The association of PM 2.5 and sun exposure with depression in Jakarta, Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53638/phpma.2025.v13.i2.p03Keywords:
PM 2.5, sunlight, depressionAbstract
Background and purpose: Depression is a mental disorder with a high prevalence among young adults in Indonesia. Environmental factors such as sunlight and PM2.5 potentially influencing risk of depression. This study aimed to determine the levels of sunlight and PM2.5 exposure and their association with depression among young adults in urban Jakarta.
Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design conducted in Penjaringan, North Jakarta during December 2023 to November 2024. Sample was 90 young adults recruited using consecutive sampling methods. Data were collected using structured questionnaire to assess sun exposure and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depression. The PM2.5 air-quality monitoring data was obtained from the World Air Quality Index (AQICN) platform. Data were analyzed descriptively and analytically using frequency distributions and the Chi-square test.
Results: The mean age of respondent were 21.92 years old, 62.2% were male and 75.6% were working. Overall, 45.6% had high PM2.5 exposure, while 53.3% had low sun exposure and 45.6% had depression. PM2.5 exposure was significantly associated with depression (OR=2.66; 95%CI: 1.13–6.25), whereas sun exposure was not (OR=1.47; 95%CI: 0.64–3.39).
Conclusion: The study identified substantial PM2.5 exposure and depressive symptoms among young adults, with higher PM2.5 exposure significantly associated with depression. Public health interventions should prioritize reducing air pollution and promoting healthier urban environments alongside mental health programs
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