Health Policy Manag.  2021 Sep;31(3):374-383. 10.4332/KJHPA.2021.31.3.374.

Factors Affecting the Depressive Mood Experience in University Students by Gender in COVID-19 Pandemic Situation: Using Community Health Survey Data for 2020

• Kim KS

• KMID: 2525761
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4332/KJHPA.2021.31.3.374

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study is to identify the factors affecting the depressive mood experience in university students by gender.
Methods
This study is a descriptive survey that conducted a secondary analysis using data from the 2020 Community Health Survey, which is conducted annually in Korea. The study targets 8,928 college students, 4,682 male students and 4,246 female students. Data analysis was conducted after creating a composite sample plan file that reflected layering variables, colony variables, and weights.
Results
Factors affecting the depressive mood experience of both males and females were household income, smoking, subjective stress levels, changes in drinking and smoking, and the number of encounters caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Factors influencing the depressive mood experience of females were the presence of breakfast, changes in physical activity due to COVID-19, and the presence of helpers in self-quarantine due to COVID-19 (p<0.05).
Conclusion
Psychological counseling programs should be promoted to actively utilize mental health in those in their 20s and 30s. Universities also need to detect depressed students early through screening and perform timely and appropriate interventions.

Keyword

COVID-19; Students; Gender identity; Depression; Psychological distress