Association Between Religiosity, Spirituality, and Depression-Anxiety Among Pharmacist Students in Indonesia

Abstract

Students in the Pharmacist Professional Study Program (PPSP) must pass the Indonesian Pharmacist Competency Exam (UKAI) to get the title of pharmacist. They feel the burden and fear of not passing the exam, which can trigger anxiety and depression, especially in the pandemic era. Religion also provides a perspective that individuals can use to reduce their distress when faced with many stressors. The study aims to determine the relationship between religiosity and spirituality and depression and anxiety in PPSP students in Indonesia. The method used in the study is a cross-sectional design with DUREL, DSES, SAS and SDS questionnaires as the data instruments. The study was carried out in all Association of Higher Education in Indonesian Pharmacy (APTFI) regions. A cluster random sampling technique was conducted and 362 students participated. The study found that Indonesian PPSP students had mild to moderate anxiety (21%). Fortunately, the relationship between the level of spirituality, depression, and anxiety represents negative values, with a correlation R = -0.123 (p <0.05) and -0.115 (p <0.05), which indicates that religiosity and spirituality in PSPP students are associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety. As a consequence, developing spirituality and religiosity for PPSP students and improving mental well-being is essential.