Korean J Occup Health Nurs.  2022 Feb;31(1):1-10. 10.5807/kjohn.2022.31.1.1.

The Impact of Fear and Perception of Infection Risk on Depression among Service Workers during Covid-19

• Jeon EB
• Baek EM
• Cho SI
• Jeong Y

• KMID: 2537006
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5807/kjohn.2022.31.1.1

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to examine the impact of fear and perception of infection risk on depression among service workers during prolonged Covid-19 service, and to provide basic data on the impact of COVID-19 prevention on the psychological health of service workers.
Methods
Data were collected from workers nationwide from May 24 to 31, 2021. The data were analyzed using the t-test, ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis, using SPSS 28.
Results
It was found that 44.3% of the participants experienced depression (PHQ-9 total scores ≥ 10) during the Covid-19 pandemic. The general characteristics of service workers that made a difference in the level of depression were health status, smoking, and perception of infection risk.
Conclusion
Social support from institutions is needed to treat depression caused by Covid-19 among workers in the service sector.

Keyword

COVID-19; Service workers; Depression; Fear