Introduction
People with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) desire social connection and meaningful contribution, despite often being excluded from work‐related activities. The impact of engagement in work‐related activities on the mental well‐being of people with dementia or MCI remains underexplored.
Objective
The aim of this study is to investigate the factors influencing engagement in work‐related activities among people with dementia or MCI.
Design
Cross‐sectional study.
Setting
Seven‐day care centers in Japan.
Participants
Sixty‐three day care center members with dementia or MCI who had participated in work‐related activities for at least 6 months.
Measures
Well‐being assessed by the World Health Organization‐Five Well‐Being Index (WHO‐5); engagement evaluated by the Assessment of Quality of Activities (A‐QOA), an occupational therapists–developed observational assessment tool; and confounders of engagement.
Results
Among the 63 participants (age: median: 83 years, interquartile range [IQR]: 61, 94; Mini‐Mental State Examination‐Japanese score: median: 19 points, IQR: 4, 27), 74.6% were female. A significant correlation was observed between the WHO‐5 and A‐QOA ( ρ = 0.433, p < 0.001). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed a significant association between the A‐QOA and WHO‐5 ( β = 0.480, p < 0.001), frequency of participation ( β = 0.337, p = 0.003), and hearing loss–related social limitations ( β = 0.286, p = 0.01).
Conclusion
Greater engagement in work‐related activities was associated with better well‐being, higher frequency of participation, and hearing loss–related social limitations. Implementation of and support for personalized work‐related activities, considering these factors for people with dementia or MCI, could enhance their engagement and promote their mental well‐being.
