Impacts of Social Distancing During the COVID-19 Outbreaks in Korea: Level 1 Trauma Center Data of Domestic Incidents and Intentional Injury
Ye Rim Chang, Kyoung Min Kim, Hyo Joung Kim, Dong Hun Kim, Jeonsang Kim, Dongsub Noh, Dae Sung, Jeongseok Yun, Jung-Ho Yun, Seok Won Lee, Seok Ho Choi, Yoonjung Heo, Sung Wook Chang
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: , 2020. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of domestic incidents and intentional injury during March 2020 when social distancing was in effect. METHODS: There were 12,638 patients who visited the Level 1 trauma center of Chungnam province with injuries from domestic incidents, familial discord, and intentional injury. The prevalence of injuries during March 2020 was compared with the average of the previous 5 years, and the average for every March between 2015 and 2019. RESULTS: = 0.037). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of domestic incidents and intentional injury were significantly higher during the period of social distancing in Korea. There is a need for social consensus, better policies, and psychological support services, especially if faced with a second or third wave of coronavirus disease.