Korea Welfare Panel Study Research Articles

The effects of the changes in the depression on suicidal ideation among older adults aged 75 and above before and after the COVID-19

BackgroundThe unprecedented pandemic situation of COVID-19 has had a negative impact on the mental health of many people, especially among the "old-old" older adults who are aged 75 or older. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the changes in depression among "old-old" older adults before and after the onset of COVID-19, and the extent to which depression affects suicidal ideations.MethodThe 12th to 16th Korea Welfare Panel Study(KoWePS) conducted from 2017 to 2021 was used for analysis. For this study, 771 older individuals with complete data to estimate the degree of change of depression were selected as the final analysis subjects.ResultA Growth Mixture Modeling(GMM) analysis was conducted, resulting in the classification of two groups: an increasing group and a decreasing group. The study findings showed that "old-old" older individuals with high levels of depression, specifically those in the decreasing group, may be more susceptible to suicidal ideation. Despite this steep change slope, the decreasing group still exhibited a higher level of depression in 2021 compared to the increasing group. As per characteristics, the decreasing group, which showed a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation, had a higher proportion of women and individuals with lower levels of education, those living alone, and a lower household income compared to the increasing group.ConclusionIt is important to note that although the study emphasized the need to prioritize intervention for the decreasing group with consistently high levels of depression, the majority of individuals belong to the increasing group, which exhibited a gradual increase in depression levels over time. Therefore, intervention plans should be developed concurrently for both groups. Also, it is crucial to implement proactive efforts targeting groups with understandings of these characteristics when establishing preventative measures for depression and suicidal ideation among "old-old" older adults.

Associations between changes in deprivation and alcohol use disorder: a nationwide longitudinal study.

Despite conflicting findings on the association between socioeconomic status and drinking, little is known about the impact of deprivation as a measure of inequality on alcohol use disorders (AUDs). We used the Korea Welfare Panel Study, a longitudinal survey conducted from 2012 to 2022, and included 1569 Korean adult participants. Deprivation (at least one including food, housing, medical, educational, and credit deprivation) was measured by self-report and divided into four categories according to the change in deprivation experience from the previous year to the following year. AUD was measured using the Korean version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scale. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals and adjusted for confounders. Among 1569 participants, worsened deprivation and consistent deprivation were positively associated with AUD compared to non-deprivation. In particular, worsened deprivation was more likely to be associated with AUD in participants with low household income, high school education level, and economic activity. We found that worsened deprivation and consistent deprivation were associated with AUD. Deprivation should be considered as a health policy intervention to improve drinking problems.

The Impact of Minimum Wage Policy on Alcohol Use Disorder: A Quasi-Experimental Study in South Korea.

South Korea's 2018 minimum wage hike was examined for its impact on potential alcohol use disorders among affected individuals, using data from the Korea Welfare Panel Study (2015-2019). The study sample was restricted to workers aged 19-64 employed over the study years. The treatment group was identified as those below minimum wages, and the control group as those earning more than minimum wages in 2016-2017 (n=3,117 control, n=578 treatment). Using outcomes derived from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, our results from difference-in-differences models showed that the 2018 wage hike was linked to a 1.9% increase in the 'high risk' of alcohol use disorder and a 3.6% rise in hazardous consumption in the treatment group. Notably, the effects were more pronounced among men and those aged 50-64. Additionally, we confirmed that the spillover effects extended to workers earning up to 20% above the minimum wage. This study underscores the unintended substance use risk of minimum wage policies in the East Asian context. As wage policies are implemented, integrated public health campaigns targeting at-risk groups are required.

Women's welfare attitudes in South Korea

AbstractMany scholars argue that gender affects welfare attitudes: women support welfare policies more than men in most welfare societies. However, in South Korea, women tend to oppose welfare policies or show no gender gap in welfare attitudes. As welfare programs in South Korea are expanding, I investigate whether women's attitudes towards welfare policies have changed and if they differ based on self‐interest. I analysed welfare attitude data from the Korea Welfare Panel Study (KoWePS) for 2013 and 2022 using ordered logistic regression models, finding that women in South Korea supported almost all welfare policies less than men. However, in terms of income redistribution and free preschool and childcare service provision, there were no gender differences observed. Furthermore, cleavages among women were found regarding attitudes towards support for the unemployed and free preschool and childcare service provision based on self‐interest. Additionally, progressive women exhibited more supportive attitudes across all domains of welfare.

고등학생의 인터넷 과의존과 우울·불안의 관계에서 위축과 공격성의 순차적 이중매개효과

Objectives This study examined the sequential dual mediating effects of withdrawal and aggression on the relationship between Internet overdependence and depression/anxiety among high school students. Methods Data were obtained from the 16th year of the Korea Welfare Panel Study, which covered 320 high school students, and were analyzed using PROCESS macro Model 6 and the bootstrapping method were employed to investigate the sequential dual mediating model. Results The findings demonstrated that Internet overdependence increased withdrawal, which in turn, elevated depression/anxiety among high school students. Furthermore, Internet overdependence increased withdrawal, which heightened aggression, ultimately contributing to high school students' depression/anxiety. Conclusions The results of this study suggest the need to consider withdrawal and aggression together that can be caused by overdependence on the Internet as well as overdependence on the Internet as a response to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety among adolescents.

심리사회적 학교환경에 대한 인식이 학생의 성장에 미치는 영향

Purpose: This study analyzed whether the psychosocial school environment mitigates the detrimental effects of poverty and influences students' initial cognitive (Korean, math, and English grades) and emotional (self-esteem) development during elementary school, as well as their growth trajectories throughout middle and high school. Methods: This study used longitudinal data from the same cohort of students surveyed at three intervals: elementary, middle, and high school spanning a six-year period from 2015, to 2018 and 2021. Data were obtained from the Korea Welfare Panel Study Supplementary Survey on Children.Analysis was conducted using the Multilevel Growth Model to examine the cognitive and emotional development trajectories of students throughout their elementary, middle, and high school years. Results: In terms of cognitive development, the study found that teacher support within the psychosocial school environment positively influenced the growth rate of Korean language subject grades. Regarding emotional growth, factors such as teacher support, school atmosphere, and peer relationships within the psychosocial school environment all exhibited significant positive effects on the initial levels of self-esteem among elementary school students. Additionally, the school atmosphere positively impacted the growth rate of self-esteem. The negative impact of poverty was often diminished or mitigated with the inclusion of variables such as students’ learning attitudes and parental educational involvement and supervision. Furthermore, with the additional inclusion of psychosocial school environment variables, the adverse effects of poverty almost completely disappeared. However, the influence of poverty persisted, manifesting as a negative impact on the initial scores of English subject grades. Conclusion: The psychosocial school environment can positively contribute to students' cognitive and emotional development. Particularly, teacher support has a positive impact on both the cognitive and emotional growth of students, and school climate and peer relationships are positively associated with emotional development. Therefore, efforts should be made in schools to strengthen teacher support, and to foster a positive school climate and peer relationships, aiming for a positive direction in cognitive and emotional development.

A longitudinal study on self-rated health changes in disabled older people.

There is a growing demand for quality healthcare for senior citizens among the disabled older population, considering their rising numbers. This study examines the longitudinal change in the health status of disabled older people and determines its effects on social exclusion and differences based on age at disability onset. The analysis was performed using a multilevel growth model on the health data for disabled older people (≥60 years) derived from the Korea Welfare Panel Study (KWePS). The following findings were observed based on the stated model: (1) The Self-Rated Health (SRH) of disabled older people increased over time, with significant individual differences in the initial status and growth rate; (2) The domains of economic and social network exclusion were associated with changes in the health status of disabled older people; and (3) The longitudinal effects of social exclusion on SRH changes in disabled older people varied according to the age at disability onset. Based on these results, strategies and implications for the development of health-promoting interventions for disabled older people were presented.

Association of the Type of Public Pension With Mental Health Among South Korean Older Adults: Longitudinal Observational Study.

As income and health are closely related, retirement is considered undesirable for health. Many studies have shown the association between pension and health, but no research has considered the association between contribution-based public pensions or their types and health. This study investigates the association between the type of contributory public pension and depressive symptoms among older adults. We analyzed the data of 4541 older adults who participated in the South Korea Welfare Panel Study (2014-2020). Depressive symptoms were measured using the 11-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. Public pensions in South Korea are classified into specific corporate pensions and national pensions. For subgroup analyses, pensioners were categorized according to the amount of pension received and the proportion of public pension over gross income. Analyses using generalized estimating equations were conducted for longitudinal data. Individuals receiving public pension, regardless of the pension type, demonstrated significantly decreased depressive symptoms (national pension: β=-.734; P<.001; specific corporate pension: β=-.775; P=.02). For both pension types, the higher the amount of benefits, the lower were the depression scores. However, this association was absent for those who received the smaller amount among the specific corporate pensioners. In low-income households, the decrease in the depressive symptoms based on the amount of public pension benefits was greater (fourth quartile of national pension: β=-1.472; P<.001; second and third quartiles of specific corporate pension: β=-3.646; P<.001). Our study shows that contributory public pension is significantly associated with lower depressive symptoms, and this association is prominent in low-income households. Thus, contributory public pensions may be good income sources for improving the mental health of older adults after retirement.

A study of depression dynamics and contributing factors among individuals with disabilities pre and post-COVID-19

The purpose of this study is to investigate the trajectory of depression over time among all registered individuals with disability, including the period since the onset of COVID-19. In this study, we analyzed the results of the 12th-16th Korea Welfare Panel Study(KoWePS) which was conducted from 2017 to 2021. 793 individuals who were able to estimate the change in depression all period were selected for the final analysis. There was a significant increase in depression among people with disabilities occurs over time, and the level of depression rose gradually. Individuals being women, the lower the household income, the more severe the disability, and not having a physical disability was associated with the likelihood of higher depression. The health care system needs to be improved to be more disability-friendly to promote the health of people with disability, who are relatively more vulnerable during an infectious disease pandemic, such as COVID-19.

Estimating anticipatory, immediate, and delayed effects of disability registration on depressive symptoms.

This study examines (a) whether disability registration has anticipatory, immediate, and delayed effects on depressive symptoms and (b) how these effects differ by gender. Using data from the Korea Welfare Panel Study spanning over 16 waves between 2005 and 2020, this study employed the individual-level fixed effects models to estimate the trajectories of depressive symptoms before and after the registration of physical disability, for a cohort of 20,054 individuals. Furthermore, gender-stratified fixed effects models were used to examine gender differences. Compared to the preregistration reference period (i.e., 4 or more years before disability registration), there was a sustained rise in depressive symptoms leading up to the year of registration, indicating the presence of anticipatory effects. After disability registration, depressive symptoms consistently remained at a statistically higher level than during the initial reference period, with a gradual return to the baseline level of depressive symptoms over time. These anticipatory, immediate, and delayed effects of disability registration were notably more pronounced among men than women. To develop more effective mental health interventions for people with disability, policymakers should consider gendered trajectories of depressive symptoms before and after disability registration. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Predicting the longitudinal patterns of housing affordability stress: Evidence from the Korea Welfare Panel Study

As housing costs increase faster than salary and wage growth worldwide, housing affordability stress (HAS) becomes an increasingly crucial urban problem. However, little evidence exists on under what preconditions HAS experiences are likely to be persistent. This study examines the predictors of chronic forms of HAS experiences in the Korean housing market, characterized by a unique tenure system represented by Jeonse renting (i.e., renting only with a security deposit) and severe regional disparities between the Capital region and the rest of the country. After classifying the longitudinal patterns of HAS between 2011 and 2020, we examine under which preconditions between 2007 and 2010 households were likely to experience chronic forms of HAS. The results reveal that certain combinations of household income, housing tenure choice, and location of residence significantly heighten the probability of experiencing chronic forms of HAS. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the importance of the longitudinal view of HAS experiences and expanding knowledge about the potential mechanisms that drive chronic forms of HAS.

Factors Associated with Depression among Working-Age Household Heads in Korea: A Cross-Sectional Household Study.

Depression is a mental disorder common worldwide. This study determined the relationships between demographics, health status, household parameters, and depression rates among working-age household heads. We analyzed data from the Korea Welfare Panel Study Survey conducted in 2020. The 11-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to assess depression. Bivariate analyses and a multiple logistic regression model were used to evaluate the influence of these factors on depression among household heads. The overall prevalence of depression among working-age household heads was 11.69% (19.83% of females and 9.58% of males). The relative risk of depression was 1.71 times higher among the unemployed than among wage earners and 2.18 times higher among those with low income than among those with general income. The relative risk of depression was 3.23 times higher in those with poor health status than in those with good health, and 2.45 times more in those with severe disabilities than in those without disabilities. The rate of depression decreased with education level, number of family members, and presence of children but increased with the presence of the disabled or elderly. This study provides a comprehensive overview of depression among working-age household heads and identifies factors strongly associated with depression. These findings may have implications for policymakers to reduce the burden on and improve the quality of life of household heads.

Changing Patterns of Youth Social Exclusion in South Korea

This study analyzed data from the Korea Welfare Panel Study to identify changing patterns in social exclusion among South Korean youth and determine the influencing factors. The study examined 345 youth from 2012 to 2021. A fuzzy set theory and growth mixture model was used to measure social exclusion and identify patterns and the associated factors during this timeframe. The main findings are as follows. First, the social exclusion gap among South Korean youth that emerged a decade ago has continued, with high, middle, and low levels of exclusion identified. Second, the analysis revealed that looking at the demographics, being female, having less education and lower personal and household income increased the likelihood of falling into a relatively higher level of social exclusion. Based on the results, policy recommendations are suggested to mitigate the social exclusion gap among Korean youth.

Comparative study of poverty dynamics and income structure: Pre and post COVID-19 impact on households with and without disabilities in South Korea

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic, as an external shock, has affected the health and economic well-being of individuals. Vulnerable populations with limited resources have also been affected, exacerbating societal inequalities throughout the pandemic. ObjectiveThis study examined poverty dynamics in South Korea before and after the COVID-19 outbreak, focusing on changes in the poverty status and income structure of the population with and without disabilities. MethodsWe conducted a multinomial logistic regression analysis using data from the 14th and 16th waves of the Korea Welfare Panel Study. ResultsThe results show that the pandemic had a significant impact on income levels, particularly for individuals who experienced poverty, and notable differences were observed in income structures between groups with and without disabilities. While individuals without disabilities relied primarily on business income and regular as well as irregular income prior to experiencing poverty, those with disabilities experienced a decline in irregular and private transfer income. In addition, the poverty escape groups with and without disabilities showed increases in regular and irregular income. ConclusionThe results of this study show how current population groups with and without disabilities have experienced changes in the poverty structure due to COVID-19. These results highlight the need for a comprehensive social protection system to address the external shocks faced by vulnerable populations.

코로나19가 가구의 경제적 수준에 미치는 영향

Considering that Covid-19 has influenced economics negatively, this study aims to examine the extent to which Covid-19 affect household’s economic conditions. For the research question, this study used 14 to 17 waves of the Korea Welfare Panel Study(KoWePS). The household’s economic conditions include disposable income, real assets, total assets, and total debts. The DID analysis was utilized for the statistical analyses. Key findings are summarized as follows: Covid-19 has negative impacts on real assets, total assets, and total debts, in particular for the disadvantaged populations. Based on the study findings, this study concludes with several policy implications.

생태체계적 관점에 따른 폐경 후 중년여성의 우울 영향요인

The aim of this study was to examine factors affecting depression based on an ecological system perspectives among postmenopausal middle-aged women. This study was the data of 1,300 middle-aged postmenopausal women aged 50-64 years from the 16th Korea Welfare Panel Study. Using the SPSS program, descriptive statistical analysis, independent sample t-test, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were conducted. As a result, subjective health status(β= -.172, p&lt;.001), self-esteem(β = -.395, p&lt;.001), and family relation satisfaction(β= -.104, p&lt;.001) had a statistically significant effect in influencing depression, and the total explanatory power was 36.4%. These ecological systemic factors may help community health professionals develop multilevel strategies for preventing and managing depression in middle-aged postmenopausal women.

A STUDY ON THE TYPES OF CHANGES IN DEPRESSION AND COVID-19 AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN KOREA

Abstract This study focuses on the long-term trends in depression levels in older adults, with a particular focus on the period following the onset of COVID-19. While previous studies have examined depression levels in older adults, this study aims to complement those studies by providing a longitudinal perspective. This study used data from the Korea Welfare Panel Study(KoWePS), which included 2,716 data of older adults aged 65 and above, from 2017 to 2021. The study variables included gender, age, income, educational background, residential area, living alone, and disability status. The results of this study identified two types of changes in depression levels in older adults: the ’rapidly rising’ type and the ’steadily increasing’ type. The study found that those who were more likely to belong to the ’rapidly rising’ type were those with lower equalized annual income, women, those with lower education, those living in urban areas, and those living alone. These findings suggest that those who are already at risk for depression are at even higher risk during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Given these findings, it is crucial to provide timely and effective guidelines to prevent depression in older adults during outbreaks of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Policymakers should consider the findings of this study when implementing policies aimed at preventing depression in older adults. Overall, this study provides important insights into the long-term trends in depression levels in older adults and highlights the importance of addressing this issue in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

청소년의 학업 스트레스와 인터넷 과의존

Objectives The purposes of this study were to verify whether adolescents’ withdrawal moderates the positive in-direct relationship between academic stress and internet overdependence via depression·anxiety. &#x0D; Methods This study used the data of 320 adolescents who participated in the 16th year of the Korea Welfare Panel Study (KWEPS) conducted Korea Institute for Health ans Social Affairs (KIHSA, 2022). We analyzed the mediation, moderation, and moderated mediation effects after calculating descriptive statistics and correlation coefficients of focal variables with reliability of instruments using SPSS 25.0 and PROCESS Macro 4.2 (Model 4 and Model 7).&#x0D; Results The results are as follows: First, Adolescents’ academic stress had a significant positive effect on internet overdependence. Second, adolescents’ depression·anxiety negatively mediated the relationship between aca-demic stress and internet overdependence. Third, adolescents’ withdrawal moderated the relationship between academic stress and depression·anxiety. Fourth, adolescents’ withdrawal moderated the indirect relationship between academic stress and internet overdependence via depression·anxiety. &#x0D; Conclusions When reducing adolescents’ internet overdependence, activities that reduce academic stress, de-pression·anxiety, and withdrawal should be included.

Multidimensional poverty and depression among with and without Disabilities

Abstract Background Traditionally, poverty has been measured based on an individual income, however it is now accepted that income gives too narrow a view of an individual's overall living standards and other indicators of living standards are needed. Multidimensional poverty measures are a useful tool for policymakers in order to identify target populations for policies aiming to improve equity and reduce chronic disadvantage. Methods We analyzed the Korea Welfare Panel Study, a nationally representative survey. Poverty variables were selected based on monetary and non-monetary categories. The six poverty dimensions were income, education, housing, medical care, social relationships, and employment. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Korean version of CES-D-11. Results All dimensions of poverty and depression had higher rates in people with disability than non-disabilities in the order of income (+33.1%p), education (+27.2%p), social relationships (+9.7%p), and medical care (+6.5%p). Depression rate was also higher for people with disability (p &amp;lt; .0001). The factors influencing depression of people with and without disability by multidimensional poverty were somewhat different. The disabled and non-disabilities with poverty of social relationships were equally more likely to have a depression (aOR=7.33, &amp;lt;.0001, aOR=3.85, &amp;lt;.0001), however, the non-disabled with medical care poverty were more likely to have a depression (aOR=6.76, &amp;lt;.0001) than without medical care poverty, and the disabled with employment poverty were about 3 times more depressed (aOR=3.67, &amp;lt;.0001) than with employment poverty. Conclusions This study suggest that access to various aspects of life, as well as income support, should be considered in policy making for resolving the poverty problems and mental health among people with disabilities. Key messages • There were disparities in the prevalence of multidimensional poverty and depression in the people with disabilities, especially those with severe disabilities. • The main factors influencing depression of people with disability by multidimensional poverty were social relationships and employment poverty.

Effect of universal child care subsidy on child-rearing costs by mothers’ working status in South Korea

This study aims to investigate the effects of universal child care and early education subsidy on child-rearing cost burdens, and examine the extent to which this association differs depending on mothers’ working status in South Korea. Using the Korea Welfare Panel Study (KOWEPS) and a fixed effects panel model, we found that child care and early education subsidy usage is associated with a reduction of total child-rearing costs, but not much out-of-pocket child care expenses. Furthermore, the introduction of universal child care and early education subsidy is likely to benefit households with part-time working mothers in terms of reducing total child-rearing cost burden, but it increased out-of-pocket child care cost in households where mothers were not working. The child care and early education subsidy achieved the aim of reducing household financial burden associated with parenthood, and enabling parents to combine their paid work with parenthood—in particular for mothers with part-time jobs. However, full-time working mothers are limited in enjoying the benefits of the subsidy. Our findings regarding South Korea’s child care and early education system provide important insights for emerging and developing economies that are increasingly showing an interest in instituting new child care and early education systems.