Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

The Korean Society for Preventive Medicine (대한예방의학회)
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Gender Inequalities in Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Population-based Study in Korea

  • Minku Kang (Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine) ;
  • Sarah Yu (Department of Health Policy and Management, Korea University Graduate School) ;
  • Seung-Ah Choe (Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine) ;
  • Daseul Moon (Center for Labour and Health, People's Health Institute) ;
  • Myung Ki (Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine) ;
  • Byung Chul Chun (Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine)
  • Received : 2023.04.07
  • Accepted : 2023.07.17
  • Published : 2023.09.30
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Abstract

Objectives: This study explored the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on psychosocial stress in prime working-age individuals in Korea, focusing on gender inequalities. We hypothesized that the impact of COVID-19 on mental health would differ by age and gender, with younger women potentially demonstrating heightened vulnerability relative to men. Methods: The study involved data from the Korea Community Health Survey and included 319 592 adults aged 30 years to 49 years. We employed log-binomial regression analysis, controlling for variables including age, education, employment status, marital status, and the presence of children. The study period included 3 phases: the period prior to the COVID-19 outbreak (pre-COVID-19), the early pandemic, and the period following the introduction of vaccinations (post-vaccination). Results: The findings indicated that women were at a heightened risk of psychosocial stress during the early pandemic (relative risk [RR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98 to 1.05) and post-vaccination period (RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.10) compared to men. This pattern was prominent in urban women aged 30-34 years (pre-COVID-19: RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.10; early pandemic: RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.25; post-vaccination period, RR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.31). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted unequal impacts on psychosocial stress among prime working-age individuals in Korea, with women, particularly those in urban areas, experiencing a heightened risk. The findings highlight the importance of addressing gender-specific needs and implementing appropriate interventions to mitigate the psychosocial consequences of the pandemic.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors express their gratitude for the recognition received through the '2022 COVID-19 Student Paper Contest' award for excellence, presented by the Institute of Health & Environment at Seoul National University.

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