• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.12 no.7
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• pp.337-347
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• 2021

This study sought to determine whether there were mediating effects on both mental health and sleep problems as induced by COVID-19 fears and its effects on preventive practices. The participants were 310 adults living in the Seoul/Gyeonggi Province. For data collection, an online survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using PROCESS Macro (Model 6) to validate the dual mediating effects. This study analyzed the direct effects of COVID-19 fears on the mental health problems, sleep problems and preventive practices. Both mental health and sleep problems had dual mediating effects in the influence of COVID-19 fears on preventive practices. Preventive practice has shown that the mediated effects of mental health problems play a strong role in instances when COVID-19 fears increase.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.263-272
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• 2022

This study investigated small and medium-sized hospital workers' knowledge of COVID-19, the infection-control-related fatigue and stress levels, and the factors that impacted their performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 137 hospital workers from four small and medium-sized hospitals in S and C cities. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a t-test, analysis of variance(ANOVA), Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression analysis. Small and medium-sized hospital workers' knowledge of COVID-19 revealed a correct answer rate of 66%. An average of 3.00 points out of 4 for infection control performance and 3.32 and 3.17 points out of 5 for infection-control-related fatigue and stress, respectively, were found. The level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 significantly differed by age and marriage (p<0.05), while infection control performance significantly differed by age, marriage, and infection control education experience (p<0.05). Infection-control-related fatigue and stress differed depending on the COVID-19 control education experience, economic and social prejudice, and fear of discrimination. There were positive correlations between knowledge and infection control performance, and infection control performance and infection-control-related fatigue and stress (p<0.001). This study showed that the factors that affected small and medium-sized hospital workers' performance included knowledge of "environmental management," "difficulties due to new role requirements," "presence or absence of infection education experience," "job type," and "age." These results suggest that practical and detailed education programs should be systematically developed and implemented for effective infection control.

• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.629-659
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• 2021

This study compared the influences of Korean psycho-social experiences on emotional-distress(stress, depression, anxiety, anger) of Koreans between two-periods during COVID-19. First, an online survey was conducted among 600 participants between April 13, 2020 and 21, while WHO had declared the pandemic, and Daegu-Gyungbuk were declared as a special-disaster area. Second, an online survey was conducted among 482 participants out of 600 study participants from the first study during August 21 to September 2, while COVID-19 re-spreaded around the world, and total confirmed cases were over 1,000 for a week in Seoul-Gyeonggi province. Hierarchical-regression analysis was used to determine the influence of personal characteristics, fear and social constraints, relationship conflict and income-decreasing factors on stress, depression, anxiety, anger in the two-time points. Results suggest that gender, quality-of-life, 'frequent information-checking about COVID-19', 'fear of unpredictability' and 'difficulties on hospital treatment access' predicted distress(stress, depression, anxiety, anger) at both Time1 and 2. 'Difficulties with official schedule' predicted distress at Time 1, and age, vulnerability to infection and difficulties with personal schedules predicted distress(stress, depression, anxiety, anger) at Time 2. Based on the reseults, implications and recommendations were presented.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.12
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• pp.142-152
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• 2020

This study explores experiences of college nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were 10 college nursing students (junior and senior years) enrolled in a university in K city. Data were collected through in-depth interviews from May 1 to June 30, 2020. The phenomenological methodology proposed by Colaizzi was applied for data analysis. We identified a total of 6 theme clusters: increased fear of an infection, feeling isolated due to the changed way of life, feeling perplexed about unexpected circumstances, inability to adapt to the sudden change in classroom instruction, feeling burdened about clinical practice, and confronting the reality as a preliminary nurse. The analyzed data revealed that subjects had numerous experiences about COVID-19. We believe there were necessity and significance to conduct this study during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This analysis can serve as a useful resource for discussing issues related to nursing education in the post COVID-19 era.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.519-528
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• 2022

The purpose of the study was to further investigate the direction for one-person experience design based on visual shift due to the isolation one has experienced after the COVID-19 and the factors regarding it. The study involves eight female participants who are in their twenties via digital platform. The participants were instructed to choose digital image similar to COVID-19 and to write down facts based upon the image and the researcher will look into the result microscopically. The researchers found that the isolation factors include decreased face-to-face communication, reliance on social media, heavy usage of OTT platform, limited outdoor occasion and activity, limitation of untact technology and education program, fear over the pandemic and so on. The study has shown that the one-person experience design should be heading in a direction where it adopts space design that can crossover online and offline world, digital complex design to embody realness as well as the communication design to regain the relationships with others.

• Journal of Contemporary Eastern Asia
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.18-38
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• 2023

This paper examines the Chinese government's response to four epidemic crises, including COVID-19, and analyzes the similarities and differences in these responses. It argues that while the Chinese government learned from previous epidemics and improved its handling of subsequent outbreaks, a significant variation occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a detrimental impact globally. Existing scholarly research on China's epidemic responses has often been limited in scope, focusing on individual crises and neglecting the central-local government relationship in crisis decision-making. By adopting a comprehensive approach, this paper delves into the nuanced dynamics of China's responses to these epidemics. It highlights the variations in responses, attributing them to the Chinese government's fear of undermined legitimacy and its consideration of its international image. The government's recognition of the importance of public perception and trust, both domestically and globally, has shaped its crisis management strategies. Through a detailed analysis of these factors, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the variations observed in China's epidemic responses. It emphasizes the significance of the central-local government relationship and the government's international image in determining its actions during epidemics. Recognizing these factors can provide policymakers and researchers with insights to shape future epidemic response strategies and foster effective global health governance.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.585-596
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore nurses' experience with caring for COVID-19 patients in a negative pressure room amid the spread of the pandemic. Methods: This study was a qualitative research, and focus group interviews were used to collect data. Three focus groups comprising 19 nurses were interviewed from February 17 to 25, 2021. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim with the consent of the participants. The verbatim transcripts were scrutinized using thematic analysis. Results: Two main themes emerged from the analysis: 'Struggling in an isolated space' and 'Limitations of nursing infrastructure and system'. The nurses caring for COVID-19 patients experienced anxiety and fear about the infection, physical exhaustion, emotional burnout, and a sense of duty as a nurse. They also acknowledged the lack of guidelines, increased task and burden, limitations of nursing care, and the demand for improving the limitations of the nursing system. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that nurses caring for COVID-19 patients encounter physical and emotional problems within the limited healthcare system. The study suggests that comprehensive interventions are needed for nurses. Furthermore, detailed guidelines, strengthening of nursing personnel, and improvements to the nursing system are vital to effectively cope with the pandemic. The government and medical institutions should be aware of the needs of nurses and what they are going through, and make efforts to improve the quality of life of healthcare workers and create a safe healthcare environment.

• Asian Journal for Public Opinion Research
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.53-74
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• 2024

The proliferation of health misinformation gained momentum amidst the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). People stuck in their homes, without work pressure, regardless of health concerns towards personal, family, or peer groups, consistently demanded information. People became engaged with misinformation while attempting to find health information content. This study used the content analysis method and analyzed 1,154 misinformation stories from four prominent signatories of the International Fact-Checking Network during the pandemic. The study finds the five main categories of misinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These are 1) the severity of the virus, 2) cure, prevention, and treatment, 3) myths and rumors about vaccines, 4) health authorities' guidelines, and 5) personal and social impacts. Various sub-categories supported the content characteristics of these categories. The study also analyzed the emotional valence of health misinformation. It was found that misinformation containing negative sentiments got higher engagement during the pandemic. Positive and neutral sentiment misinformation has less reach. Surprise, fear, and anger/aggressive emotions highly affected people during the pandemic; in general, people and social media users warning people to safeguard themselves from COVID-19 and creating a confusing state were found as the primary motivation behind the propagation of misinformation. The present study offers valuable perspectives on the mechanisms underlying the spread of health-related misinformation amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. It highlights the significance of discerning the accuracy of information and the feelings it conveys in minimizing the adverse effects on the well-being of public health.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.76-86
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• 2021

Purpose: This study was conducted to describe the experience of school health teachers in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using content analysis. Ten school health teachers were recruited from 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 2 high schools in Seoul, using purposive sampling. They participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews in person or using an online communication system from January to February, 2021. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Three main categories and nine generic categories emerged from the analysis. Firstly, it was discovered that school health teachers had psychological and physical stress to cope with COVID-19 due to the 1) fear of the unexpected infectious disease, 2) burden of having to deal with it alone, 3) breakdown of personal life and physical exhaustion and 4) heavy duty as a health teacher caused by the lack of an organic cooperation system with institutions related to school infectious diseases. Secondly, school health teachers had an increased sense of empowerment in regard to infectious disease management as a result of 1) feeling rewarded and appreciated and 2) gaining confidence and trust in infectious disease management. Finally, school health teachers experienced the urgent need for an effective response strategy for infection control because of the 1) confusion over infectious disease response due to lack of practical manuals applicable to the field as well as training, 2) disappointing response system without an expert response team dedicated to managing infectious diseases in schools, and 3) growing awareness of the need for change. Conclusion: It is expected that school health teachers' experience of COVID-19 will be used as important data for building effective and advanced school infectious disease response systems.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.65-74
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• 2021

Purpose: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has influenced the lives of people worldwide. Little is known about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the behavior and fears of pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and their families. We conducted a survey to determine the COVID-19 exposure, related perceptions, and information sources; medication compliance; and patients' and parents' behaviors, fears, and physician contact. Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional survey of pediatric patients with IBD and their parents at one pediatric gastroenterology unit of a university medical center was performed. Results: A total of 46 pediatric patients with IBD and 44 parents completed the survey. Parents of pediatric patients with IBD had high fear of their children becoming infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. They perceived schools as the most hazardous environment, whereas the children did not. Half the pediatric patients with IBD feared infection. Patients and parents felt sufficiently informed about COVID-19. The primary source of guidance for pediatric patients was their parents (43%), followed by television and social media, whereas the parents mainly consulted internet news websites (52.2%), television, and public health institutes. Pediatric patients with IBD adhered to their prescribed medication. They also showed cautious behavior by enhancing hand hygiene (84%) and leaving the house less frequently than before. However, in-person medical visits remained favored over video consultations. Conclusion: Although parents expressed overprotective concerns, both parents and pediatric patients with IBD are coping well with the COVID-19 pandemic. IBD-relevant information should be actively conveyed.