Early Initiation of Alcohol Drinking, Cigarette Smoking, and Sexual Intercourse Linked to Suicidal Ideation and Attempts: Findings from the 2006 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Abstract

PurposeThis study examined the association between early initiation of problem behaviors (alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, and sexual intercourse) and suicidal behaviors (suicidal ideation and suicide attempts), and explored the effect of concurrent participation in these problem behaviors on suicidal behaviors among Korean adolescent males and females.Materials and MethodsData were obtained from the 2006 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a nationally representative sample of middle and high school students (32,417 males and 31,467 females) in grades seven through twelve. Bivariate and multivariate logistic analyses were conducted. Several important covariates, such as age, family living structure, household economic status, academic performance, current alcohol drinking, current cigarette smoking, current butane gas or glue sniffing, perceived body weight, unhealthy weight control behaviors, subjective sleep evaluation, and depressed mood were included in the analyses.ResultsBoth male and female preteen initiators of each problem behavior were at greater risk for suicidal behaviors than non-initiators, even after controlling for covariates. More numerous concurrent problematic behaviors were correlated with greater likelihood of seriously considering or attempting suicide among both males and females. This pattern was more clearly observed in preteen than in teen initiators although the former and latter were engaged in the same frequency of problem behavior.ConclusionEarly initiation of alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, and sexual intercourse, particularly among preteens, represented an important predictor of later suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in both genders. Thus, early preventive intervention programs should be developed and may reduce the potential risks for subsequent suicidal behaviors.

Factors Associated with the Timing of First Sexual Intercourse Among College Students in Busan, Korea

“…Early initiation of sexual intercourse, particularly among preteens, represents an important predictor of later suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts. 3 In Korea, many studies about sexual experiences, contraception methods, sexual knowledge, sexual attitudes, sexual roles, and sexual imagery [4][5][6][7] have been conducted. But there have been fewer studies predicting the first time of sexual intercourse among college students.…”

Aspectos da atividade sexual precoce

“…As implicações da sexarca precoce se referem ao maior risco de relações sexuais desprotegidas e uso inconsistente de métodos anticoncepcionais 20 e, como consequência, aumento da incidência de gravidez não planejada e DSTs, risco aumentado para arrependimento, depressão e ideação suicida 32 . Diante disso, fica evidente a necessidade de medidas que visam postergar a iniciação sexual 33 , reduzir os relacionamentos sexuais transitórios com múltiplos parceiros e a promoção do sexo seguro pelo uso consistente do preservativo.…”

Suicide in Children and Adolescents

“…[21][22][23][24] Early initiation of problem behaviors such as alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking and sexual intercourse, particularly among preteens, predicted later suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in both sexes. [25] The misuse of pharmaceutical drugs, specifically in this case tranquillizers or sedatives, seems to have the strongest association with self-reported suicide attempts. Tobacco use also strongly associated with self-reported suicide attempts.…”