Occupational Performance of Adults Seeking Bariatric Surgery for Obesity

Karen Barclay

Purpose: Bariatric surgery is an increasingly popular obesity treatment, but there is limited evidence regarding the occupational performance of this population.

Methods: The health records of 241 bariatric surgery candidates were reviewed. Scores from the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale and Eating Disorder Evaluation Questionnaire were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Occupational performance issues were categorized according to the Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement.

Findings: Difficulty exercising was the most common issue, followed by dysfunctional eating behaviours. Cognitive and affective components were identified as contributing factors more often than physical limitations. Occupational performance correlated negatively with anxiety and depression, and positively with self-esteem.

Conclusion: Occupational performance is impaired in bariatric surgery candidates. Significant associations with mental health factors support a psychosocial approach to practice. Future research should investigate the outcomes of occupational therapy, including change over time.

Accepted for publication:

Barclay, K. S., & Forwell, S. J. (2018). Occupational performance issues of adults seeking bariatric surgery for obesity. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72, 7205195030. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018

Barclay, K., Rushton, P. & Forwell, SJ. (2015). Measurement properties of eating behavior self-assessment tools in adult bariatric surgery populations: A systematic review. Obesity Surgery, 25, 720–737. doi 10.1007/s11695-015-1593-y

Publication available at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11695-015-1593-y#page-1