Assessing occupational competency in children with leukaemia compared to typically developing peers using the Child Occupational Self-Assessment tool: a pilot study

Children with leukaemia are less able to perform activities of daily living and participate in leisure activities compared to typically developing children, which can affect their occupational competency. The aim of this study was to compare occupational competency and values between typically developing children and children with leukaemia. In this pilot cross-sectional study, 102 children (52 typically developing children and 50 children with leukaemia) aged 7 to 13 years were assessed using the Child Occupational Self-Assessment tool, which includes occupational competency and occupational value scales for each item. The independent t -test analysis demonstrated that there was a significant difference between the two groups on the competency scale (P=0.02). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the value scale (P=0.07). Children with leukaemia feel less competent in carrying out everyday activities than typically developing children. Occupational competency interventions should be prioritised in occupational therapy services.