Date of Award

8-2002

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. Ben Atchison

Second Advisor

Dr. Diane Dirette

Third Advisor

Dr. Richard Cooper

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

Occupational therapy is a profession that is growing throughout the world. Kenya is one country in which occupational therapy is fairly well established. The purpose of this study was to document how occupational therapy has evolved over recent years. A major focus of this study was to identify the educational levels of occupational therapists in Kenya, types of practice settings, prominent diagnoses of patients treated, utilization of rehabilitation services, current trends and practice in occupational therapy, and acquisition, use, and maintenance of adaptive equipment.

The Development of Occupational Therapy in Kenya survey was sent to 28 practicing occupational therapists in Kenya via internet or postal mailings. This study, which recognized several significant aspects of the development of occupational therapy in Kenya, achieved an 89% response rate. Although this survey consisted of mostly open-ended questions, the results show that a majority of therapists practicing in Kenya have similar views. The advancement of occupational therapy in Kenya has been the result of positive changes in the profession.

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