J Agric Med Community Health.  2023 Mar;48(1):13-27. 10.5393/JAMCH.2023.48.1.013.

Changes in Public Health Perceptios after the Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease-19 among the Gangwon Province Residents Focusing on the Results of the Gangwon Province Residents’ Panel Survey 2019-2020

• Hwang YS
• Jo HS
• Jung SM

• KMID: 2549222
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5393/JAMCH.2023.48.1.013

Abstract

Objectives
The purpose of this study is to investigate changes in public health-related perceptions of residents of Gangwon province after the outbreak of Coronavirus disease-19(COVID-19) of the public.
Methods
We performed paired T-test analysis to measure the change in public health-related perceptions before and after COVID-19. We also utilized generalized estimating equations to identify demographic factors correlated with public health-related perceptions.
Results
The public perceived public health as ‘All citizens can use medical care and protect/promote health.’ The concept was the most popular, from 94.3% in 2019 to 95.5% in 2020. In addition, after COVID-19, residents of Gangwon province's satisfaction with medical services increased, but the overall level was not high. Among the eight essential healthcare needs after COVID-19, cardiovascular disease and injury services have emerged as preferred services. However, by sociodemographic factors, distinctive responses were detected.
Conclusions
Through COVID-19, Gangwon residents' awareness of the public's health rights has increased. Those living in vulnerable areas or with unmet medical care, supported strengthening public health care. In addition, although medical satisfaction has increased, it is not satisfied, so listening to the voices of the population group with low satisfaction is essential. Lastly, since the necessity of essential health care may change due to specific events, the local government needs to plan health projects reflecting the needs of residents. Therefore, when designing the public health care strategy in Gangwon province, the local government should consider not only political factors but also environmental factors, demographic and conceptual factors.

Keyword

COVID-19; Public Health; Delivery of health care; Health Policy; Awareness