Authors (including presenting author) :
Hong SMB (1), Cheung CKC(1), Ho CME(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Tai Po Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Substance Abuse
Keyword 2: :
Executive Function
Keyword 3: :
Occupational Functioning
Introduction :
Substance abuse often impairs executive functions such as attention, inhibition/regulation, working memory and decision-making, which has great influence on occupational functioning and rehabilitation outcomes. Occupational therapy aims to address these deficits to enhance functional independence. This study aims to profile the executive function and occupational function deficits of psychiatric in-patients with substance abuse, and to advancing the cognitive rehabilitation for these patients.
Objectives :
To evaluate the executive function and occupational function of patients with substance abuse problems.
Methodology :
28 adult patients (mean age= 43.8 year; 89% male) were recruited by convenience sampling between 15th Oct 2025 to 14th Jan, 2026. Inclusion criteria were (1) patient with regular substance use at least 1 month before index admission; (2) Stable mental state;
(3) Sober from substance after admission (1 to 2 weeks after admission).
Executive function performances were measured by: (1) Chinese Frontal Assessment Battery (C-FAB) for frontal lobe functions
(2) Speed of processing and Working Memory sub-tests in The MATRICS™ Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) for processing speed and working memory
In addition, a self-developed questionnaire (daily-EF questionnaire) for measuring subjective executive functions performance (working memory, sustained attention, planning) across 6 different instrumental-ADL domains (Grocery shopping, Transportation, Meal preparation, Financial management, Housework and Occupation/Work).
Result & Outcome :
C-FAB showed impairments in inhibitory control (mean: 1.68/3) and motor programming (mean: 2.11/3), but the overall score (mean: 14.8/18) is above the cut-off (12/18) which may represent no significant problem in overall frontal lobe function. MCCB T-scores indicated below-average performance in processing speed (mean T-score: 42.1, -0.8 SD) and average performance in working memory (mean T-score: 49.3, -0.1 SD). This indicate that their processing speed may be affected by on-going substance use. The self-reported questionnaire showed they found the most challenging part was planning IADL tasks (mean 29.4/60)
In addition, the results of Spearman correlation indicated there is a moderate to strong negative co-relation between planning IADL task and processing speed (r=-0.578, p= 0.001). This result indicated that deteriorated processing speed due to on-going substance use could impair the ability to organize and execute daily functioning tasks, as planning is one of the important executive functions. Beside of cognitive training targeting specific on processing speed, bridging program that help patients to improve IADL functions are worthy of future development and study.
