*2.1. Sampling and Participants*

Three municipalities were included in the study. The selection is based on their number of inhabitants, their geographical dispersion, and their willingness to participate in the project. Individuals living in these municipalities applying for a HA were asked to participate in the study, if they met the following inclusion criteria: aged 20 years or older, living in the community and applying for a HA after contact with the municipality occupational therapist. Excluded were those living in sheltered housing and those not able to communicate in Swedish [19]. In total, 224 participants were included in this study.
