An Exploration of the Facilitating Factors in Completing an Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore facilitators and barriers to completing an occupational therapy degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. A single case study design was used. The inclusion criterion was that participants had to have completed their occupational therapy degrees in 2015 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Seven graduates from the class of 2015 were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's method of thematic analysis. The occupational therapy degree was found to be academically challenging; however, most participants showed resilience and perseverance. Moreover, they experienced personal growth, and acknowledged various factors which contributed to their academic success, including academic, social, and emotional support, having a strong religion or faith, having effective coping skills, and conducive study environments. Barriers included the high academic demands of the degree, environmental barriers, procrastination, financial and interpersonal problems, and emotional stressors. The researcher concluded that the occupational therapy degree was challenging, but offered opportunities for personal growth.

Keywords:

• occupational therapy
• facilitating factors
• barriers
• stress
• coping
• undergraduate