Assessing the Relationship Between Work-Related Factors and Mental Health in Public Health Doctors During National Health Emergencies.

Publication date: Jul 20, 2026

South Korean public health doctors (PHDs) serve as frontline responders in underserved regions during national health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the system has not adapted to evolving healthcare needs and despite the essential roles of PHDs, little is known about the unique occupational stressors they face. We examined how work-related factors, especially national guidelines and policies, impact the mental health of PHDs during public health emergency deployments, providing evidence to inform policy and support systems for this workforce. An online cross-sectional survey of all PHDs serving between July and August 2021 was used to collect data on demographics, work-related stress, and mental health outcomes using validated questionnaires. Associations between work factors and mental health (depressive symptoms, embitterment, burnout) were analyzed using logistic regression. Among 269 PHDs (mean age 29. 7 years), 27. 1% reported depressive symptoms, 9. 3% embitterment, and 45. 4% burnout. Dissatisfaction with financial compensation was associated with higher risks of depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2. 481), embitterment (aOR, 3. 695), and burnout (aOR, 2. 997). Deployment of 3-6 months increased embitterment (aOR, 3. 770) and burnout (aOR, 2. 469). Job demands predicted all outcomes (aOR, 1. 033-1. 040). National guidelines/policies and concerns related to work and environment were associated with depressive symptoms (aOR, 1. 138, 1. 056) and burnout (aOR, 1. 105, 1. 042). This study highlights the need for adequate compensation, manageable deployment duration, and strong organizational support, including clear national guidelines and policies to mitigate mental health risks, among PHDs during public health emergency deployments.

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