The impact of two modules on first year occupational therapy students' knowledge and attitudes to the core constructs of occupation

Abstract

 Introduction: The first year occupational therapy course at the University of Cape Town focusses on developing an understanding of
occupation. Two first semester modules form the foundation for this understanding. This study aimed to describe the impact of these
modules on first year students' knowledge of, and attitudes towards, the core constructs of occupation.
Methodology: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was used with a convenience sample recruited from the 2013
first year occupational therapy class. A self-administered questionnaire was developed for the study based on an extensive literature
review and consultation with international occupational therapy experts. Data were gathered before and after participating in the
modules. Content and construct validity, test-retest and inter-rater reliability were determined using the expert panel and a pilot test.
Data were analysed with STATISTICA.
Results: Forty-five (N=60) participants completed pre-test and post-test questionnaires and were included in the analysis. Knowledge
improved significantly (p<0.001) between pre-test and post-test, and positive attitudinal changes were noted.
Conclusion: Knowledge and attitudes improved after completing the modules suggesting that students were equipped with a sound
foundational understanding of the core constructs of occupation.

Key words: Occupation; core constructs; knowledge; attitudes; education; occupational therapy.

The South African Journal of Occupational Therapy

http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2310-3833/2015/v45n1a11