Human Trafficking Survivors’ Self-Reported Satisfaction and Performance in Daily Life Activities

Author: Wangberg, Rebecca & Cerny, Shana

Abstract: The purpose of the study is to identify occupational performance problems self-identified by survivors of human trafficking through the use of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure to further understand the occupational needs of this population. This retrospective cross-sectional study categorized 428 occupational performance problems into areas of occupation. The results indicated that social and emotional health promotion and maintenance (n = 57), leisure exploration/participation (n = 52), sleep preparation and participation (n = 49), financial management (n = 49), and symptom and condition management (n = 42) were the most common areas of occupation that victims identified as occupational performance problems. The National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking calls for comprehensive social and health care services to support recovery and for identification and meeting of research gaps. This study answers these calls by identifying areas of daily life that are difficult for individuals who exit trafficking. Additionally, this information identifies the need for occupational therapy as part of the comprehensive service team to support stability and recovery.

Keywords: occupational therapy, human trafficking, occupational performance problem, occupations