research with occupational therapy interventions. About 85% of the research abstracts were related to impairment (39%), activity limitation (26%), and participation (22%). Conclusion: This review highlights the need for diversifying the research in occupational therapy in India. This is particularly important in relation to expanding from selected states to a pan India research and development, especially including the north-eastern states. Also, the focus of OT research must move beyond impairments and approach disability from the social model perspective. It is also very important to diversify the research in occupational therapy to areas contributing substantial disability-adjusted life years such as COVID-19, geriatrics and non-communicable diseases. Priority setting for research in occupational therapy in India is an important implication of this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]