Trauma healing for children affected by the Pasaman, West Pasaman earthquake

Departmen of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: elf.rudi1@gmail.com

Abstract

This study focuses on trauma healing interventions for children affected by the Pasaman earthquake in February 2022, which led to significant psychological issues such as trauma, stress, and sleep disturbances. The research involved direct observations and interventions in several evacuation camps. A team from the Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Andalas University, conducted trauma healing sessions, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and play therapy, in affected areas. The intervention programs targeted children aged 3 to 18 years and were complemented by educational efforts for parents on how to provide at-home trauma healing support. The study highlights the importance of early psychological interventions, such as CBT, to prevent the long-term effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety in children. Observational data revealed that about 57.9% of the children experienced sleep disturbances post-earthquake, with significant improvements following the trauma healing activities. Additionally, parent-child engagement during therapy sessions helped strengthen family support systems, which are crucial in the psychological recovery process. These findings underline the necessity of including psychosocial support in post-disaster recovery plans and stress the need for further research and implementation of trauma-informed care in affected communities to support both immediate and long-term psychological recovery for children.