Depok, September 24, 2024. Eka Budiarto became the first University of Indonesia (UI) student at the Faculty of Nursing Sciences (FoN) to complete his doctoral education in just 2.5 years. Through his breakthrough psychosocial adaptation model of mental nursing, he earned summa cum laude with a GPA of 4.0 for his graduation, which was announced in the Doctoral Promotion Session which took place at the FoN UI Education and Laboratory Building, on Tuesday (24/9).

Through this achievement, Eka managed to prove that a modest background does not prevent someone from achieving higher education. Despite coming from a modest family in Pekalongan-with parents who only attended elementary school-she aspired to complete her education up to the undergraduate level. After completing his bachelor's degree, a desire arose in him to serve as a lecturer. He did his best to become a lecturer at Muhammadiyah Pekajangan University in Pekalongan.

“The opportunity to become a lecturer encouraged me to continue my education to a higher level. This journey is not easy, but I always believe that with effort, prayer, and support from family and friends, nothing is impossible. I consider each challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow,” Eka said.

Eka's success in completing her education at UI was due to her dissertation entitled “Psychosocial Adaptation Model of Mental Nursing for Family Caregivers on Self-Efficacy and Resilience in Caring for Schizophrenia Patients in Rob Flood Areas”. Under the guidance of Promoter Dr. Mustikasari, S.Kp., MARS., with Co-promoters Sali Rahadi Asih, M. Psi., MGPCC, Ph.D., Psychologist and Prof. Dr. Besral, S.KM., MSc., she developed the effectiveness of the psychosocial adaptation model of mental nursing for family caregivers on self-efficacy and resilience in caring for schizophrenic patients in the tidal flood area.

According to her, schizophrenia patients in tidal flood areas need special attention because tidal flooding causes patients to experience psychosocial problems that make their mental health worse. The duration of illness and the severity of symptoms experienced by patients add to the level of stress and burden for family caregivers. In this study, she identified that families caring for schizophrenia patients in tidal flood areas face a double challenge, in terms of the patient's health and the impact of natural disasters.

For this reason, Eka developed the Psychosocial Nursing Adaptation Model which was formed by integrating Roy's Adaptation Model and Pender's Health Promotion Model Theory. This adaptation model focuses on increasing the self-efficacy and resilience of family caregivers through various interventions that improve their knowledge, attitudes, and skills in dealing with these conditions. This adaptation model helps families to be more confident in caring for patients and able to build better relationships within the family, as well as manage social and spiritual support.

“The training for families of patients has gradually been proven to improve their knowledge and skills, thus increasing their confidence and mental resilience in facing two major challenges, namely schizophrenia and tidal flooding. I hope the results of this study can provide real benefits for families caring for schizophrenia patients, especially in areas affected by tidal floods, so that they are mentally stronger and ready to face various difficult situations,” Eka said.

He also hopes that this adaptation model can be the basis for the Government through the Ministry of Health and the Health Office in formulating policies for disaster management and nursing services, especially in tidal flood conditions. In addition, this adaptation model can be used by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) as an educational medium to increase public knowledge about tidal disasters and their impacts, as well as the implementation of tidal flood management continuously and independently.

The Dean of FoN UI, Agus Setiawan, S.Kp., M.N., Ph.D, appreciated Eka for his contribution to the development of mental nursing science, especially in the context of natural disasters that affect family mental health. He said, “We are very proud of Eka Budiarto's achievement in completing his doctoral studies in a very short time. This is an achievement that not only makes FIK UI proud, but also inspires other students to continue striving to develop science and have a positive impact on society.”