International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Article Changes in the Levels of Stress Perception, Experiencing Depressive Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life of Residents after the 2016 Gyeongju Earthquake Young Ran Han 1, Yeo Won Jeong 1,*, Sang Kyu Kim 2 and Han Seok Jeong 3 1 Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Korea;
[email protected] 2 Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Korea;
[email protected] 3 Department of Statistics, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Korea;
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[email protected] Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the 2016 Gyeongju Earthquake on the stress perception, depressive symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Gyeongju residents. Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of the 2015–2017 Korean Community Health Survey undertaken in the disaster area, Gyeongju, and in controlled areas, Sangju and Yangju, which had varying seismic intensities. Pearson’s chi-square test, ANCOVA and two-way ANOVA were performed. Results: The stress perception rate and anxiety/depression in the 5th dimension of the EuroQul-five-dimensions three-level version (EQ-5D-3L) in Gyeongju was significantly higher in 2017 than in 2016. As for the HRQoL, the controlled regions showed a tendency to increase in 2017 rather than in 2016, while Gyeongju had no significant differences during 2015 and 2017. As a result, Gyeongju had the lowest HRQoL in 2017. Conclusion: Mental health in the disaster area after the 2016 earthquake was worse, and the HRQoL of Gyeongju residents was relatively Citation: Han, Y.R.; Jeong, Y.W.; Kim, lower than the control regions.