Several academic staff and students from the 国产吃瓜黑料一区二区 College of Rehabilitation Science (CRS) Department of Occupational Therapy presented their research at the 8th Asia Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress held from November 6 to 9, 2024 at the Sapporo Convention Center. The congress explored the many facets of the sustainable practice of occupational therapy with this year鈥檚 conference theme, “Empowering Collaborative Community: Sustainable and Evidence-Based Occupational Therapy.鈥�
Assoc. Prof. Ivan Neil Gomez, Ph.D., presented his study titled, “Association between Occupational Balance and Mental Health among Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Students.鈥� He also served as a chair in a series of oral presentations clustered under Health promotion. Gomez鈥榮 research presentation explored the relationship between occupational balance and mental health among undergraduate occupational therapy students. It found that students with a well-balanced mix of activities鈥攃ombining study, rest, and leisure鈥攔eported better mental health outcomes. His study highlighted that poor occupational balance may be associated with increased psychological distress, such as anxiety and depression. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining a structured yet flexible routine to support student well-being in educational settings.
Assoc. Prof. Kim Gerald Medallon, Ph.D., presented his study titled, “Determining the retirement preparedness of Quezon City-based middle-aged Filipino workers using the culturally adapted Retirement Resources Inventory.鈥� Medallon鈥檚 research presentation focused on determining the preparedness of Quezon City-based middle-aged Filipino workers using the culturally adapted Retirement Resources Inventory. The findings of the study revealed that participants who were females, with higher levels of education, or with higher monthly family incomes had the highest emotional, cognitive, motivational, social, physical, and financial resources and, thus, were the best prepared. Meanwhile, preparedness levels based on age, civil status, and number of children varied for the different resource domains.
Asst. Prof. Paulin Grace Morato-Espino, M.A., participated in the poster presentation with her study, “A Peek into Young Filipino Children’s Happiness to Understand Their Well-being: A Focused Ethnographic Study.鈥� Morato-Espino鈥檚 research explored how young Filipino children conceptualize well-being. Kindergarten to Grade 2 students enrolled in private and public schools from different areas in Luzon actively participated in the data collection and analysis. They drew images, took photographs,and discussed within small groups to answer the question, 鈥淲hat makes you happy?鈥� Three general themes were identified, highlighting the importance of the family, the school, and play to children鈥檚 well-being.
Students Sandra Tan Pascual and Angelica Tricia Choy were part of a team that participated in the student poster presentation with their project, “Being a Super Duper Special Day Buddy: A Novel Opportunity to Prepare Occupational Therapy Students for Clinical Practice and Inter-institutional Interaction.鈥� They conducted various activities together with Children with Disabilities (CWDs), ranging from song and dance to crafts; those with the parents of the CWDs conducted respite activities and peer support sessions. Overall, the project allowed them to engage meaningfully with people who have a range of special needs.
According the conference convenor Mr. Shinichi Yamamo, President of the Japanese Association of Occupational Therapists, the 8th Asia Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress (APOTC 2024) was successfully held with over 2,000 registrants from over 30 countries and regions.
