Jennifer Rana, Abbigail Cabral, Trisha Villanueva

Objective: The aim of this study is to measure the participants perceived change in quality of life (QOL) following engagement in an occupational therapy designed virtual learning program specific to women who are homeless. It is hypothesized that an occupational therapy led virtual learning program based on the identified needs of women who are homeless can help increase the QOL of these women. Methods: The researchers have developed a quasi-experimental pilot study using both pre and post-tests on a convenient sample to determine the impact that the virtual education platform has on the quality of life of women who are homeless. Participants were recruited through colleagues known to the researchers who work with women who are homeless. In order to meet inclusion criteria female participants were women who ranged in age from 18 – 30 years old who had an email address, had access to a computer, currently resided in a homeless shelter, and were proficient in reading and speaking English. Results: A two tailed t-test revealed a positive effect and supports the alternative hypothesis that an occupational therapy led virtual education platform can significantly increase the quality of life of women who are homeless. The value of t was 2.699357. The value of p was .04282. The result is significant because the p value was set to be less than .05. Conclusion: Results from a two tailed t-test revealed a positive effect and supports the alternative hypothesis that an occupational therapy led virtual education platform can significantly increase the quality of life of women who are homeless. However, further research on this topic is still needed due to the small sample size and limited study duration.