Abstract

Background: There are some data to support the theory of a protective effect of parenthood against suicide, as proposed by Durkheim in 1897. We conducted this study to examine the relationship between children characteristics and suicidal ideation among Korean married women. Methods: The data were obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys IV, conducted in 2007-2009, respectively (3,202 married women aged 20-49 years). The children characteristics are the age of the youngest child and the number of children living with subject. Data were analyzed by using logistic regression with SAS 9.2. Results: The risk for suicidal ideation was higher among married women having a young child (aged <7 years). It had strong effect on suicidal ideation in non-employee subjects. The odds ratio for suicidal ideation of women having a youngest child aged 2-3 years compared with reference groups was 1.673 with statistical significance. But the association of suicidal ideation with number of children shows insignificant. Conslusion: The findings suggest a different result with the theory, the protective effect of being a parent of young child on suicide risk for women, first suggested by Durkheim and supported by previous studies and the need for further prospective investigation that lead to policies according children characteristics aimed at improving married women's life.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call