Factors and help-seeking behaviors associated with depression in Korean adults: Review of data from 2014 and 2016 Korea national health and nutrition examination surveys

Abstract

As a health problem in Korea, the prevalence of depression is continuously increasing. This study examines factors and help-seeking behaviors associated with depression in Korean adults. Data was extracted from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2014 and 2016) using the PHQ-9 depression screening instrument. Among 10,459 participants (weighted frequency = 36,418,292) over 19 years old, 7.2% were classified as having depression including depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 scores ≥ 10) or depressive disorders diagnosed by psychiatrists. Among those with depression, 58.6% responded that they had never sought help. Statistically high odds ratios for being at risk for depression include being female, aged 19–39, living alone, low household income, low level of education (middle school or lower), occupation (unemployed/inactive), an ex- or current smoker, having a chronic disease, and being underweight. Statistically low odds ratios for seeking counselling, age ≥ 60 and lower than high household income; for seeing doctor, age 19–39 or ≥60; and for treatment, age 19–39, lower than middle household income, and more than once per week drinking frequency. Overall, there is a need to find persons having these risk factors and to develop tailored strategies that will encourage help-seeking behavior with help-seeking intention. © 2019