Factors Influencing Depression and Suicide Attempts among South Korean Juvenile Victims of Violence: Secondary Data Analysis from the 11th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine factors influencing depression and suicide attempts among South Korean adolescent victims of violence. Methods: This secondary data analysis was based on the 11th (2015) Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based survey. The study sample comprised of 1,565 students who were victims of violence and subsequently required medical treatment during the past 12 months. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were completed. Results: Factors associated with adolescent depression due to violence were residence type, perceived happiness, sleep satisfaction, perceived stress, perceived health, gender, lifetime smoking habits, number of violent experiences, and lifetime alcohol consumption habits. Factors associated with adolescent suicide attempts were perceived health, residence type, number of violent experiences, lifetime smoking habits, and gender. Conclusion: Our study findings show that different factors affect depression and suicide attempts among Korean juvenile victims of violence. Therefore, considering these factors, it is necessary to prepare intervention strategies that include family-centered support systems, improvement in coping ability of the individual and counselors who have experience with juvenile victims of violence.