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Peritraumatic Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Seoul, South Korea

Author

Listed:
  • Hyejung Yoon

    (The Seoul Institute, 57 Nambusunhwan-ro, 340-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06756, Korea)

  • Myoungsoon You

    (Department of Public Health Science, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea)

  • Changwoo Shon

    (The Seoul Institute, 57 Nambusunhwan-ro, 340-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06756, Korea)

Abstract

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is traumatic and causes a substantial psychological burden on the general public. The aim of the present study is to examine the severity and prevalence of peritraumatic distress among the citizens of Seoul, which conducted preemptive and aggressive social distancing policy before the central government during the early stage of COVID-19. Furthermore, this study aims to explore the associated risk factors for peritraumatic distress, including risk perception, fear, and COVID-19-related experiences. We conducted an online survey to 813 participants at the end of the first wave of COVID-19 in South Korea. Peritraumatic distress inventory (PDI) was used to measure the level of pandemic-related distress. One-third of participants were at risk for the development of clinically elevated peritraumatic distress. The perception of risk, fear of COVID-19, and stigma were significantly associated with elevated levels of distress. Individuals who had poor health, or who spent more than 1 h per day using the media, also expressed a higher level of distress. Moreover, the level of disruption of daily life and financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic is significantly associated with a higher level of peritraumatic distress. The results of this study highlight the urgent need to develop evidence-based and tailored public mental health interventions, along with various measures to help recovery to daily life.

Suggested Citation

  • Hyejung Yoon & Myoungsoon You & Changwoo Shon, 2021. "Peritraumatic Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Seoul, South Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:9:p:4689-:d:545066
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Shima Hamidi & Sadegh Sabouri & Reid Ewing, 2020. "Does Density Aggravate the COVID-19 Pandemic?," Journal of the American Planning Association, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 86(4), pages 495-509, October.
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