Notes on Occupational Therapy research from Northeast Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: In Brazil, formal research groups play a central role in the production and dissemination of academic-scientific knowledge, being essential for strengthening, advancement, and consolidation of the field. Objective: To characterize Occupational Therapy research groups in higher education institutions in the Northeast region of Brazil and reflect on knowledge production in Occupational Therapy from this region. Method: This descriptive study used qualitative and quantitative approaches, relying on public data from the Lattes Platform. The Directory of Research Groups (DPG) was searched using the term “occupational therapy”, and the Lattes CVs of the researchers in these groups were consulted. Analyses included content analysis of textual material (group and research line names) and numerical analysis of distribution, quantity, and timeframes. Results: Seven research groups were identified in the Northeast. Most (five) included “fundamentals of occupational therapy” in their group or line titles; three were based in Paraíba, and five were certified. Only two leaders and one vice-leader completed doctoral training in the Northeast, and only one leader had a doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Conclusion: Regional asymmetries in Occupational Therapy research in the Northeast reflect historical national inequalities. Researchers should strengthen groups and coordinate efforts to shape the scientific future of the field.