Experience of participation in instrumental activities of daily living among person with mental illness following rehabilitation: a phenomenological study

Abstract

Background: 1 in every 8 people in the world live with mental disorder. People who suffer from any kind of mental illness have the possibilities to face difficulties in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). They do not independent in all aspects of community life but surprisingly mental health sectors less focused on IADLs. Worldwide increasing the number of people with mental illness. So far research evidence is not well established so that, it’s necessary to find their problem and increased knowledge on this field. Aim: This study aimed to explore the experience of participation in instrumental activities of daily living among person with mental illness following rehabilitation. Methods: This study followed a qualitative study design and phenomenological approach and the investigator imitated purposive sampling for data collection from nine participants depending on data saturation. All participants in this study took rehabilitation service from CRP mental health project named “Occupational Therapy Day Centre for People with Mental Health Needs”. Self-developed semi structured-interview guide was used to take face-to-face in-depth interview from the community. Collected data were analysed by using Braun and Clarke’s six-step of thematic analysis. Result: Ten main themes appear from data analysis with some sub-themes. Maximum participant faced similar problems in IADLs such as money management, using transportation, and using mobile phones. Some participants are not interested to participate in some areas especially in male participants, such as of food preparation, housekeeping, and laundry. All participants share that their mood influence or inhabit them to participate in IADLs. None of them are interested in taking medication due to the side effects of medication. Many participants have risk and safety-related fear. Physical health issue and superstition affect them. Participants share that after rehabilitation for mental health their participation is better than before rehabilitation. Conclusion: This study explored the experience of participation in IADLs among person with mental illness and knowing participant’ experience that help to evidence-based practice, and advocacy to client, family, and community for better participation. Rehabilitation enhances participation so important to emphasized rehabilitation service for mental health. Therefore, need to more focus IADLs research evidence due to its play important role in independent persons in daily living Key words: Mental Illness, Mental Health, Experience, Participation, Activities of Daily Living, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Rehabilitation.