Changes in Health Level According to Economic Conditions : Analysis of Differences Before and After The COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this study is to analyze the differences in health levels according to economic situations before and after the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of economic situations on health levels using representative nationwide longitudinal data. The results of this study demonstrated that economic situation variables are powerful variables that affect health levels. In addition, health levels differ depending on economic situations. In particular, subjective health status and depression perceptions perceived by individuals mentally were higher in poorer economic situations, and respondents who reported suffering from chronic diseases, which are physical health levels, increased overall after COVID-19. Furthermore, the serious employment situation and economic recession that continue even after the COVID-19 pandemic has passed and changed to an endemic may be a bigger problem for low-income groups. Based on these research results, the reciprocal influence of economic situations and health levels before and after COVID-19 was confirmed and policy tasks were suggested.