Depression and stressors in children with Cancer in Jakarta: A cross-sectional study

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La Saudi, Resi Putri Naulia, Gusrina Komara Putri, Vernando Yanry Lameky, Tsania Ayu Zaharany, Novianti Lailiah, Nurullia Hanum Hilfida, Mei Lestari Ika Widyyati, Ahmadi, Ririn Probowati

2025 Multidisciplinary Science Journal Vol. 7 Issue 10 Article Cited by 0 Quartile

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the predictors of depression in children with cancer in Jakarta, Indonesia. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 72 children aged 7 to 18 years who received at Dharmasi Cancer Hospital, Jakarta. The Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), consisting of 27 items, assessed the children’s feelings and thoughts. Each item was rated on a scale of 0-2, with total scores ranging from 0-54, which were used to determine the level of depression. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results indicated that the primary factors associated with depression were negative self-image (42%), self-rejection (41%), doubt (40.5%), doubts about relationships with peers (31%), and physical issues (28%). Among the respondents, 72.2% showed no signs of depression, 11.1% exhibited mild depression, 9.7% had major depression and 6.9% experienced moderate depression. A significant difference in depression levels was observed based on gender, age, and duration of treatment (p<0.05). The findings highlight that children with cancer are at an increased risk of psychological distress, including anxiety and depression. Effective communication with healthcare providers is essential to identifying the underlying causes of these symptoms and formulating appropriate interventions. Copyright (c) 2025 The Authors. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Affiliations

Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia; STIKes Estu Utomo, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia; Politeknik Karya Husada, Jakarta, Indonesia; Universitas Kristen Indonesia Maluku, Maluku, Indonesia; Universitas Nazhatut Thullab Al-Muafa Sampang, Jakarta, Indonesia; STIKes Pemkab Jombang, Jawa Timur, Indonesia