Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Quality of Life:Differences Between Individuals With and Without Suicidal Ideation
10.22802/jksbtp.2026.32.1.66
- Author:
Yun Woo AN
1
;
Seung Bhin KIM
;
Jong Hun LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry, Daegu Catholic University Medical Center, Daegu, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Articles
- From:
Journal of the Korean Society of Biological Therapies in Psychiatry
2026;32(1):66-75
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:This study investigated whether the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected quality of life (QOL) and whether its impact differed between individuals with and without suicidal ideation.
Methods:A secondary analysis was performed using community-based cross-sectional survey data collected in Daegu, Republic of Korea, in 2018 (pre-pandemic phase), 2020 (pandemic phase), and 2022 (post-peak phase). Participants aged 18 years or older were recruited through stratified random sampling. Suicidal ideation over the past year was assessed using a single “yeso” question. QOL was measured using the Korean version of the abbreviated version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment, comprising physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. A multivariate analysis of covariance was conducted to examine the main and interaction effects of suicidal ideation and the COVID-19 phase, adjusting for age, education, marital status, and income.
Results:Suicidal ideation was significantly associated with lower QOL in all domains (p<0.001). QOL declined significantly during the pandemic compared with the pre-pandemic phase, especially in the physical, psychological, and social domains. A significant interaction between suicidal ideation and the COVID-19 phase was observed for physical health (p=0.03), driven by a decline in physical QOL among those without suicidal ideation during the pandemic.
Conclusions:The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted multiple domains of QOL, with differing patterns depending on suicidal ideation status. Continuous and adaptive mental health strategies developed according to individuals’ suicidality are needed during and beyond public health crises to mitigate pandemic-related declines in QOL.
