Psychiatry Investig.  2022 Nov;19(11):965-972. 10.30773/pi.2022.0131.

Depression and Related Factors in Korean Adults During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak

• Kim SH
• Han MA

• KMID: 2536203
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.30773/pi.2022.0131

Abstract

Objective
We aimed to determine the status of depression and its related factors among adult Koreans during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.
Methods
We used data from the 2020 Korea Community Health Survey (KCHS). We assessed depressive feelings and symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9 ≥10). In addition, we assessed general and COVID-19–related characteristics, including isolation due to and concerns about COVID-19. We analyzed the data using chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses.
Results
The rates of depressive feelings and symptoms were 5.9% and 2.9%, respectively. Of the adult respondents, 68.5% were concerned about COVID-19, while 75.9% were concerned about economic harm due to COVID-19. The adjusted odds ratios for depressive symptoms assessed using the PHQ-9 were significantly high among women responders, adults aged 19–44 years, low-income households, those who experienced COVID-19–related symptoms, and those concerned about death due to COVID-19 and economic harm due to COVID-19. Similar results were obtained for depressive feeling.
Conclusion
Concerns related to COVID-19 infection are related to depression. This suggests that COVID-19 significantly affects mental health. Therefore, during public health crises, such as new communicable diseases, mental health and the incidence of the infectious disease require assessment and monitoring.

Keyword

Communicable diseases; COVID-19; Depression; Health surveys; Pandemic; Patient Health Questionnaire