Utilising the Occupational Justice Health Questionnaire (OJHQ) with a Filipino drug surrenderee in occupational therapy practice: A case report

ABSTRACTIn the past two years, the problem on illicit substance use and trade in the Philippines has become a focal interest by the government, human rights advocates, media, and healthcare professionals. This case report aims to describe illicit substance [ab]use from an occupational justice (OJ) perspective by presenting a case of a Filipino drug surrenderee who underwent an interview which utilised the Occupational Justice Health Questionnaire (OJHQ). Using the OJHQ, findings showed that individuals involved in substance addiction could possibly experience different levels of occupational injustices: occupational alienation, occupational deprivation, occupational imbalance, and occupational apartheid. Identifying the occupational injustices experienced by an individual and collectives allows occupational therapists and clients to mutually prioritise occupations that are important and meaningful which could potentially inform recommendations and plans of action towards OJ. Moreover, using the OJHQ in occupational therapy practice could open opportunities for collaborative practice with other professionals, community workers, and agencies that would facilitate OJ for clients like Donnie.