Cultural Factors Influencing Occupational Therapy Intervention in Bangladesh : A Grounded Theory Study.

Abstract

Background: Culture plays a significant role in occupational therapy. Therefore, it affects the success of occupational therapy on a local, regional, and national level. Occupational therapy is practiced in most Western countries as a leading discipline in rehabilitation. Utilizing Western concepts in occupational therapy without considering the cultural context of non-western countries can significantly lead to a power imbalance that undermines. Therefore, it is important to understand how culture plays a role in designing occupational therapy intervention in different countries and cultural settings. Aim: This study aims to understand and describe how cultural factors influence in designing and implementing occupational therapy intervention in Bangladesh. Methods: For this study, a qualitative research method using the grounded theory approach was selected. Purposive sampling was used by including nine clinical occupational therapists (3 female, 6 male) who had at least five and up to sixteen years of experience. The data saturation process was utilized to reach this particular number of participants. Data was collected through face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews using a self-developed interview guide. The data was then analyzed using the grounded theory method. Results: The findings indicate that various cultural factors have an impact on occupational therapy interventions in Bangladesh. Factors such as patients' personal interests, values, beliefs, and educational levels can affect the intervention. Additionally, local cultures, traditional and religious beliefs, and the patient's local dialect can also create difficulties for therapists in understanding their language. Demographic factors also play a role in the intervention, including gender, religion, geographical background, and socioeconomic status. Furthermore, a patient's physical and psychological environments can also influence occupational therapy interventions. Conclusions: The study shows the complexity of cultural factors and their influence on occupational therapy interventions in Bangladesh. It highlights the importance for occupational therapists to adopt a culturally responsive approach, engage in continuous dialogue, and sometimes modify interventions to successfully handle a diverse cultural context. By identifying and understanding the cultural factors, therapists may promote holistic care for patients and well-being by improving the relevance and efficacy of occupational therapy interventions. Keywords: Occupational therapy, Cultural factors, Personal factors, Socio-cultural factors, Demographic factors.