Social Wellbeing by Design: IT Solution for Children Mental Health Problems in Urban Poverty of Klang Valley

Abstract

In recent years, Malaysia’s urban poverty has been seen as increasingly apparent because of urbanization. Children under the age of 18 are some of the most affected groups in urban poor communities facing a variety of daily problems and challenges. Growing up in this environment ultimately affects their mental health. This study was conducted to investigate children’s mental health problems in the urban poverty community of the Klang Valley area. Based on the desk research conducted, we have found children are vulnerable to mental health issues and more susceptible if coming from an urban poverty background. Available intervention systems are insufficient and non-accessible. The main objective of this study is to adapt the soft system methodology for Community IT-Based project. The method involved using action research. Postgraduate students in Information Technology from a public university in Malaysia taking the problem-solving course for information technology had applied the soft system methodology in their group project. Using Soft System Methodology (SSM), the phenomenon is studied to explore the issues systematically, untie hidden relationships of involved stakeholders and suggest an ideal solution. We propose the Public Mental Health Booth with telehealth and online tips services, bridging the gap between children in need of professional help to the professionals themselves. The conceived solution integrates social wellbeing by design, which promotes security and empowerment for a possible positive behavioral change. The main contribution and motivation for this study are in the form of adaptation of SSM to the local context as a case study in guiding future research and application for Community IT-Based Projects. This research supports Sustainable Development Goals on Quality Education and Good Health and Well-Being.