Quality of life and psychosocial care for government officials and their families who have been affected by the unrest in the southern provinces

Abstract

Objective: To study the quality of life  and the psychosocial care for officials and families who have been affected by the unrest in the southern provinces, by studying the problems and the care provided by Psychiatric Social Workers.

Methods: This is a qualitative  research, in which data was collected from  injured  Military , and Military and Police’s  Families who died  and  live in Suratthani and Songkla province. Data is composed of 13 cases filed during May - July 2014, by in-depth interview. Content analysis was carried out by interpreting  the data to find a meaning or explanation that took into consideration the objective of the research, associated with a defined framework.

Results: Those affected by the unrest have a good quality of life  in terms of self-sufficiency. They  satisfy their life, have a good relationship with neighbors and the community, and have the self-esteem and awareness that they can carry on with life on their own.  Life is good for them as a result of the financial compensation, family, the basic spirit for sacrifice, and  the consideration by the society. All those affected by the unrest received financial compensation. However, the psychological care was left to themselves, family, friends  and relatives. Community care system  was only short-term. Some had neither received psychological care from any agency nor any follow-up care for mental health problems in the long term. Emotional and psychological problems were found, as well as the need of assistance about  livelihood. The role of Psychiatric Social Workers in  providing care is empowerment and counseling to educate about stress, by coordinating social resources, has helped those affected according to their  problems and needs, and by offering encouragement.

Conclusion: Those affected  expressed have a good quality of life  that was the result of the financial compensation, the family, and  the consideration by the society. Psychological care was mainly provided by family, friends  and relatives. The system care was only provided in the short term. Some had not received psychological care from any agency, and there was no long-term follow-up care.

Keywords: Quality of life, Psychosocial care, Government officials, Unrest in the southern provinces.