EXAMINING THE PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF MOUNT SEMERU ERUPTION ON CHILDREN: A DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Background: Children affected by disasters are victim who risk for mental health disorders. The disaster is a very traumatic experience for them that can affect their psychology, which will impact their emotions, conduct, activities, and relationships with their social environment. This study aimed to identify the mental health status of children's experienced Semeru Mount eruption. Methods: This study used a descriptive design. Thirty-seven participants were recruited using the purposive sampling technique, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) collected the children's mental health status indicators. In addition, sociodemographic data were collected comprising age and sex. The chi-square was used for data analysis. Results: This study showed that children aged 4-11 years old which is most of them are above 5 years old 54.1% and female 59.5%, had most children's mental health problems were 59.5% had peer problems, and 16.2% had conduct problems. While in refugee camps, children were separated from their friends. Children tend to be aloof and were not interested in socializing with their new friends while in refugee camps. Mental health problems found in children affected by the eruption of Mount Semeru were conduct problems and peer problems. Conclusions: We suggest that the parents play an active role in the rehabilitation process of their children through mentoring children in increasing physical activity with peers, such as doing play therapy.