Examination of KORDEP (Coronavirus Online Mental Support Program) Data During the COVID-19 Pandemic Period

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is examination of the application and follow-up processes of the KORDEP (Coronavirus Online Mental Support Program) line, which provides online (phone/video) service for individuals experiencing mental distress during the pandemic. Method: Individuals who called the KORDEP line between May 2020 and August 2021 (n=2433) were included in the study. Only the first calls of individuals who called repeatedly were included in the research and the research was conducted by evaluating the information of 2187 individuals. During the interview, a form consisting of questions that were created by clinicians working in the field and questioned the most common symptoms during depression, anxiety and stress was designed and used as screening questions in risk assessment. Results: A total of 2167 calls were answered and recorded by KORDEP; 92.4% of the callers applied for themselves and 7.6% for their relatives. Of the 1208 (55.2%) individuals who underwent risk assessment, 586 (48.5%) reported sleep disturbances. Individuals over 65 years of age or with a family member with chronic illness had more anxiety symptoms, excessive health concerns, depressive mood, attention difficulties, intolerance, angry behavior and sleep appetite changes than those without. Individuals who were in quarantine or isolation had more anxiety symptoms, excessive health concerns and sleep appetite changes than individuals who were not in quarantine or isolation. Conclusion: Online counseling hotline applications, which have become widespread all over the world with the COVID-19 pandemic, are valuable in terms of providing important opportunities in cases where there is no opportunity to benefit from the usual face-to-face interview service or where there are limitations in access.