What Happened to Men in Their 30s... Severe Depression After the Pandemic

Disease Control Agency Report "High Suicide Planning Rate"
Higher Prevalence of Depression in Those with Low Education, No Spouse,
and Smokers

It has been found that depressive disorders among men in their 30s and 40s have significantly increased before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the prevalence of depressive disorders was higher among those with lower educational levels, those without a spouse, and smokers.

According to the "Adult Mental Health In-depth Report" analyzed and released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 27th, based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the odds ratio comparing the prevalence of depressive disorders in men in their 30s before (2018, 2019) and after (2020, 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic was 2.87 (95% confidence interval). An odds ratio above 1 is considered to indicate an increased risk.

Depressive disorders among men in their 30s and 40s have significantly increased before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the prevalence of depressive disorders was higher among those with lower educational levels, those without a spouse, and smokers. Photo by Pixabay

Men in their 40s also showed an increased prevalence of depressive disorders, with an odds ratio of 2.32.

When analyzing the prevalence of depressive disorders in men by educational level, the odds ratios were significantly higher at 2.71 for those with 'middle school graduation or below' and 2.05 for 'high school graduates,' while the group with 'college graduation or above' had a relatively lower odds ratio of 1.45. By income level, the odds ratios were higher in the 2nd quintile (2.39) and 3rd quintile (2.62). Regarding marital status, those 'without a spouse (single, divorced, widowed)' had a higher odds ratio of 2.20 compared to those 'with a spouse' (1.42).

Analyzing the prevalence of depressive disorders in men by education level, the odds ratio was significantly higher at 2.71 for those with 'middle school graduation or below' and 2.05 for 'high school graduation,' but relatively lower at 1.45 for the 'college graduation or above' group. Photo by Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall 'suicidal ideation rate' decreased compared to before the pandemic; however, among people in their 30s, both men (2.69) and women (2.59) showed an increase compared to the pre-pandemic period. In particular, the odds ratio for 'suicide planning rate' among men in their 30s increased significantly to 5.98, indicating a need for special attention and management.

Meanwhile, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's analysis of trends in adult mental health indicators from 2013 to 2021 showed that the prevalence of depressive disorders, suicidal ideation, and suicide planning rates have consistently been higher among women. These mental health indicators tended to be higher among those with low education and income levels, unemployed individuals, those without a spouse, current smokers, and individuals with chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.