Pediatricians Show Highest Rate of Depression Among Specialist Doctor Candidates

A total of 2,716 prospective specialists or participants in Indonesia's Specialist Medical Education Program (PPDS) exhibited symptoms of depression. This was revealed through screening conducted by the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes).

This figure represents 22.4% of the total PPDS participants surveyed as of March 2024, according to a report received by *Databoks*, cited on Wednesday (17/4/2024).

Based on their specialization, the highest number of cases came from Pediatrics (Sp1 Ilmu Kesehatan Anak), with 14% of the total PPDS participants showing depressive symptoms, or 381 individuals.

Second was Internal Medicine (Sp1 Ilmu Penyakit Dalam) at 12.9% or 350 individuals. Third was Anesthesiology and Intensive Care (Sp1 Anestesiologi dan Terapi Intensif) at 9.1% or 248 individuals.

Fourth and fifth were Neurology (Sp1 Neurologi) (6% or 164 individuals) and Obstetrics and Gynecology (Sp1 Obstetri dan Ginekologi) (5.6% or 153 individuals).

Sixth was Ophthalmology (Sp1 Ilmu Kesehatan Mata) at 5% or 137 individuals. This was followed by Surgery, Cardiology and Vascular Surgery, Dermatology and Venereology, and Radiology, with proportions below 5%, as shown in the graph.

(Also read: [Experiencing Symptoms of Depression, 3.3% of Prospective Specialist Doctors Want to Self-Harm or Commit Suicide](https://databoks.katadata.co.id/datapublish/2024/04/16/alami-gejala-depresi-33-calon-dokter-spesialis-ingin-lukai-hingga-bunuh-diri))

Based on the hospital of origin, the highest number came from Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central Hospital (RSCM), representing 22.6% of the total PPDS participants with depressive symptoms, or 614 individuals.

Second was Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital (RSUP Dr. Hasan Sadikin) at 12.9% or 350 individuals. Third was Dr. Sardjito General Hospital (RSUP Dr. Sardjito) at 12% or 326 individuals.

Fourth and fifth were Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah General Hospital (RSUP Prof Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah) (10.5%) and Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo General Hospital (RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo) (8.8%).

The Kemenkes also reported that of the 22.4% of PPDS experiencing depressive symptoms, 381 individuals (14%) were undergoing specialist training in Pediatrics. Furthermore, 350 individuals (12.9%) were in Internal Medicine (Sp1); 248 individuals (9.1%) in Anesthesiology; 164 individuals (6%) in Neurology; and 153 individuals (5.6%) in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

This screening was conducted across 28 vertical education hospitals (RSV) with a total sample of 12,121 PPDS participants on March 21st, 22nd, and 24th, 2024.

The data collection method used the Patient Health Questionnaire-9.

The following is a list of the top 10 medical specialties with the highest number of prospective specialist doctors exhibiting depressive symptoms:

1. Pediatrics (Sp1 Ilmu Kesehatan Anak): 14.0% (381 Individuals)
2. Internal Medicine (Sp1 Ilmu Penyakit Dalam): 12.9% (350 Individuals)
3. Anesthesiology and Intensive Care (Sp1 Anestesiologi dan Terapi Intensif): 9.1% (248 Individuals)
4. Neurology (Sp1 Neurologi): 6.0% (164 Individuals)
5. Obstetrics and Gynecology (Sp1 Obstetri dan Ginekologi): 5.6% (153 Individuals)
6. Ophthalmology (Sp1 Ilmu Kesehatan Mata): 5.0% (137 Individuals)
7. Surgery (Sp1 Ilmu Bedah): 4.7% (127 Individuals)
8. Cardiology and Vascular Surgery (Sp1 Jantung Dan Pembuluh Darah): 4.2% (114 Individuals)
9. Dermatology and Venereology (Sp1 Dermatologi dan Venerelogi): 3.9% (107 Individuals)
10. Radiology (Sp1 Radiologi): 3.7% (100 Individuals)

(Also read: [The Highest Number of Prospective Specialist Doctors Exhibiting Depressive Symptoms are from RSCM](https://databoks.katadata.co.id/datapublish/2024/04/16/calon-dokter-spesialis-yang-bergejala-depresi-terbanyak-dari-rscm))