The Effect of Dhikr Therapy on Reducing Depressive Symptoms in the 2021 Cohort of Medical Students at Universitas Muslim Indonesia

Background: Depression is a serious mental disorder that is often experienced by students, especially in high-demand academic environments, such as the faculty of medicine. The 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) data shows that 30.80% of medical students in Indonesia experience depression. Dhikr, as a spiritual practice, is believed to have a calming effect and reduce depressive symptoms. This study aimed to analyze the effect of dhikr on reducing depressive symptoms among students of the 2021 cohort at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Muslim Indonesia (UMI). Methods: This study used an analytical observational design with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 69 preclinical students who experienced depressive symptoms based on a DASS-42 score. Data were collected through the Dhikr Intensity and DASS-42 questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using a Paired Sample T-test to compare the level of depression before and after dhikr therapy. Results: Before dhikr therapy, 49.30% of respondents experienced mild range, 34.80% moderate range, 11.60% severe range, and 4.30% extremely severe range of depressive symptoms. After dhikr therapy, 27.50% of respondents had a normal range of depressive symptoms. Respondents who experienced severe and extremely severe range decreased to 1.40% and 0.00%, respectively. The statistical test results show a significant difference (p <0.050) in severity ranges before and after dhikr therapy. Conclusion: Dhikr has a significant effect in reducing depressive symptoms among students of the 2021 cohort at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Muslim Indonesia. The higher the intensity of dhikr, the lower the level of depressive symptoms experienced. Therefore, students are encouraged to continue and strengthen the practice of dhikr as a means of supporting their mental well-being. Further research is expected to develop these findings by involving a larger number of respondents and comparing the severity ranges of depressive symptoms among different cohorts.