Depressive Symptoms Among Migrant Workers in South Korea Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the depressive symptoms among migrant workers in South Korea amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Methods: This web-based cross-sectional survey involved migrant workers in South Korea to examine their depression levels using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scale. Logistic regression was used to find out the factors associated with depression.

Results: Migrant workers exhibited mild to severe depressive symptoms (98.4%) of which 41.7% had severe depression (n=161). Migrant workers aged above 25 years were shown to have a significantly higher level of depression (odds ratio=2.13, 95% CI: 1.084-4.193). Male workers (71.1%) had a higher depression level than females (28.9%). Losing a job during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (odds ratio=3.89, 95% CI=1.705-8.906) and not having any social relief support (odds ratio=1.92, 95% CI: 1.109-3.351) were significantly associated with depression.

Conclusion: Migrants workers were found to be experiencing a severe level of depression. Mental healthcare should be prioritized and made accessible to vulnerable and risk groups.

Cite this article as: Raj Acharya S, Hwan Moon D, Chul Shin Y. Depressive symptoms among migrant workers in South Korea amid COVID-19 pandemic. Psychiatry Clin Psychopharmacol. 2022;32(2):118-124.