Resumo

AINSWORTH, Sarah; LISTER, Helga E.  e  JANSE VAN RENSBURG, Michelle N.S.. Exploring occupational therapy interventions in homeless settings in Tshwane. Health SA Gesondheid (Online) [online]. 2026, vol.31, pp.1-13. ISSN 2071-9736.  https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3140.

BACKGROUND: In South Africa, the national lockdown was both a challenge and an opportunity to address health-related issues of homelessness. While initial emergency responses in Tshwane focused on basic needs and medical intervention, the need for more holistic intervention became evident AIM: To understand the experiences and perceptions, benefits and facilitators, and barriers and challenges of university-driven occupational therapy interventions with people experiencing homelessness in Tshwane during the various coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown levels and beyond to March 2023 SETTING: Research was conducted in various homeless settings, such as temporary shelters, transitional- or permanent housing facilities or drop-in centres, where occupational therapy intervention was implemented METHODS: An explorative, descriptive qualitative design was used, with focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews conducted with people experiencing homelessness and homeless practitioners. These were audio recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Student-written occupational therapy planning and feedback documents were analysed through reflexive thematic analysis and interpreted using the Capability Approach RESULTS: Inputs and conversion factors positively influencing intervention outcomes included a supportive environment, client-centred care, therapeutic activities in small groups, ensuring positive volition, and understanding the real-life experiences of participants. Challenges included unsupportive environments, language barriers, poor attitudes and motivation, and lack of continuity of occupational therapy intervention CONCLUSION: Occupational therapy intervention in homeless settings is valuable, as it considers personal, social and environmental aspects affecting a person's functioning CONTRIBUTION: Applying the unique contribution of occupational therapy intervention in homeless settings will improve overall health- and social service delivery

Palavras-chave : occupational therapy; homelessness; Tshwane; Capability Approach; homeless settings.

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