A Questionnaire Survey of the Mental Health of Japanese Expatriates in China During the COVID-19 Epidemic in 2021

Abstract

This study examined the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Japanese expatriates living in China. The survey period was from March 30 to July 31, 2021; responses were received via an online survey. An online survey gathered responses from 236 participants about the impact of COVID-19 on their work and life. While 80% of the participants responded that COVID-19 had impacted their work and life, 60% said that it had a physical or mental impact. Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U test were conducted to compare the effects of COVID-19 on job performance, including personal attributes. The impact of COVID-19 was associated with gender (p = .007), age (p = .010), occupation (p = .005), job title (p = .009), and living arrangements with or without a partner (p = .005). The impact was also correlated with age (p = .030), job position (p = .014), number of times the respondent had lived in Japan (p = .003), and number of years in Japan (p = .015). The most significant effect on mental and physical health was correlated with job position (p = .016). Thus, Japanese expatriates living in China were substantially affected by the COVID-19 epidemic; although, 60% of them said their region was easy to live in. Further, despite the Chinese government’s strict isolation orders, they found the thorough testing and use of the coronavirus tracking app reassuring. This suggests the importance of providing not only mental care for expatriates during the COVID-19 epidemic but also prompt decision-making based on an accurate understanding of the local situation.