Occupational Balance of Occupational Therapy Students Before and After Occupational Disruption Caused by COVID-19

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing restrictions have caused occupational disruption, yet little is known about their relationship with occupational balance, student satisfaction, and stress. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the occupational balance of occupational therapy students in the state of Victoria, Australia, and its association with measures of life satisfaction and distress. Method: Participants completed the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ-11) twice (once rating their occupational balance before COVID-19 social distancing restrictions and again during the time these restrictions were in place); the Global Life Satisfaction Questionnaire; and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS). Wilcoxon-Pratt and Pearson’s correlation were used to analyze the data. Results: Fifty-one participants revealed significant decreases in total scores on the OBQ-11 (Z = 3.0, 95% C.I. = 1 to 4.5; p Conclusion: COVID-19 restrictions have impacted students’ occupational balance. Occupational therapy students may not have the necessary knowledge of occupational therapy philosophies to maintain occupational balance.