Soft Drink Consumption and Suicide Attempts in Adolescents: The Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey

Abstract

Evidence regarding mental health problems caused by related to excessive beverage intake is growing, but it is unclear which types of beverage increase mental health risks and at what level of consumption. We investigated the association between beverage intake and suicide attempts in a nationally representative sample of Korean adolescents. We used the cross-sectional data of the 11th Korean Youth Risk Behavior web-based Survey, which adopted an internet-based, self-reported questionnaire with anonymity. We estimated the odds ratios (ORs) and used 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) with multiple logistic regression models. In total, 68,043 adolescents participated in this study, and 1,662 (2.4%) reported a suicide attempt in the last 12 months. Students who drink carbonated beverages more than 5-6 times per week had higher odds of attempting suicide (OR, 3.237; 95% CI, 2.272-4.613). Adolescents who drink energy drinks more than three times per day had approximately five times higher odds of attempting suicide (OR, 5.203; 95% CI,). Beverage intake of more than three times a day was positively associated with suicide attempt in Korean adolescents. In particular, energy drink consumption was in robust, positive association with suicide attempt.

Suicide Attempt and Associated Factors Among Adolescents in Five Southeast Asian Countries in 2015

“…In agreement with several studies (Carballo et al., 2019; Liu et al., 2018), this study found that lack of parental or guardian support and lack of peer support increased the odds for suicide attempt. Consistent with previous research (e.g., Carballo et al., 2019; Davaasambuu et al., 2017; Liu et al., 2018; Park, Kim, & Cho, 2016), this study found an association between substance use (tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, amphetamines, and soft drinks) and suicide attempts. Frequent soft drink consumption has been found associated with conduct problems and hyperactivity (Lien, Lien, Heyerdahl, Thoresen, & Bjertness, 2006), which may more likely develop into suicidal behavior (Park et al., 2016).…”

“…Consistent with previous research (e.g., Carballo et al., 2019; Davaasambuu et al., 2017; Liu et al., 2018; Park, Kim, & Cho, 2016), this study found an association between substance use (tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, amphetamines, and soft drinks) and suicide attempts. Frequent soft drink consumption has been found associated with conduct problems and hyperactivity (Lien, Lien, Heyerdahl, Thoresen, & Bjertness, 2006), which may more likely develop into suicidal behavior (Park et al., 2016). In addition, school students with mental distress may have higher odds of attempting suicide, as they may crave more intensely for sugar-containing products, such as soft drinks (Park et al., 2016, Willner et al., 1998).…”

“…Frequent soft drink consumption has been found associated with conduct problems and hyperactivity (Lien, Lien, Heyerdahl, Thoresen, & Bjertness, 2006), which may more likely develop into suicidal behavior (Park et al., 2016). In addition, school students with mental distress may have higher odds of attempting suicide, as they may crave more intensely for sugar-containing products, such as soft drinks (Park et al., 2016, Willner et al., 1998). Moreover, in agreement with several studies (e.g., Davaasambuu et al., 2017), this study found an association between school truancy, injury, and suicide attempt.…”

<p>Prevalence and correlates of past 12-month suicide attempt among in-school adolescents in Guatemala</p>

“…Externalizing problems may include, alcohol use,7,12,14,15 drug use,13–15 cannabis use,16 soft drink consumption,17 being bullied,7,12,18,19 exposure to interpersonal violence,10 being physically attacked,13,15 and in physical fight,15 sexual coitus20 and injury 21. Limited data exist on the prevalence and correlates of suicide attempts among adolescents in Guatemala.…”