Analyzing Gender Differences in Factors Affecting Depression among Multicultural Adolescents in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study

Factors influencing suicidal tendencies during COVID-19 pandemic in Korean multicultural adolescents: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

There is concern that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the psychological wellbeing of many populations, including increase of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescents specifically have experienced direct and indirect impacts on their mentally, resulting in severe depression, self-harm and suicide. This study aimed to identify factors influencing suicidal tendencies and the mental health status of multicultural adolescents in Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 784 multicultural adolescents (Korean fathers and foreign mothers) who participated in the 16th national Korean Youth Risk Behaviour online survey. Research variables were measured using self-reported questionnaires for mental health and suicidal tendencies. Data was analysed using SPSS 26.0 program.

RESULTS

The factors influencing suicidal tendencies (contemplating suicide, suicidal plans, and suicide attempts) were sexual intercourse experience (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 7.67, 5.04, 7.10), depressive mood (aOR 1.03, 0.98, 0.97, 0.90), and unhappiness (aOR 13.00, 7.28, 5.56).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the factors that affect suicidal tendencies showed sexual intercourse experience, depressive mood and unhappiness. Screening for suicidal tendencies and suicide prevention programs that consider the significant factors that affect suicidal tendencies should be developed for multicultural adolescents. School health professions and mental health counselors at schools need to emphasize the mental health and psychosocial support needs of senior high school students.

Gender Differences in Lifestyle and Mental Health among Senior High School Students in South Korea

Gender differences in health outcomes have long been a concern worldwide. We investigated the gender differences in the lifestyle and mental health status of senior students in general high schools who were preparing for college entrance exams. This secondary analysis was based on data from the 14th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (2018). The data of 8476 students in the third year (12th grade) of general high school, among a total of 60,040 middle and high school students nationwide, were analyzed. Mean and standard error (SE) and weighted percentage data were obtained, and the Rao-Scott χ² test was performed. Boys reported more risky behaviors related to drinking and smoking, while girls had more negative perceptions of their bodies and overall health. In addition, girls showed unhealthier lifestyle-related behaviors (breakfast, physical activity, weight control) and greater vulnerability to poor mental health, including lower sleep satisfaction, stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Our results suggest that education and health institutions should consider the needs of each gender separately. A gender-specific approach to maintaining healthy lifestyles and good health status among senior high school students is highly recommended.

The Role of a Mentorship Program on the Relationship between Neglect and Depression among Adolescents in Low-Income Families

This study examines the moderating effect of a mentorship program on the relationship between parental neglect and depression among adolescents from low-income households since COVID-19. A total of 264 participants from all provinces in South Korea were registered for a mentorship program provided by the Korea Development Bank [KDB] Foundation, which is a charitable and non-profit organization. Two-hundred fifty-five middle and high school students from low-income families were included in the final sample. The mentorship program was provided to students based on mentors’ advice and feedback. A bootstrap method using the PROCESS macro 3.4 for SPSS was utilized to examine the moderating effect of satisfaction with the mentorship program. Neglect was positively related to depression among low-income students. Satisfaction with the mentorship program moderated the relationship between low-income students’ neglect and depression. Visits from social workers or other advocates or volunteers to low-income families with children may be helpful to address depression among low-income students. High quality mentorship programs should be provided to more low-income students for their mental health, funded particularly in the context of corporate social responsibility. Particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, financial contributions by corporations would be valuable to reconstruct the damage to quality of life and psychological well-being among low-income adolescents.

Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and Suicidal Behaviors in Adolescents: Insights From Cross-Sectional Inpatient Study

Objectives

To determine the demographic predictors of suicidal behaviors and measure the association between the spectrum of substance use disorders (SUD) and hospitalization for suicidal behaviors in the adolescent population.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using the nationwide inpatient sample and included 466,244 adolescent inpatients with psychiatric illnesses. The study sample was sub-grouped into suicidal (N = 182,454) and non-suicidal (N = 283,790) cohorts. The odds ratio (OR) of association for demographic characteristics and comorbid SUD in the suicidal group was evaluated using a logistic regression model witha P-value < 0.01.

Results

Our study population included 466,244 adolescent inpatients. Females had higher odds of suicidal behaviors (OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.431-1.470) compared to males. The most prevalent comorbid SUD among suicidal inpatients was cannabis (15.3%) but had a statistically non-significant association with suicidal behaviors (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.95-0.99). Inpatients with alcohol use disorders had significantly increased odds of association with suicidal behaviors (OR 1.18; CI: 1.142-1.209) compare to other SUD. Among other substances (cannabis and stimulants), there existed a statistically non-significant association with hospitalization for suicidal behaviors.

Conclusion

Adolescent inpatients with comorbid alcohol use disorders were at 18% higher odds of hospitalization for suicidal behaviors. Our study provides a basis for more research while also suggesting potential avenues for early identification and intervention efforts for comorbid SUD in adolescents requiring psychiatric care to improve their prognosis and quality of life.