THE PERCEIVED ROLE OF GOD IN HEALTH AND ILLNESS: THE EXPERIENCE OF JAVANESE MOTHERS CARING FOR A CHILD WITH THALASSEMIA
Abstract: Thalassemia is
recognized as one of the major health problem in Indonesia. It is estimated
that about 10% of Indonesian population
are carrier of
the mutated gene.
Nevertheless Thalassemia is not well-understood by
communities. This paper addresses
how Javanese mothers view the role of God in
Thalassemia. Semi-structured interview was employed to five
mothers having a
child with Thalassemia
residing in Semarang,
Central Java. Most
mothers with Thalassemia children stated
that Thalassemia was a result
of bad consequence
in the past,
known as karma
which they held
at present. Having Thalassemia
children would be perceived as ‘destiny’ and God’s trial to the family. All
mothers agreed that acceptance (nrimo ing pandum) of the child’s condition
without questioning to God was essential as a way to cope with.
This result points to the cultural awareness that exits in community, to
the need for health care providers to be sensitive to the health-related
religious beliefs of patients and their families.
Author: Costrie Ganes
Widayanti
Journal Code: jppsikologiklinisgg110001
