Abstract
This study compared the situation of and issues involved in a continuing education of occupational therapists (OTs). Males and females were compared by examining the working conditions and lifestyles of both childrearing and non-childrearing OTs. Members of Kochi Association of Occupational Therapists (KAOT) participated in a survey about private life and continuing education. The findings demonstrate that female OTs who work while raising children do not have adequate opportunities to take part in continuing education, and the degree of satisfaction with continuing education in childrearing OTs was significantly lower than with OTs who are not raising children, even though they have substantial interest in participating in continuing education. The study implies that there are two aspects to securing more opportunities for childrearing OTs who want to engage in continuing education. Firstly, childrearing female OTs should maintain their self-motivation for continuing education and get support from their families. Secondly, a working environment which offers childcare and other forms of support systems should be created for OTs.
