Psychiatry Investig.  2024 Jan;21(1):74-82. 10.30773/pi.2023.0217.

Protective Behaviors Against COVID-19 and Related Factors in Korean Adults With Depressive Symptoms: Results From an Analysis of the 2020 Korean Community Health Survey

• Cho HJ
• Choi KS
• Lee JY
• Yun JA
• Yu JC

• KMID: 2551070
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.30773/pi.2023.0217

Abstract

Objective
This study evaluated protective behaviors against coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and related factors in individuals with depressive symptoms.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included data from the 2020 Korean Community Health Survey. Depressive symptoms, COVID- 19 protection behaviors, and related factors were investigated in 228,485 people. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze categorical variables. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 27.0).
Results
In the study, 3.9% (n=8,970) had depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher in individuals in their 19–39 years , and ≥60s than in those in their 40–59 years (p<0.001). Lower education level and household income were associated with a higher prevalence of depression (p<0.001). Among the various occupations, service workers had the highest prevalence of depressive symptoms (p<0.001). Individuals with depressive symptoms were less likely to adopt protective behaviors against COVID-19 (p<0.001) or exhibit concerns regarding death and economic damage (p<0.001) compared to individuals without depressive symptoms. Individuals with depressive symptoms were more likely to have unhealthy behaviors than those without depressive symptoms (p<0.001). Individuals with depressive symptoms considered that the COVID-19 response by the government and other organizations was inadequate (p<0.001).
Conclusion
During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals with depressive symptoms faced greater challenges in adopting protective behaviors. Therefore, it is crucial to develop strategies to protect people with depressive symptoms during another pandemic in the future.

Keyword

Pandemic; COVID-19; Depression; Health survey; Prevention; PHQ-9