The influence of assistive technology on occupational performance and satisfaction of leprosy patients with grade 2 disabilities

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

We aimed to investigate the feasibility of assistive technology (AT) devices to improve leprosy patients' occupational performances and satisfaction.

METHODS:

This is a pretest-posttest design study. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was used to assess the occupational performance and satisfaction of five leprosy participants with grade 2 disabilities before and after ten 45-minute interventions using assistive technology devices.

RESULTS:

The data showed a statistically significant 7-point average improvement (p<0.05) in participants' post-intervention performance and satisfaction scores.

CONCLUSIONS:

Assistive technology devices may be useful therapeutic tools to enhance autonomy/independence and satisfaction of leprosy patients with grade 2 disabilities.

Keywords:
Leprosy; Assistive technology; Occupational performance