Korean J Med Educ.  2025 Mar;37(1):1-12. 10.3946/kjme.2025.318.

Association between non-academic activities and professional identity formation of Indonesian medical students: a nationwide cross-sectional study

• Tjandra S
• Keane A
• Yumnanisha DA
• Taher MA
• Kristiandi HA
• Pinasthika A
• Greviana N

• KMID: 2565294
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3946/kjme.2025.318

Abstract

Purpose
This study explores the association between student involvement in non-academic activities (NAA) and the stages of professional identity formation (PIF) among Indonesian medical students.
Methods
This cross-sectional survey was distributed to students in 50 medical schools, across both preclinical and clinical students in years 2-6. Respondents completed a Developmental Scale (DS) questionnaire to assess PIF and self-reported the number of hours spent on different NAA. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed; multiple linear regression was utilized to predict PIF.
Results
Indonesian medical students reported a median of 13 NAA hours and a median DS score of 5.07 on a scale of 7. NAA hours were significantly different across sex groups, years of study, university regions, and institution types. Female participants spent significantly more hours on NAA than male students and PIF was predicted by the number of hours spent on research and competition-related activities. Shifts between the types of NAA were also observed among year groups.
Conclusion
NAA are positively associated with the PIF process, with students’ active involvement in research and competitionrelated activities as predictors in this area. Supporting these activities becomes imperative for medical schools in order to optimize students’ potential, motivation, and PIF.

Keyword

Non-academic activities; Extracurricular activities; Professional identity formation; Medical students