Mood Emot.  2023 Nov;21(3):38-43. 10.35986/me.2023.21.3.38.

Factors Associated with Depression and Suicidality Among Unemployed Adults in the Jeju Area

• Kim M
• Hong H
• Oh D
• Na H
• Kim MD
• Jung YE

• KMID: 2552394
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.35986/me.2023.21.3.38

Abstract

Background
Unemployment and the consequential mental health issues are emerging as a major social concern. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with depression and suicidality among unemployed individuals in the Jeju area.
Methods
Data from 624 unemployed adults who participated in a community survey were analyzed. Self-report questionnaires were completed by all participants; demographic variables and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were used to assess depression. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview suicidality module was used to obtain information regarding suicidal ideation, suicide plans, and suicide attempts.
Results
The prevalence of depressive symptoms among the unemployed population in Jeju area was 28.4%. Factors associated with suicidality included age, gender, unemployment period, job application period, and depression. Furthermore, unemployed participants who had an opportunity to receive vocational education had fewer symptoms of depression regardless of the number of vocational education sessions. A multivariate regression model demonstrated that depression (β = 0.51, p<0.001) was significantly correlated with suicidality.
Conclusion
The findings advance our understanding of the relationship between unemployment and psychological factors such as depression symptoms and suicidality. Further studies are required to determine the underlying mechanisms to aid in the development of preventive and treatment strategies.

Keyword

Unemployed; Depression; Suicidality; Employment training; Vocational education