Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy Interventions in Health Promotion and Primary Prevention for Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Importance

As populations age, promoting health span has become a public health priority. Occupational therapy is well positioned to contribute through health promotion and primary prevention, yet its effectiveness remains underexplored.

Objective

To examine the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions in health promotion and primary prevention for adults, as measured by health-related outcomes such as occupational performance, quality of life (QoL), well-being, and participation.

Data Sources

The PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, and Wiley Online Library databases were searched in February 2025.

Study Selection and Data Collection

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines, eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions led by or aligned with occupational therapy in adult health promotion or primary prevention. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (2024) checklist. Data were narratively synthesized because of heterogeneity.

Findings

Twelve RCTs (2020–2024) were included, covering diverse populations and settings. Interventions included workplace health promotion, home modifications, telerehabilitation, exergaming, and environmental or behavioral strategies. Positive effects were noted in fall reduction, coping, physical performance, and health-related QoL. Interventions rooted in occupational frameworks and delivered by trained occupational therapy practitioners showed greater effectiveness. Variability in intensity and delivery limited comparability.

Conclusions and Relevance

Occupational therapy interventions can support adult health promotion and disease prevention when contextual, person-centered, and occupation-based. Further research should address younger adults, leisure occupations, and intervention intensity. These findings support integrating occupational therapy into public health strategies to enhance health span and reduce reliance on reactive care.

Plain-Language Summary

This review looked at how occupational therapy can help adults stay healthier longer through health promotion and disease prevention. We found 12 studies showing that occupational therapy programs—such as those focused on workplace wellness, home safety, or digital health—can improve things such as quality of life and physical ability. Programs led by trained occupational therapists and tailored to people’s everyday lives worked better. More research is needed to learn how to reach younger adults and to understand what features make programs most effective. These findings show that occupational therapy can play a key role in public health and help people live healthier lives longer.

This review looked at how occupational therapy can help adults stay healthier longer through health promotion and disease prevention.

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