Yoo N, Hong Y, Choi Y. Immigrant-origin youths at risk: Trends in suicidal behaviors among Korean adolescents by immigrant origins and ethnic options (2011-2019).
J Affect Disord 2023;
321:253-264. [PMID:
36306930 DOI:
10.1016/j.jad.2022.10.033]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
In line with the immigrant paradox, immigrants' health advantages disappear among second-generation immigrant-origin youths, including a high prevalence of suicidal behaviors. Nevertheless, the secular trend in suicidal behaviors among immigrants in South Korea has not been examined. While Korean society was once considered homogeneous, intra-Asian migration has increased in recent decades. It is needed to explore the relationship between ethnic options and mental health outcomes among immigrant-origin youths, including suicidal behaviors.
METHODS
Using the nationally representative Korean Youth Risk Behavior Survey from 2011 to 2019 (600,541 non-immigrant-origin and 6,085 immigrant-origin), we examined the rates of suicidal behaviors to identify trends among youths with/without immigrant-origin and depending on the visibility of their immigrant-origin. Then, we conducted logistic regression to examine whether visibility is associated with higher suicidal behaviors among immigrant-origin youths.
RESULTS
Overall, suicidal behaviors have declined, but immigrant-origin youths showed higher levels of suicidal behaviors than non-immigrant-origin youths. Visible minority youths showed higher suicidal behaviors than their invisible counterparts, particularly in suicidal planning and suicide attempts. Among immigrant-origin youths, visible minority status was associated with higher suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts, controlling for socio-economic factors. Furthermore, female immigrant-origin youths show higher suicidal behaviors than their male counterparts.
CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that data disaggregation is needed when examining the mental health of immigrant-origin youths. Practitioners and policymakers should pay particular attention to immigrant-origin youths and recognize that their visibility may be associated with their risk of suicidal behaviors. Targeted intervention is also required for female visible minority youths.
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