Effect of an occupation-based program for women with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are incarcerated

OBJECTIVE:This study evaluated the effect of an occupation-based program on the occupational performance and participation of incarcerated women with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

METHODS:A stepped wedge randomized controlled design was used to compare the number of adverse behavioral incidents among program participants with the number that occurred among participants in a delayed intervention group. The study design also included repeated measures of occupational performance and participation among program participants with the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS), the Volitional Questionnaire (VQ), the Social Profile (SP), and a relative mastery scale.

RESULTS:Participants who received the study intervention had significantly fewer adverse behavioral incidents compared with the delayed intervention group (N = 85; p = .02). Participants who received the intervention showed significant improvements in occupational performance and participation according to the GAS (p < .001), VQ (p < .005), and SP (p < .005).

CONCLUSION:This study found that a 12-week occupational therapy program was successful in promoting occupational performance and participation of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the provision of meaningful work roles. The outcomes of this study suggest the potential utility of enhancing the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and advocating for consistent inclusion of occupational therapy on service provider teams in justice-based settings. Limitations included the use of a focused sample, a short study time frame, and possible researcher bias. Future studies should allow for postintervention follow-up and replication in other settings.