Family Empowerment Models in Fighting the Problem of Mental Health Children and Adolescent

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Handling mental health problems in children and adolescents greatly help prevent the emergence of more severe problems. Early detection and treatment as early as possible can prevent a decrease in productivity and health costs and reduce the burden on families and communities

AIM: This study aims to develop a family empowerment model based on modifications and additions of existing designs that are applied operationally by families and health workers.

METHODS: The design of this study used a mixed method, the first stage of the study used a descriptive qualitative approach and the second stage of the study was a quasi-experiment. Respondents were 14 parents that had the risk of mental health problems in their adolescents. In the reconnaissance and reflecting stages, the data were analyzed qualitatively and the acting phase was included in the family empowerment model. After all the actions taken were completed, it was followed by observation and comparing of data before and after applying the empowerment model.

RESULTS: The reconnaissance stage was carried out to obtain the theme for the family behavior in overcoming mental health problems through early detection, education, and participation. The planning phase was developed using the early mental health detection instrument and workbook. During the acting stage, assistance was provided by the family through information in developing the designed model. The dependent t-test showed an increase in family knowledge after applying the empowerment model (p = 0,000; alpha = 0.05). This indicated that there was a significant effect in the implementation of the model in overcoming mental health problems in children and adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS: Family empowerment models include the detection of children with mental health issues, provision of education according to these problems, and participation in the care of those at risk of experiencing it.