NERS NEWS — As a strategic effort to minimize the risk of relapse among individuals with mental illness, Young Ners from the Professional Nursing Program, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, organized a Hospital Health Promotion (PKRS) program entitled “SAHABAT” (Synergy of Empowered Family Members). The activity was held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic of RSD Prof. dr. Moeljono (RS Menur). Through lectures and interactive discussions, the program strengthened the role of families as the primary support system in maintaining medication adherence, creating a supportive home environment, and recognizing the early signs of relapse.
The PKRS session provided participants with an overview of mental illness and relapse, including common triggering factors and early warning signs. Through the SAHABAT program, the Wave 4 Young Ners of Jatayu 2 Ward, Universitas Airlangga, explained practical strategies for creating a supportive home environment, communicating effectively with individuals experiencing mental illness, and responding appropriately when relapse symptoms begin to appear. Families were also educated on the importance of medication adherence and attending regular follow-up appointments.
The activity, held in the waiting area of the Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic at RSD Prof. dr. Moeljono (RS Menur), was enthusiastically attended by family members accompanying patients for routine visits. The program was fully conducted by the Wave 4 Young Ners of Jatayu 2 Ward, Universitas Airlangga, under the supervision of Rr. Dian Tristiana, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep. as the academic supervisor and Suci Damayani, S.Kep., Ns. as the clinical supervisor from the hospital.
According to global data from the World Health Organization (2022) and Indonesia’s Ministry of Health (2023), the high prevalence of mental health disorders is further exacerbated by frequent relapse resulting from poor medication adherence and limited family psychoeducation. This program aims to transform families into active recovery partners who can support treatment continuity and reduce environmental stressors at home. For healthcare institutions, this integrated educational initiative strengthens family-centered promotive and preventive services while contributing to a reduction in the economic burden associated with repeated psychiatric hospitalizations.
This educational activity supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by promoting family-based mental health care to reduce relapse rates among individuals with mental illness.SDG 4: Quality Education, by providing quality mental health education for families while supporting socially impactful and adaptive Professional Nursing education.
The SAHABAT Hospital Health Promotion program successfully improved families’ understanding of home-based care and self-management for individuals with mental illness. Moving forward, the Young Ners of Universitas Airlangga remain committed to expanding community engagement through psychiatric nursing initiatives. Continued collaboration among higher education institutions, healthcare facilities, and the community is expected to reduce mental health stigma, support comprehensive patient recovery, and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Indonesia.
Writer: Thania Aisyah Shabirah Ayu
