COVID-19 Pandemic In Korea Research Articles

Inequitable distribution of excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea, 2020.

This study analyzed inequities in excess mortality according to region and socioeconomic position to explain the distribution of excess mortality in Korea in 2020. We acquired weekly all-cause mortality data from January 2015 to December 2020 from (1) the National Health Insurance Database and (2) Vital Statistics. Excess mortality for 2020 was calculated by comparing the weekly observed and expected deaths from the same period (2015-2019) using quasi-Poisson regression. An inequitable distribution of excess mortality was identified. The estimated excess mortality in Korea was -29,112 (95% confidence interval, -29,832 to -28,391), corresponding to -55 per 100,000, and the ratio of observed deaths to expected deaths was 0.91. Negative excess mortality was observed except for females in the 0-14 age group. Male Medical Aid beneficiaries showed positive excess mortality, while non-disabled and disabled groups showed similar negative values. When the standardized mortality ratio was calculated for the top 10 causes of death, deaths from Alzheimer's disease and septicemia increased, whereas those from diabetes mellitus and cerebrovascular disease decreased. The decrease in mortality was primarily concentrated in older adults, while the mortality of young females increased due to increased intentional self-harm. This study adds essential evidence regarding the overall performance of Korea. The observed inequalities according to various socioeconomic variables indicate that the results of strict measures to control coronavirus disease 2019 were not distributed equitably. Efforts should be made to properly evaluate the current and future problems related to the pandemic.

Vulnerable individuals and changes in suicidal behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a major threat to mental health and is associated with an increased risk of suicide. An understanding of suicidal behaviours during the pandemic is necessary for establishing policies to prevent suicides in such social conditions. We aimed to investigate vulnerable individuals and the characteristics of changes in suicidal behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with suicide attempts who visited the emergency department from February 2019 to January 2021. We analysed the demographic and clinical characteristics, risk factors and rescue factors of patients, and compared the findings between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. In total, 519 patients were included. During the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods, 303 and 270 patients visited the emergency department after a suicide attempt, respectively. The proportion of suicide attempts by women (60.1% v. 69.3%, P = 0.035) and patients with a previous psychiatric illness (63.4% v. 72.9%, P = 0.006) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, patients' rescue scores during the pandemic were lower than those during the pre-pandemic period (12 (interquartile range: 11-13) v. 13 (interquartile range: 12-14), P < 0.001). Women and people with previous psychiatric illnesses were more vulnerable to suicide attempts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Suicide prevention policies, such as continuous monitoring and staying in touch with vulnerable individuals, are necessary to cope with suicide risk.

Changes in the Incidence of Cardiovascular Diseases during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea.

There is scarcity in the evidence addressing the indirect impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology of CVDs. In this study we aimed to examine possible changes in the incidence of CVDs in Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic. ICD-10 codes of six common CVDs (cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, cardiac failure, and arrhythmia) were collected from clinical visits between January 2018 and March 2021 using the National Health Insurance service database, which stores data on all citizens of Korea (~50 million people). The number and distribution of monthly visits for CVDs were compared before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the differences were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test and Levene’s test. Our data showed similar incidences of cerebral hemorrhage and ischemic heart disease, a lower incidence of cerebral infarction, and higher incidences of myocardial infarction, cardiac failure, and arrhythmia during COVID-19. Despite statistical differences, the changes in incidences were not considered meaningful. The monthly incidences also remained similar throughout the year, without seasonal variations, both before and during the COVID-19 outbreak. This study found no significant changes in the incidences or monthly variation in CVDs due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea.

Factors affecting PTSD symptoms among hospital nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea

This study is to investigate the factors affecting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among hospital nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea. Cross-sectional, descriptive design is used in this study. Data collection was completed through an online self-administered survey from December 2020 to January 2021 among 180 registered nurses dealing with COVID-19 patients at hospitals. This survey includes socio-demographic questions, including a 22-item PTSD questionnaire, a 14-item type D personality questionnaire, a 25-item resilience questionnaire, and a 23-item Social Support Scale questionnaire. 56.1% of the subjects in this study were at risk of PTSD. In the high-risk group for PTSD, resilience and social support were lower than those in the low-risk group for PTSD. But there was no statistically significant difference in both variables (resilience t=0.21, p=.836, social support t=1.07, p=.287). However, education (OR = 2.23, p= .041) and type D personality (OR = 3.67, p < .001) were significant factors for PTSD symptoms. The results of the study can be utilized to recognize PTSD in nurses by identifying factors influencing PTSD during epidemics such as COVID-19, and to apply management systems such as psychological programs to help overcome them.

Health Promotion Behaviors of Pregnant Couples in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Actor-Partner Interdependence Model.

Pregnancy during the pandemic may be a stressful life event. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the actor and partner effects of the fear of COVID-19, depression, posttraumatic growth, and marital adjustment on the health promotion behaviors of pregnant couples during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea. Data were collected from 123 pregnant couples using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). The actor effects of the fear of COVID-19, depression, and posttraumatic growth on the health promotion behaviors of pregnant women and their spouses were significant. Furthermore, both actor and partner effects of husbands’ marital adjustment on health promotion behaviors were significant. When carrying out nursing intervention for the health promotion of pregnant couples, programs aimed at reducing depression and improving posttraumatic growth in pregnant couples should be included. In addition, improving marital adjustment will positively affect the health promotion behaviors of pregnant couples. The findings highlight the important role of healthcare providers in assessing depressive symptoms and fear of COVID-19 in pregnant couples and providing support to promote health behaviors as part of prenatal care.

Government Communication Strategies in Time of Pandemic: Comparative Study between South Korea and Indonesia

The COVID-19 pandemic is a multi-faceted crisis with a very high public health risk. The more difficult the pandemic, the greater emphasis must be placed on effective government communications. It will play a major role in responding to the pandemic successfully. Meanwhile, ineffective government communication has resulted in widespread public uncertainty and major blunders in reacting to escalating health dangers have had potentially devastating health and social consequences for society, as well as protracted the outbreak. This paper conducts an empirical and comparative analysis of the determinants of government communication strategies in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea and Indonesia. It aims to explain the success of Korean public communication compared to Indonesia. This study uses a literature review along with a case study using comparable variables. The determining factors used are initial conditions, institutional capacity, transparency, effective coordination, and collaboration between stakeholders. Evidence shows that Korea is better off across all determinants. The lessons from the experience of government communication strategies in responding to the pandemic in these two countries can be used to teach other countries what to do and not to do in government communication services in the midst of a pandemic situation.

Abstract 433: Colorectal and gastric cancer screening rates in Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare delivery, which is widely discussed as the distraction effect. This study aimed to estimate the distraction effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea by analyzing colorectal and gastric cancer screening rates in the years 2019 and 2020. Methods: Information of eligible population who had colorectal and gastric cancer screening provided by the National Cancer Screening Program in the years 2019 and 2020 was collected. Participation rates were analyzed by age group, sex, geographic region, and calendar month. Percentage change was calculated by dividing the percentage point difference by the screening rate of the reference period (2019). Results: Overall, the colorectal and gastric cancer screening rates had decreased in 2020, compared to the reference period. For colorectal cancer, the screening rate decreased from 68.3% in 2019 (5,886,319 participants/14,526,424 eligible population) to 54.6% in 2020 (5,135,218/9,410,525) For gastric cancer, the screening rates decreased from 61.9% in 2019 (7,194,489/11,625,627) to 54.6% in 2020 (6,244,491/11,439,246). In March, during the first wave, the screening rates declined sharply (percentage change: colorectal, 56.6%; gastric, 57.3%). Although the screening rates had rebounded aftermath, they declined again in December, during the third wave (percentage change: colorectal, 17.0%; gastric, 13.8%). According to specific-age group, we found a substantial decline in screening rates for older adults aged 80~84, and those over 85 (percentage change: colorectal, 19.0% &amp; 23.0%; gastric, 17.4% &amp; 25.1% respectively). Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the screening rates for both colorectal and gastric cancer decreased. There was a substantial decline during the first and the third waves of the epidemic, in March and in December. The older adults group showed the highest reduction in screening rates. However, comparing the screening rate by region and sex, we did not find a significant difference. Delayed cancer diagnosis or excess death due to distraction effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has not yet been detected in Korea, therefore, further studies are needed. Citation Format: Seung Hee Seo, Hyeree Park, Jong Heon Park, Bhumsuk Keam, Shin Hye Yoo, Aesun Shin. Colorectal and gastric cancer screening rates in Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 433.

The Effects of an Online-Offline Hybrid Exercise Program on the Lives of Children with Cerebral Palsy Using Wheelchairs during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many online programs for social meetings, education, leisure, and physical activities have been developed and provided; however, children with cerebral palsy (CP) cannot enjoy online programs in the same way that those without disabilities can. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in reintegration to normal living (RNL), social interaction, and quality of life among school-age children with CP after participation in a game-based online–offline hybrid group exercise program. The current study was conducted on 26 children with CP who participated in a hybrid exercise program. The RNL, social interaction, and quality of life were measured before and after the six-week program. The scores of RNL and quality of life were improved (p < 0.05) after program participation. Online or hybrid exercise programs incorporating interactive methods (i.e., competition and cooperating) could enhance RNL and quality of life of children with CP. Thus, well-designed online or hybrid exercise programs should be developed and provided for children with CP to enhance overall quality of life during the pandemic.

Analysis of the number of liver and kidney transplantations during COVID-19 pandemic in Korea: A report of years 2020 and 2021

Analysis of the number of liver and kidney transplantations during COVID-19 pandemic in Korea: A report of years 2020 and 2021

A cross-sectional study on public health nurses' disaster competencies and influencing factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea

Public health nurses are performing various roles during the COVID-19 pandemic: counseling, surveillance, specimen collection, epidemiological investigation, education, and vaccination. This study investigated their disaster competencies in the context of emerging infectious diseases, and identified their influencing factors based on Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory. A convenience sample of 242 was selected from public health nurses working in a metropolitan city of South Korea. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis using the SPSS Statistics ver. 23.0. Results showed that the significant factors influencing disaster competencies included “willingness to respond to a disaster,” “preventive behavior,” “experience of receiving education on emerging infectious diseases response,” “public health center experience,” “job satisfaction,” and “education.” This regression model explained 33.2% of the variance in disaster competencies. “Willingness to respond to a disaster” was the strongest factor affecting disaster competencies. Based on these results, it is concluded that interventions to improve disaster competencies and psychological well-being of public health nurses are needed. Additionally, strategies such as creating a supportive work environment, deploying experienced nurses primarily on the front line, and reducing the tasks of permanent public health nurses should be implemented.

Influences of Dog Attachment and Dog Walking on Reducing Loneliness during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea.

Simple SummaryEven before the emergence of COVID-19, animal companionship was gaining popularity in Korea as a strategy to reduce loneliness and isolation caused by a rapidly aging population and an increase in one-person households. Many dog owners have experienced the emotional and physical benefits that dog ownership provides during the COVID-19 period. This study examined the relationship between dog attachment, dog walking and loneliness during times of widespread isolation. An online, cross-sectional survey for dog owners was conducted in the fall of 2020. Voluntary participants responded to questionnaires about their relationship with dogs, dog attachment, and dog walking during COVID-19. Our study suggests that dog walking has no direct effect on reducing loneliness but the relationship between dog walking and loneliness might be mediated by attachment. Due to the strict social distancing guidelines during the pandemic, dog walking would not allow opportunities for conversation with other people, but it seems that spending time outside with dogs strengthens the bonds between humans and companion dogs, alleviating loneliness.The COVID-19 pandemic has changed people’s lives and increased their vulnerability to physical and mental health hazards. While Korea has avoided nationwide lockdown measures since the COVID-19 outbreak, the prolonged restrictions and social isolation measures have resulted in detrimental psychological effects, such as increased anxiety, boredom, and loneliness. The present study investigated dog attachment and changes in dog walking during the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of dog attachment and dog walking on the loneliness of Korean dog owners. An online, cross-sectional survey was conducted in the fall of 2021 in which 249 dog owners responded to questionnaires that asked questions about dog attachment, their perception of dog walking, and their feelings of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most dog owners responded that they spent more time with their dogs and developed a stronger bond with them during the pandemic. Additionally, respondents stated that they walked their dogs more often than they did before COVID-19 and that their dogs aided in reducing loneliness. We found that dog walking directly affected attachment and indirectly influenced the loneliness of dog owners. Further research is required to determine how dog walking impacts positive psychological effects and promote dog walking.

The general public's perspectives on telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea: analysis of a nationwide survey.

OBJECTIVESWe investigated the awareness, experience, approval, intention to use, and the desired type of telemedicine among Korean general public.METHODSFrom November to December 2020, we conducted an online self-reported survey on awareness, experience, approval, and intent to use telemedicine services among Korean residents aged 20 years or older. A total of 2,097 participants completed the survey.RESULTSOf the 2,097 participants, 1,558 (74.3%) were aware of, 1,198 (57.1%) approved of, and 1,474 (70.3%) had the intention to use telemedicine. Participants from regions other than the Seoul metropolitan area and Daegu–Gyeongbuk Province (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 to 1.63), households with a monthly household income of US$6,000 or more (aOR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.01 to 2.08), participants who had a college/university or associate’s degree (aOR, 1.35. 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.75) or a master’s degree or above (aOR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.20 to 2.50), and housewives (aOR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.64) had higher odds of approval. Elderly participants, those with a chronic disease (aOR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.54), those who had experienced delays of healthcare services (aOR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.27 to 2.96), and those who had experience with telemedicine (aOR, 4.28; 95% CI, 1.69 to 10.82) were more likely to intend to use telemedicine services. Regarding types of telemedicine, teleconsultation between doctors showed the highest approval rate (73.1%).CONCLUSIONSIn the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, more than 70% of participants had already used or intended to use telemedicine at some point. Groups with a substantial need for telemedicine were more in favor of telemedicine.

코로나-19시대의 복음전도 사역을 위한 제언

The paper searches for the new ways of the evangelistic engagement during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic in Korea. While Covid-19 is inflicting serious damage to the entire Korean society, the damage to the Protestant churches is especially serious. The prohibition of the ‘in-person gathering’ for the worship resulted the decrease in membership and, endangered the ‘gathering’ centered ecclesiology in Korea. This study surveyed three congregations as case studies how the local congregations respond to their evangelistic task during the pandemic. With some preliminary assessments from these case study, the paper suggests four ways of evangelistic engagement in this era; that is, 1) through virtual communication, 2) through storytelling, 3) through ethical living, and 4) through the practice of hospitality.

Incidence of Pediatric Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea

Incidence of Pediatric Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea

Trends in Emergency Department Visits for Suicide Attempts Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea: A Nationwide Study, 2016–2021

Trends in Emergency Department Visits for Suicide Attempts Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea: A Nationwide Study, 2016–2021

Performance of socially responsible firms during the COVID-19 crisis and trading behavior by investor type: Evidence from the Korean stock market

The COVID-19 pandemic in Korea provides grounds for understanding the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the stock returns and trading behavior of investors, particularly when most businesses have fallen on hard times. This study empirically finds that CSR reputations are associated with higher returns and lower volatilities by comparing the two portfolios which are composed of CSR and non-CSR firms, respectively. We also discover that public pension funds and other institutional investors have liquidated non-CSR stocks more aggressively than CSR stocks. This indicates that institutional investors consider CSR to transform their stock portfolios into less risky ones.

Physicians’ perception toward using telephone consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea

Background: As the world faced a pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in 2019, telemedicine quickly spread and was widely adopted. This was the first instance where telephone consultations were temporarily allowed in Korea. We used data from the 2020 Korean Physician Survey and analyzed the physicians’ perceptions of telephone consultations, the reasons for providing these consultations, and the level of physician satisfaction after providing it.Current Concepts: A total of 6,342 respondents were selected for the final analysis of the research results. Regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic, the data showed that most physicians had a negative perception (77.1%) toward the introduction of the telemedicine system. A third (31.1%) of physicians surveyed had provided medical treatment via telephone consultation. According to the position the physicians held, professors, fellows, self-employed physicians, and public health physicians had the most experience in this method of consultation. The use of telephone consultation was highest in the field of internal medicine (44.5%) treatment. Data also showed that most physicians (83.5%) who provided such consultations experienced difficulties in making a medical judgment that could ensure their patients’ safety.Discussion and Conclusion: The results of this study verified that physicians’ opinions about the telemedicine system differed according to service, area of specialization, region, and type of medical institution. A closer review and establishment of policy alternatives are required to explore the possible expansion of teleconsultations and related medical treatments in the future.

Lived Experiences of Nurses in Taking Care of Patients in COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea

Lived Experiences of Nurses in Taking Care of Patients in COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea

College Nursing Students’ Awareness of COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea: Q methodological approach

목적 본 연구의 목적은 Q방법론을 통해 간호대학생이 경험한 코로나바이러스 감염증-19 확산에 대한 인식의 구조를 살펴보고 유형화함으로서 간호대학생의 유형별 특성을 이해하고 바람직한 신종감염병 대처향상을 위한 감염간호 교육 프로그램 개발의 전략을 제시하기 위해 시도되었다. 방법 Q모집단 구성을 위해 간호대학생이 경험한 코로나바이러스 감염증-19 확산에 대한 서면 인터뷰 내용과 코로나바이러스 감염증-19와 관련된 문헌고찰을 수행하였다. 이를 통해 도출된 결과를 바탕으로 중복되거나 의미가 모호한 문장을 추려내는 작업을 거쳐 총 34개의 Q 진술문이 추출되었다. Q 표본 진술문을 60명의 간호대학생에게 9점 척도의 정규분포표에 분류하도록 하였고, 이를 통해 수집된 자료는 pc-QUANAL 프로그램으로 자료분석하였다. 결과 분석결과, 간호대학생이 경험한 코로나바이러스 감염증-19 확산에 대한 인식유형은 4가지 유형이 확인되었다. 제 1유형은 새로운 사실 인지수긍형, 제 2유형은 일상변화 불편 감수형, 제 3유형은 인간관계 제한 아쉬움형, 제 4유형은 예비 간호사 준비형으로 나타났다. 결론 본 연구를 통해 간호대학에서는 감염간호에 효과적으로 대처할 수 있도록 하는 간호교육 프로그램 개발 및 신종감염병의 올바른 인식을 통해 전문직으로서의 간호업무를 수행할 수 있도록 돕는 교육매체 개발의 기초자료로 활용될 수 있을 것이라 본다.

Change in Trust During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea: A Preliminary Analysis.

Change in Trust During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea: A Preliminary Analysis.