Diary-based survey of lifestyle habits in everyday activities and support for the process of change–a utility study

Abstract

Background: The need to support a healthy lifestyle among the population has become increasingly apparent in recent years. The National Board of Health and Welfare in Sweden has published national guidelines regarding unhealthy lifestyle habits since 2011. An instrument based on the practical and theoretical foundations of occupational therapy was developed to support the profession's unique contribution to implementing these guidelines. Aims: The aim was to examine the utility of the instrument by investigating its implementation potential and clinical relevance. Material and Method: Sixteen occupational therapists used the instrument in practice together with 60 clients. Afterwards, they completed a questionnaire covering questions of utility. Result: The instrument demonstrated mostly positive dimensions of utility. The results show that the instrument seems to have a high implementation potential and is clinically relevant. It seems, for example, to support implementation of the national guidelines and to capture how a person's lifestyle habits are expressed in everyday occupations. The instrument further seems to promote people’s participation in treatment. Conclusion: The instrument ‘Diary-based survey of lifestyle habits in everyday activities and support for the process of change’ seems promising in terms of utility. However, the scientific merit of the instrument will need to be further established.