Alva Supit, Merry Gosal, Prycilia Mamuaja, Sicilia Kumaat, Achmad Paturusi
Background and ObjectiveaaThe correlation between late chronotype and depression has beenwell documented, but reports from the equatorial area, where the sun shines throughout the yearwith less seasonal variation, are limited. In the present research study, we sought to 1) examine therelationship between the chronotype and mental health symptoms in an Indonesian student populationand 2) explore the characteristics of those who lie at the extreme chronotype and psychometry.MethodsaaThis is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study including undergraduate studentsin an Indonesian university (n = 493). We used the Munich Chronotype Questionnaires and theDepression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale to assess the chronotype and mental symptoms, respectively.Following this, a follow-up with an in-depth interview on the selected population at the extremeend of the chronotype was performed as an exploratory approach to identify their common characteristics.ResultsaaAmong the tested parameters, the depression score was significantly associated withchronotype (p = 0.003), replicating previous findings from other areas with higher latitudes. Thecorrelation persisted when males and females were analyzed separately (p = 0.008 and 0.037, respectively).A follow-up qualitative analysis revealed a potential subclinical, unrealized depressionamong the subjects; our findings revealed the use of smartphones during or before bedtime as acommon factor among those with later chronotypes.ConclusionsaaThere is a correlation between depression score and chronotype among Indonesiancollege students, where subjects with later chronotype are more likely to have a higher depressionscore. © 2021 The Korean Society of Sleep Medicine
Department of Public Health, Manado State University, Tondano, Indonesia; Ministry of Health, Manado, Indonesia