A scoping review of health risks and outcomes from disasters in the Republic of Korea.

backgroundDisasters represent significant public health challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations. In the Republic of Korea, both natural and man-made disasters, exacerbated by urbanization and socioeconomic disparities, have exposed weaknesses in disaster preparedness and public health resilience. This scoping review examines health outcomes and associated risk factors from past disasters in Korea.

methodsA comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, DBpia, KISS, and RISS databases for studies published between April 2004 and April 2022, following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Eighty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed using a narrative synthesis approach to distinguish direct and indirect health effects. Key outcomes were categorized into socioeconomic, physical, mental, social, and environmental risk factors.

resultsAmong the 83 reviewed studies, natural disasters accounted for 50.6% of the total, man-made disasters for 22.9%, and mass trauma events for 26.5%. Most studies (78.3%) focused on disaster survivors, with cross-sectional designs predominating (90.4%). Approximately half (51.8%) of the studies used primary data, with the remainder being based on secondary sources. Regression was the most common method for statistical analysis (75.9%). Frequently reported direct health outcomes included physical injuries such as fractures, burns, and respiratory issues, along with mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Natural disasters were particularly associated with physical injuries, while both natural and man-made disasters had a significant impact on mental health. Vulnerable groups-older adults, women, unmarried individuals, and those with lower socioeconomic status-faced disproportionate higher risk for both physical and mental health. Indirect health impacts such as heightened anxiety, emotional distress, and weakened social cohesion were common in economically disadvantaged and disaster-prone communities, in which recovery was further hindered due to limited access to healthcare and support services.

conclusionsThese findings highlight the need for strategies aimed at disaster risk reduction that prioritize health equity, integrate mental health services, and address environmental vulnerabilities. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to track evolving health outcomes.