J Korean Acad Soc Nurs Educ.  2025 Feb;31(1):108-116. 10.5977/jkasne.2025.31.1.108.

A comparison of the factors influencing suicidal ideation between middle and high school students in South Korea

• Park S
• Hong JE
• Park E

• KMID: 2567056
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5977/jkasne.2025.31.1.108

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to compare the factors influencing suicidal ideation among middle and high school students in South Korea.
Methods
Data from the 18th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey conducted in 2022 (n=51,850) were analyzed using a logistic regression to calculate the odds ratios for suicidal ideation risk factors.
Results
Among middle school students, smoking, drinking, and other delinquent behaviors had higher odds ratios compared to those of high school students. For high school students, depression, loneliness, anxiety, and other mental health issues showed greater odds ratios than in middle school students. The findings highlight developmental differences in suicidal ideation risk profiles between middle and high school students. Targeted prevention and intervention strategies tailored to each age group are recommended.
Conclusion
Despite the narrow age range, this study revealed distinct patterns of suicidal ideation risk factors among adolescents in their early and late teens. Schools and policymakers should consider these differences when designing suicide prevention programs.

Keyword

Adolescent; Suicidal ideation; Risk factors; 청소년; 자살 생각; 위험 요인