earticle

영어

Purpose: This study explored the health risk behaviors, experiences of violence, and mental health factors that affect suicide-related behaviors of second-year middle school students in Korea. Methods: A complex sample analysis was conducted using secondary data from the 19th Korea Youth Health Behavior Survey (2023) (N=9,344). A logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with suicide-related behaviors. Results: The level of anxiety was most associated with the risk of suicidal ideation (OR=4.62), suicidal plan (OR=4.34), and suicidal attempt (OR=4.25). Depressive symptoms were also highly associated with suicidal ideation (OR=3.47), suicidal plan (OR=3.43), and suicidal attempts (OR=4.35). The experience of violence was associated with increased suicidal ideation (OR=1.68) and suicidal plan (OR=2.66), and significantly raised the risk of suicidal attempt (OR=4.50). In addition, health risk behaviors such as drinking within 30 days, mental health factors (i.e. stress and loneliness), gender, subjective economic status, and types of residence were significantly associated with suicide-related behaviors. Conclusion: Anxiety, depressive symptoms, and experiences of violence were key risk factors for suicide-related behaviors. Based on the findings of this study, nursing interventions need to be developed to prevent adolescents’ suicide. These include designing, managing, and supporting customized mental health promotion programs for second-year middle school students in school settings.