ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOUR AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG DISPLACED POPULATION IN TAMAN BAYU DAMAI, JOHOR

Abstract

https://doi.org/10.32827/ijphcs.5.6.238

Background: Displaced population is a broad definition than encompasses refugees, internally-displaced population and relocated populations and this phenomenon can cause a lot of effect which can be economical, psycho-social, health and wellbeing. Adaptive behaviour is a compilation of social, conceptual and practical skills that a person learned to be able to play their role in daily living. This can be influenced by various factors like socio-demographic, socio-economic and physical health.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Taman Bayu Damai, Pengerang, Johor from May 2018 to June 2018 among 554 relocated population. Respondents were selected using proportionate stratified sampling based on their previous localities prior to relocation. Number of respondents for each stratum is determined to be proportionate with its size compared to the whole area and randomised. Respondents were handed a self-administered questionnaire. The Spearman’s Correlation was used to determine correlations between continuous variables. After categorisations, Chi-Square Test of Independence was used to determine the association between the categorical variables. Finally, multiple logistic regression using Enter method was used to identify significant predictors.

Result: The response rate was 92.3%. Response rate across all strata ranged from 84.3% to 97.3%. Five factors were found to be significantly associated with poor adaptive behaviour which are gender, education level, social support, marital status and monthly income. However, upon further analysis, none of these plus confounding factors was a significant predictor for poor adaptive behaviour.

Conclusion: Adaptive behaviour among displaced population in Taman Bayu Damai is generally good but there is still small portion of population that still struggling. These population can be targeted to avoid further deterioration and potentially lead to mental issues. Future intervention should focus on female, lower education level, lower income, widowed and divorcees and low social support and emphasis on religious and self-empowerment programmes.

Keywords: adaptive behaviour, displaced population, brief cope