J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2023 Nov;62(4):192-198. 10.4306/jknpa.2023.62.4.192.

A Study on Mental Health Literacy and COVID-19 Related Psychological Distress in Gangwon Province by Sex and Age

• Han S
• Lee D
• Lee H
• Hwang JW

• KMID: 2548768
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2023.62.4.192

Abstract

Objectives
The objective of the study was to assess the level of mental health literacy and the degree of psychological distress related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among residents of the Gangwon Province.
Methods
For this study, we recruited 1000 participants from the adult population (aged 19 or older) of the Gangwon Province, all of whom voluntarily consented to this survey. We ensured a proportionate distribution based on the sex and age composition ratio.
Results
The level of mental health literacy in the Gangwon Province was found to be similar to the national level. Men exhibited a higher level of negative awareness, while women scored higher on other factors. The seniors had greater knowledge about treatment methods and awareness of recovery, while the youth showed higher awareness about medical consultation and understanding of mental health resources. COVID-19-related stress in the Gangwon Province was higher among women and seniors. Among the emotions felt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ‘family-oriented’ was the highest, and among negative emotions, sadness and depression were prevalent. The degree of emotions felt in relation to COVID-19 showed that women scored higher on the depression, indifference, and anxiety items, and age-related differences varied by item.
Conclusion
The results of this study are significant for understanding the characteristics of local residents for mental health promotion projects. Furthermore, they highlight the need for improving mental health literacy to increase the utilization of mental health services. These findings can serve as a basis for future research and would contribute to devising more effective strategies for mental health promotion.

Keyword

Mental health; Mental health literacy; COVID-19; Psychological distress