College Students' Awareness and Knowledge of Occupational Therapy
Faculty Mentor Information
Heather Schoenherr
Abstract
Occupational therapy is a skilled treatment that helps individuals across the lifespan regain lost independence or develop skills needed for activities of daily living. Unfortunately, insufficient knowledge is revealed of the role and function of occupational therapy among college students and the widespread population (Deitch, Gutman & Factor, 1994; Jackman & Stagnitti, 2007; Olaoya, Emechete, Teslim, & Mbada, 2016). It is imperative to understand people’s knowledge of occupational therapy to better advocate for the role of occupational therapy in the care of individuals. In this current study, survey data is being collected from community college students to assess awareness and knowledge of the field of occupational therapy. Of particular interest is the relationship between familiarity with the field of occupational therapy and knowledge of occupational therapy. Findings and implications will be discussed.
College Students' Awareness and Knowledge of Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a skilled treatment that helps individuals across the lifespan regain lost independence or develop skills needed for activities of daily living. Unfortunately, insufficient knowledge is revealed of the role and function of occupational therapy among college students and the widespread population (Deitch, Gutman & Factor, 1994; Jackman & Stagnitti, 2007; Olaoya, Emechete, Teslim, & Mbada, 2016). It is imperative to understand people’s knowledge of occupational therapy to better advocate for the role of occupational therapy in the care of individuals. In this current study, survey data is being collected from community college students to assess awareness and knowledge of the field of occupational therapy. Of particular interest is the relationship between familiarity with the field of occupational therapy and knowledge of occupational therapy. Findings and implications will be discussed.