Selangor Journal
Visitors wearing masks to avoid the spread of Covid-19 fill out a form which is mandatory to get into a hospital in Seoul, South Korea, on August 26, 2020. — Picture by REUTERS

Over half of South Koreans experience anxiety, depression due to Covid-19

SEOUL, April 21 — More than half of South Koreans have experienced anxiety or depression due to the coronavirus pandemic, reported Yonhap based on a survey Wednesday.

In a survey by Gyeonggi Research Institute, 55.8 per cent of respondents said they are anxious or depressed due to Covid-19, an increase from 47.5 per cent tallied one year ago.

The survey was conducted on 2,000 people aged 15 or older across the country from March 22-23.

Of the respondents, 17.7 per cent were classified at risk for depression and 12.7 per cent for anxiety disorders.

Among women, 19.9 per cent have suffered from depression and 14 per cent have experienced anxiety disorders, compared to the 15.5 per cent and 11.3 per cent among men, respectively.

By age, depression was more widespread among those in their 20s (22.4 per cent) and those in their 60s or older (18.3 per cent) while anxiety disorders were found in higher percentages among those in their 20s (14.9 per cent) and those in their 30s (14.8 per cent).

Also, 66.4 per cent of the respondents said Covid-19 has hindered their daily lives and 30.6 per cent said their quality of sleep has deteriorated.

In addition, 73 per cent said mental health services to alleviate the psychological pain caused by Covid-19 are needed.

— Bernama

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