Suicide Ideation and the Related Factors among Korean Adults by Gender

Park, Eunok

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study investigates the prevalence of suicide ideation and its the related factors by gender among Korean adults.
METHODS
National cross-sectional data from the database of the first and second year of 5th Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (KNHANES V-1, V-2) were used for this study. 13,165 adults (> or =20 years) were included in this analysis.
RESULTS
The prevalence of suicide ideation was 9.8% for men, 18.9% for women. Renal failure, depression, melancholy, stress, perceived health status, and smoking were significant risk factors among both men and women for suicide ideation. Divorced, separated or widowed of marital status and severe physical activity were related factors of suicide ideation for men. Low educational attainment, and alcohol dependency were associated factors of suicide ideation for women.
CONCLUSIONS
There was gender difference of prevalence and risk factors of suicide ideation. These gender differences should be considered for planning and implementing suicide prevention program.