J Korean Soc Biol Ther Psychiatry.  2023 Oct;29(3):107-115. 10.22802/jksbtp.2023.29.3.107.

Association Between the Need for Mental Health Intervention and Mental Health Problems Among the General Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Jang S
• An YW
• Lee JH

• KMID: 2547846
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22802/jksbtp.2023.29.3.107

Abstract

Objectives
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the prevalence of anxiety and depression in the general population was higher than before the pandemic. Identifying subjects at high risk for mental disorders may be necessary for effective mental health intervention. This study examines the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and anger and the related factors in the general population living in Daegu City one year after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
This study collected data on sociodemographic variables, the need for mental health intervention, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory state anger from 1,000 subjects. This study performed independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, post hoc analysis, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression analyses to examine the relationship between sociodemographic variables including the need for mental health intervention and depression, anxiety, and anger.
Results
The prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and anger were 22.4%, 31.3%, and 42.3%. The need for mental health intervention was associated with the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and anger (p<0.001). Additionally, the risk of depression, anxiety, and anger was higher in the group with the need for mental health intervention compared to those without the need (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]; anxiety, 3.270 [2.337–4.575], p<0.001; depression, 4.475 [3.284– 6.097], p<0.001; anger, 4.225 [3.121-5.718], p<0.001).
Conclusions
One year after the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and anger in the general population of Daegu City was high. The subject’s perceived need for mental health intervention is associated with the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and anger and helps identify subjects requiring additional mental health intervention.

Keyword

Health services need and demand; Depression; Anxiety; Anger; Mental health; COVID-19