Breaking Chains: Empowering Practitioners to Combat Pasung
In the heart of Indonesia, a silent struggle persists, often hidden from the world. The practice of pasung, or physical restraint and confinement, is a stark reality for many individuals with schizophrenia in rural areas. This practice, deeply rooted in cultural, economic, and social factors, poses a significant challenge for mental health practitioners. However, recent research sheds light on actionable strategies that can empower practitioners to make a difference.
Understanding the Roots of Pasung
The study titled Factors associated with pasung (physical restraint and confinement) of schizophrenia patients in Bogor regency, West Java Province, Indonesia 2017 provides critical insights into the factors associated with pasung. It highlights that aggressive or violent behavior, unemployment, and a negative family attitude towards the patient are significant contributors to this practice.
Key Findings and Their Implications
The research identifies several key factors associated with pasung:
- Aggressive or Violent Behavior: Patients exhibiting aggressive behavior are more likely to be subjected to pasung. This highlights the need for practitioners to focus on managing such behaviors through therapeutic interventions.
- Unemployment: Economic hardship, particularly unemployment, exacerbates the likelihood of pasung. Practitioners can advocate for programs that provide employment opportunities for both patients and their families.
- Negative Family Attitude: A negative attitude from family members significantly increases the risk of pasung. Educating families to develop positive and empathetic attitudes towards patients is crucial.
Actionable Steps for Practitioners
Practitioners can play a pivotal role in reducing pasung by implementing the following strategies:
- Behavioral Interventions: Develop and implement behavioral interventions to manage aggressive tendencies in patients. Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective in reducing aggression.
- Family Education Programs: Conduct workshops and support groups for families to educate them about schizophrenia and the detrimental effects of pasung. Encourage positive interactions and empathy towards patients.
- Advocacy for Economic Support: Work with local governments and organizations to create employment opportunities for patients and their families. Economic stability can significantly reduce the incidence of pasung.
- Collaboration with Mental Health Facilities: Encourage families to seek professional help from mental health facilities for patients exhibiting violent behavior. Collaboration with these facilities can provide patients with the necessary care and support.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, there is a need for further research to explore additional factors contributing to pasung and to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in research initiatives and contribute to the body of knowledge in this field.
By addressing the factors associated with pasung, practitioners can help dismantle the chains of confinement and restore dignity and freedom to individuals with schizophrenia. Together, we can create a future where mental health is prioritized, and pasung becomes a relic of the past.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Factors associated with pasung (physical restraint and confinement) of schizophrenia patients in Bogor regency, West Java Province, Indonesia 2017.
