Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Korean Adolescents' Mental Health and Lifestyle Factors

Lee, Jong-Ha; Ko, Young-Hoon; Chi, Suhyuk; Lee, Moon Soo; Yoon, Ho-Kyoung

doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.05.020

Cited by 30 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Higher rates of the suicide-related variables were found among the more socioeconomically vulnerable population, as exemplified by the observed associations with younger age, being female, not residing with family, having a lower household SES, being unhealthy, and engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as having an irregular diet, inappropriate internet use, smoking, and consuming alcohol, as has been documented elsewhere [ 3 , 18 , 25 ]. However, unlike other countries, the present study found that adolescents with a high household SES and a high academic achievement would be more vulnerable to poor mental health by limited learning through online learning, as a result of their high academic enthusiasm [ 21 ].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 53%

“…Due to the lack of preparation for online learning in school after the sudden school closures, the decrease in the number of school activities and assessments would relieve academic stress among Korean students [ 17 ]. As schools closed, the attenuated conflicts with peers and bullying in school would relieve interpersonal relationship stress [ 18 , 19 ]. It is also thought that the comfort of home and the financial support for study—that is, the provision of devices for distance learning by schools and local governments—and the economic support for socially and economically vulnerable groups, are likely to have been beneficial for mental health [ 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Short- and Long-Term Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Suicide-Related Mental Health in Korean Adolescents

Lee

Hong

2022

IJERPH

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This study investigated the short-term (in 2020) and long-term (in 2021) impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide-related characteristics in Korean adolescents in comparison with the pre-pandemic period (in 2019) and examined the factors associated with those impacts. Secondary data of the cross-sectional 15th–17th (2019–2021) Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey targeting adolescents in school were utilized. The proportions of adolescents with depression, suicidal ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempts were 26.5%, 12.2%, 3.7%, and 2.4%, respectively. Following an adjustment, depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts significantly improved in the short term and depression and suicide attempts improved significantly in the long term (i.e., 2021), albeit to a lesser degree. The associated variables in the short-term analysis (i.e., 2020) reflected the socioeconomic vulnerabilities (e.g., lower household socioeconomic status [SES], unhealthy status, and unhealthy behaviors), as well as the socioeconomically favorable indicators (e.g., high household SES and high academic achievement). In the long-term, suicidal ideation was no longer associated with a lack of engagement in hand washing, and suicide attempts were no longer associated with the amount of internet time used for studying. For a successful suicide prevention, it is necessary to develop in-school interventions that address the relevant factors identified in this study and the community-based interventions that target out-of-school adolescents.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 53%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Short- and Long-Term Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Suicide-Related Mental Health in Korean Adolescents

Lee

Hong

2022

IJERPH

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“…However, the rates increased again when adolescents returned to school and society in 2021. These results were presumed to be related to the temporary reduction in academic, interpersonal, and social stress experienced by adolescents [ 8 ].…”

Section: Mental Health Of Children and Adolescents And Mental Health ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The same report found that 26.8% of adolescents had experienced sadness or hopelessness to the point of stopping their daily life for two weeks or longer, and 12.7% reported experiencing suicidal ideation [ 6 ]. Adolescent depression rates in Korea have been consistently reported to be high, with approximately 10% of adolescents reporting suicidal ideation [ 7 - 9 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Introduction of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Korea and Their Role During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Focusing on the Ministry of Education Policy

Kim

Lee

2023

J Korean Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry

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This study aimed to discuss mental health services for children and adolescents that are being implemented as initiatives of the Korean government and to review the functions and roles of these projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three government departments are in charge of providing mental health services for children and adolescents: Ministry of Education, Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, and Ministry of Health and Welfare. The Ministry of Education has implemented several policies to facilitate the early detection of mental health issues among school students (from preventive interventions to selective interventions for high-risk students). The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family additionally serves out-of-school children and adolescents by facilitating early identification of adolescents in crises and providing temporary protection or emergency assistance (as required) through the Community Youth Safety-Net Project. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health and Welfare operates relevant mental health agencies for individuals of all ages including children and adolescents. Any high-risk students who have been screened through the projects of the Ministry of Education are supported through referrals to the following institutions for appropriate treatment of their symptoms: specialized hospitals, the Youth Counseling and Welfare Center operated by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the National Youth Healing Center, the Mental Health Welfare Center operated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Suicide Prevention Center, and the Child Welfare Center. To assist students who are facing any psychological difficulties because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Education has established a psychiatric support group for providing emergency mental health care; furthermore, schools are promoting psychological surveillance (e.g., provision of non-face-to-face counseling services that are centered around the Wee Center). The Ministry of Education, Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, and Ministry of Health and Welfare have provided varied mental health support services in order to address the challenges faced by children and adolescents during the pandemic. Nevertheless, the mental health services operated by each ministry do show some limitations because their service provision system is insufficiently collaborative. The present study discussed the positive effects of each initiative as well as its limitations; furthermore, it suggested improvements for facilitating the healthy development of children and adolescents' mental health.

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“…All variables except physical activity had different levels by sex, and male students had a higher level of COVID-19-related stress, loneliness, anxiety, and depression than female students [ 26 ]. However, in another cross-sectional study analyzing KYRBS data, Lee et al [ 27 ] found that the female sex was a risk factor for depressive mood. Lopez-Serrano et al [ 28 ] surveyed 441 children (under 18 years old) and examined 23 questions about clinical symptoms, including somatic complaints and oppositional defiant and aggressive behaviors.…”

Section: Relevant Factors On Mental Health and Suicidementioning

confidence: 99%

Deterioration of Mental Health in Children and Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Seo

Nam

et al. 2023

J Korean Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry

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This paper reviews the global effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the mental health of children and adolescents in South Korea, the U.S., Japan, and China. We reviewed research on deteriorated mental health, including increased suicide, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm. Various studies have shown that students' mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the number of students who committed suicide has significantly increased in the U.S. and Japan. Factors such as prior mental health status, change in daily routine, reduced physical activity, excessive screen time, overuse of electronic devices, and reduced social support have been reported to have a significant effect. The chain of deteriorating mental health among the youth began at the onset of COVID-19, social distancing, and school closure. As youths began to stay at home instead of going to school, they lost opportunities to connect with their friends or teachers, who could provide support outside of their homes. Young people spent less time on physical activity and more time online, which damaged their sleeping schedule and daily routine. In preparing for the post-pandemic phase, we should thoroughly analyze the long-term effects of the pandemic on youth mental health, while simultaneously tackling current imminent issues.

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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Korean Adolescents' Mental Health and Lifestyle Factors

Cited by 30 publications

References 33 publications

Short- and Long-Term Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Suicide-Related Mental Health in Korean Adolescents

Short- and Long-Term Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Suicide-Related Mental Health in Korean Adolescents

Introduction of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Korea and Their Role During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Focusing on the Ministry of Education Policy

Deterioration of Mental Health in Children and Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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