Occupational engagement following mild stroke in the Australian context using the occupational gaps questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for research to identify the impact of mild stroke on occupational engagement. The Occupational Gaps Questionnaire (OGQ) measures the difference between a person's actual and preferred occupational engagement. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to test the feasibility of the English version of the OGQ, and describe occupational gaps of people with mild stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A mixed methods, cross-sectional study involving 10 people with mild stroke at 1 and/or 9 months after stroke. Quantitative data were summarised descriptively and thematic analysis explored qualitative responses. RESULTS: Participants reported a mean of 6.7 (SD 5.1) gaps at 1-month and 3.00 (SD 2.1) gaps at 9-months. Outdoor activities, work, sports, and light home and heavy-duty maintenance were identified as gaps at both time-points. Two themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: Drivers of occupation and Occupations can be challenged or enabled. An additional finding in terms of feasibility was drawn from qualitative data: Feasibility of Conducting the OGQ with people with mild stroke. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The English version of the OGQ was found to be a feasible instrument for identifying occupational gaps following mild stroke and may be suitable to support research and clinical practice with this population.