The Health Implications of Meaningful Occupations in Low-Income Racialized Communities: A Comparative Analysis of Halifax & Toronto

The main objective of this research is to compare and contrast Halifax and Toronto by looking at how access to and participation in meaningful occupations in two low-income and poor racialized communities in Halifax and Toronto are shaped by race, low-income and poverty, gender, immigrant and refugee status, age and other social factors in the context of the historical, structural and institutional practices and policies in both cities. The concept of meaningful occupations in the discipline of occupational therapy emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of participating in occupations that are meaningful and valuable. The project's other objectives are: 1) to identify how the concept of meaningful occupations is conceptualized and articulated by low- income and poor racialized communities; 2) to identify barriers to and opportunities for accessing and engaging in meaningful occupations in low-income and poor, racialized communities; 3) to determine how access to and engagement in meaningful occupations impacts on the emotional, spiritual, mental and physical health and well-being of these individuals; and 4) to identify the health policy implications for engaging low-income and poor racialized communities in meaningful occupations. Through purposive and snowball sampling, we will recruit members of low-income, racialized communities in Halifax and Toronto to participate in one-hour in-depth interviews. All transcribed interview data will be thematically analyzed. Our findings will be shared with government, non-profit health and community organizations.