Introduction: Natural disasters, such as floods, can suddenly disrupt everyday life and significantly affect occupational performance. Changes in living circumstances can disturb established routines, life roles, and occupational balance, which may substantially impact individuals’ health, well-being, and quality of life. Re-engagement in occupations is an important part of the recovery process and adaptation to life after floods. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of occupational performance and engagement among individuals affected by floods, as well as their experiences of changes in occupational engagement following the floods, with a particular focus on the facilitators and barriers that influenced the process of re-engagement in occupations. Methods: A qualitative research design was used, employing semi-structured interviews. The study included five individuals affected by floods in the Zgornja Savinjska Valley. The data were analyzed using qualitative analysis, in which codes were grouped into subcategories and subsequently into categories related to the research questions. Results: Three main categories were identified: floods as a life-changing event, changes in everyday occupations, and re-engagement in occupations. Participants experienced the floods as a sudden disruption of everyday life that led to significant changes in occupations, routines, and life roles. Their usual occupations were temporarily replaced by occupations related to survival, clean-up, and recovery, contributing to occupational imbalance. Changes were particularly evident in the areas of work, self-care, leisure, and social participation. Re-engagement in occupations was a gradual process involving adaptation to changed living circumstances and the development of new routines. The main barriers identified by participants were material damage, financial uncertainty, and psychological distress, while family support, and support from the local community and volunteers were identified as important facilitators. Discussion and conclusion: The findings indicate that floods significantly affect occupational performance and engagement, leading to changes in routines, life roles, and occupational balance. Re-engagement in meaningful occupations is an important part of the recovery process, as it enables individuals to gradually regain a sense of normality and adapt to changed living circumstances. The study highlights the importance of support in re-engaging in occupations and suggests an important role for occupational therapy in supporting individuals and communities throughout the recovery process following natural disasters.
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