Adolescents In South Korea Research Articles

The Impact of Violent Media Content and Knowledge of Viable Responses to Cyberviolence on Good Citizenship Behavior Among South Korean Adolescents.

Exposure to cyberviolence among adolescents has become a societal issue in the media-saturated world. In this study, we examine whether or not exposure to violent media content, victimization or perpetration experiences, parental and teacher intervention, susceptibility, knowledge of viable responses when exposed to cyberviolence, and awareness of legal consequences influence the witnessing of cyberviolence among adolescents. Additionally, we investigate the characteristics that lead to good citizenship behavior when adolescents witness cyberviolence. We analyzed annual national survey data from 2018 to 2022 among adolescents in South Korea, including data collected from students ranging from grades 4 to 12. There were patterns that existed across five survey years; adolescents who were more exposed to violent media content, who were younger, and who experienced being perpetrators were more likely to be in an environment where they witnessed cyberviolence. The results also showed that less exposure to violent media content and knowing viable responses when witnessing cyberviolence increased the likelihood of adolescents adopting good citizenship behaviors. Educating adolescents about viable actions they can take when witnessing cyberviolence can lead to good citizenship. Making the online ecosystem a safe space for adolescents requires the attention of several parties: adolescents, parents, teachers, and online platforms.

Global trends in importance of 24-hour movement behaviors to pediatric health: Implications for South Korea.

Cultivating a 24-hour movement behavioral profile conducive to health and well-being, marked by adequate levels of physical activity, limited screen time, and sufficient sleep, has emerged as an important avenue for promoting pediatric health. We aimed to provide evidence of this potential, this multiphase, multimethod, and integrative review comprehensively investigated the global trends in health promotion initiatives and status of the Korean pediatric population. This integrative review comprised three phases employing various review methods: an environmental scan of existing guidelines for 24-hour movement behaviors worldwide, a rapid review of physical activity-related indicators from Global Matrix data, and a systematic review of 24-hour movement behaviors among children and adolescents in South Korea. The growing recognition of a holistic approach to the 24-hour movement behavior paradigm in pediatric health promotion has led to the establishment and adoption of 24-hour movement guidelines in different countries and by the World Health Organization (WHO). Korean health authorities have also responded to this need by releasing a translated report of the WHO guidelines for physical activity and sedentary behavior as well as the 2024 update of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Koreans. Accordingly, actions must be followed in policy, research, and practice. This is critical considering that Korean children and adolescents exhibit an unfavorable profile of 24-hour movement behaviors compared to the global average. Among those aged 0-6 years, the weighted averages for guideline adherence were 18.2% for physical activity, 38.1% for sedentary behavior, and 76.2% for sleep. For those aged 12-18 years, the weighted averages for guideline adherence were 20.4% for physical activity, 55.9% for sedentary behavior, and 26.2% for sleep. Building on these current findings, this integrative review provides three priorities for pediatric health promotion policy and practice and three recommendations for future research.

Comparing road traffic injuries by types of road users among children and adolescents in South Korea, 2011–2021

IntroductionRoad traffic injuries (RTIs) are the leading cause of mortality among children and adolescents. This study aimed to compare clinical characteristics and identify factors associated with severe RTIs based on...

Cyber Sex Crimes Targeting Children and Adolescents in South Korea: Incidents and Legal Challenges

This review paper addresses the growing and increasingly sophisticated issue of cyber sexual crimes targeting children and adolescents. It explores specific examples of various sexual offenses, analyzes the limitations of current legal frameworks, and offers practical recommendations for prevention. As one of the world’s most advanced digital societies, South Korea has witnessed a significant rise in such crimes. These incidents are classified into clear criminal acts, tactics used to lure minors, and occurrences within virtual environments, all of which should be integral to educational programs for children and parents. This study also examines the UK’s Online Safety Act, recognized as a leading model in combating online sexual offenses, and highlights the deficiencies in South Korean law. Given that these crimes often extend into the offline world, exploit vulnerable groups with increasing subtlety, and are challenging for individuals to counteract alone, there is a critical need for specialized education for minors, metaverse training for parents, and the enhancement of both legal measures and international cooperation in this area.

Trends in socioeconomic inequality in e-cigarette use among adolescents in South Korea.

The global rise in e-cigarette use among adolescents is alarming, with associated socioeconomic inequalities posing potential public health risks. This study examined trends in the socioeconomic inequality in e-cigarette use among South Korean adolescents to inform future regulatory directions. Socioeconomic inequalities in e-cigarette use among Korean adolescents were assessed using data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS) from 2011 to 2023. The Concentration Index, a well-established method for measuring health inequalities, was employed. Additionally, this study investigated how the smoking behaviors of family members and friends influence socioeconomic inequality in e-cigarette use among Korean adolescents, using a decomposition analysis. The Concentration Index values showed a clear, fluctuating downward trend over 13 years, from -0.12 (95% CI: -0.13 - -0.10) in 2011 to -0.24 (95% CI: -0.26 - -0.21) in 2023. Decomposition analysis revealed that smoking among peer groups, including friends and siblings, was the primary contributor to socioeconomic inequality in e-cigarette use, followed by maternal smoking. Socioeconomic inequalities in adolescent e-cigarette use in South Korea are widening, particularly among low socioeconomic status groups. The impact of peer groups on socioeconomic inequalities in e-cigarette use among adolescents is concerning.

Mediating effect of bicultural acceptability among multicultural adolescents in the relationship between depression and life satisfaction

AimThis descriptive study examines the mediating and moderating effects of an attitude of bicultural acceptance on the relationship between depression and life satisfaction among multicultural adolescents in South Korea. MethodThis study analyzes 2018 data provided by the National Youth Policy Institute using the R statistics 4.1.1. program. Descriptive statistics were assessed, and frequency analysis and regression analysis were employed. ResultsBicultural acceptance attitude has a moderating effect and a partial mediating effect on the relationship between depression and life satisfaction. DiscussionMulticultural education and multicultural counseling programs should be directed by policy and provided continuously in schools and local communities to enhance an understanding of multiculturalism and the acceptance of dual cultures.

Changes in Mental Health Among Adolescents in South Korea Before and After COVID-19: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis From 2015 to 2022

PurposeThis study aimed to examine changes in mental health among adolescents by comparing data from the period following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic with the period before the pandemic. MethodsWe estimated the annual prevalence of stress perception, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation among middle and high school students using data from the Korean Youth Health Behavior Survey spanning from 2015 to 2022. We then compared mental health status across 2 periods—pre-COVID-19 (2015–2019) and during COVID-19 (2020–2022)—employing an interrupted time series analysis. We adjusted for covariates, such as household economic status, residence type, self-rated health, and history of hospitalization, due to violence. ResultsWe analyzed data from 472,385 adolescents (242,819 boys and 230,016 girls). Stress perception, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation showed an increasing trend during the pre-COVID-19 period, followed by a decrease in the first year of the pandemic and an increasing trend in the second and third years. Boys experienced a faster increase in stress and depressive symptoms during the second and third years of the pandemic compared with the pre-COVID-19 period, whereas girls showed trends similar to those observed before the pandemic. Middle school students experienced a more rapid increase in these indicators than high school students during the second and third years. DiscussionAdolescents' mental health initially improved in the first year of COVID-19 but worsened during the second and third years of the pandemic. This suggests a need for intervention policies and programs to support adolescent mental health.

Distinguishing characteristics of out‐of‐school adolescents in South Korea: A machine learning approach

Distinguishing characteristics of out‐of‐school adolescents in South Korea: A machine learning approach

Factors Associated with Homosexual Adolescents in South Korea

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors related to homosexual adolescents in South Korea. Methods: Using statistics from the 12th (2016) Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, hierarchical logistic regression analysis was conducted. The study sample comprised 65,528 middle and high school students aged 12 to 18 years. Results: The significant predictors of homosexual intercourse were gender, attempted suicide, bullying at school experience, ever drinking, ever smoking, habitual or purposeful drug use, cohabitation with family, weekly allowance, and mother’s education levels. Conclusions: The results suggest that gender-related interventions should be considered in school health education programs and that sexual health interventions for high-risk groups may be needed, given the factors predicting homosexual intercourse.

Factors associated with generalized anxiety disorder in adolescents with cultural diversity: secondary data analysis

BackgroundThe number of culturally diverse adolescents in South Korea has reached 290,000 and is increasing every year; however, they still represent only 2.5% of the total adolescent population in middle and high schools, making them a minority. Adolescents experiencing cultural diversity are psychologically vulnerable because they grow up in bicultural environments and experience prejudice. Given the nature of generalized anxiety disorder, which can be exacerbated by stress, these adolescents may face an increased risk of developing the disorder not only because of developmental stress but also because of the stress of cultural adaptation. To identify the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder among adolescents with cultural diversity, we analyzed related factors. Based on the results, strategies have been proposed to reduce anxiety in adolescents with cultural diversity and generalized anxiety disorders.MethodsThis study used data from the 16th − 18th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Factors associated with generalized anxiety disorders were identified based on the social determinants of the health framework. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS 25.0, and statistical methods were used for complex samples.ResultsAmong adolescents with cultural diversity, 12.8% exhibited generalized anxiety disorders. Among the structural factors, economic status, mother’s education level, and gender were significantly associated with the disorder, whereas among the psychosocial factors, suicidal ideation, depressive mood, loneliness, perceived stress level, and subjective health status were significant factors influencing it.ConclusionThe factors identified in our research can be used as a resource for the early identification of culturally diverse adolescents who are vulnerable to generalized anxiety disorders. To prevent generalized anxiety disorder among adolescents with cultural diversity, school or community nurses can implement interventions to reduce loneliness or stress management programs.

Clinical Manifestations, Macrolide Resistance, and Treatment Utilization Trends of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Children and Adolescents in South Korea.

A resurgence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP)-the leading cause of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, particularly in children-occurred following the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to investigate the clinical manifestations, macrolide resistance patterns, and therapeutic approaches related to the MP pneumonia epidemic. Children and adolescents diagnosed with MP pneumonia in September-December 2023 were screened. Clinical data were retrospectively collected from 13 major hospitals using concordant microbiological criteria, including either a positive PCR result or four-fold increase in serological markers. Demographic characteristics, treatment modalities, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Of the 474 screened patients, 374 (median age: 7.7 [IQR, 5.4-9.6] years; hospitalization rate: 88.6%) met the microbiological confirmation criteria. Most patients experienced fever (98.9%), and lobular/lobar consolidation (59.1%) was the dominant radiological finding. The macrolide resistance rate remained high at 87.0%; corticosteroids were widely used (55.6%) alongside macrolides, despite resistance. Patients with consolidation had prolonged fever (median 8 vs. 7 days, p = 0.020) and higher hospitalization rates (92.3% vs. 83.0%, p = 0.008). Macrolide resistance did not significantly influence radiological outcomes. This study highlights the ongoing challenge of macrolide resistance in MP pneumonia and need for tailored therapeutic approaches. Despite high resistance, macrolides remain commonly prescribed, often concurrently with corticosteroids.

Exploring the impact of discrimination experiences on the peer relationship trajectories of multicultural adolescents in South Korea

Exploring the impact of discrimination experiences on the peer relationship trajectories of multicultural adolescents in South Korea

The Influence of Music Training on Language Processing Skills in Adolescents in South Korea

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of music training on language processing skills in adolescents in South Korea. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study on the influence of music training on language processing skills in adolescents in South Korea revealed significant positive correlations between music education and language processing abilities. Adolescents who received music training demonstrated enhanced linguistic skills, including vocabulary acquisition and syntactic comprehension, compared to their peers without musical instruction. The findings suggest that musical training may contribute to cognitive advantages in language development during adolescence. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Neurocognitive theory of music, transfer of learning theory & socio-cultural theory may be used to anchor future studies on the influence of music training on language processing skills in adolescents in South Korea. Advocate for the integration of structured music education programs in South Korean schools, emphasizing its potential benefits for language development. Advocate for policies that support the inclusion of music education as a core component of the curriculum, highlighting its role in fostering holistic cognitive development and academic achievement.

Myopia trends among children and adolescents: a nationwide study in South Korea

PurposeTo evaluate gender disparities in the progression of myopia among children and adolescents in South Korea. MethodsNationwide cross-sectional data of 1,190 subjects aged 10-18 years was obtained for the years of 2011 (baseline) and 2021 using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. The prevalence of myopia, as well as data regarding age, household income, height, weight, body mass index, and age of menarche, were evaluated. Myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent (SE) ≤ −0.5 D. ResultsThe prevalence of myopia among boys was stable in2021 compared to 2011, with rates of 53.7% and 52.8%, respectively (P = 0.372). Among girls, however, there was a statistically significant increase in myopia prevalence in 2021 compared to 2011, with rates of 73.7% and 51.6% (P < 0.001), respectively. Over 10 years, the adjusted prevalence ratio for myopia in boys was 1.11 (95% CI, 0.77-1.61), whereas myopia prevalence in girls underwent a 1.87-fold increase over the same period (95% CI, 1.30-2.69), and menarche at <12 years of age was associated with myopia in girls (PR = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.72-0.99). The spherical equivalent refraction in girls increased significantly over the same 10-year period, from −1.09 ± 0.13 D to −1.58 ± 0.17 D (P < 0.017), whereas in boys, there was no significant difference (P = 0.604). ConclusionsIn our study cohort, the prevalence of myopia increased significantly among girls compared with boys over the course of decade. Additionally, an association between early menarche in girls and the prevalence of myopia was observed.

Trends in substance use among sexual minority adolescents in South Korea.

Substance use, that is of cigarettes, alcohol and chemical inhalants, is a major contributor to health-compromising behaviors and the related consequences among adolescents around the world. The purpose of this paper is to examine trends in this phenomenon in South Korea among sexually active adolescents who reported sexual minority behaviors as compared to their heterosexual (HS) peers. This study used data from the annual web-based survey called Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 5-year intervals: 2006, 2011, and 2016. From 2017, the questions regarding the gender of sex partners were excluded from the survey, thus no data is available for sexual minorities after 2016. Selected data (Unweighted n = 10,029) was used to assess whether substance use increased, decreased, or remained unchanged among adolescents who reported same-sex (SS) behaviors and bisexual (BS) behaviors compared to their peers reporting HS behaviors. Demographic variables included age and assigned gender. Substances referred to are cigarettes, alcohol, and chemical inhalants. Logistic regression models were sex-stratified according to assigned gender. Trend analyses were carried out to examine disparities in substance use among sexually active adolescents across the three survey years. Across the three survey years, cigarette use, alcohol use, and problematic drinking declined among all sexually active youths, but there were some differences among the subgroups. In 2016, SS girls were more likely to use cigarettes than HS girls. The prevalence of alcohol use and problematic drinking among BS girls was relatively higher than among girls who exhibited either HS or SS behaviors. Inhalant use was very high among both boys and girls with SS and BS behaviors. The findings of the study reveal disparities in substance use between sexual minority and heterosexual adolescents in South Korea. This creates an alarm for collecting data separately for sexually diverse youth in future Korean national surveys with a goal of reducing substance use among all adolescents.

Impact of Social Media Use on the Life Satisfaction of Adolescents in South Korea Through Social Support and Social Capital

This study investigated how social media use among South Korean adolescents influences life satisfaction, using two-wave panel survey data. Specifically, this study examined the mediating mechanism by which adolescents’ social media use is associated with their life satisfaction through social support and social capital. The results demonstrated that social support and social capital mediate the relationship between social media use and life satisfaction. Social media use is positively related to social support, and social support has a positive relationship with a higher level of social capital which, in turn, is related to a higher level of life satisfaction. This study improves our understanding of the relationship between social media use and adolescents’ life satisfaction and presents significant implications for those attempting to help such individuals promote their life satisfaction and mental health.

The Impact of COVID-19 and Exposure to Violent Media Content on Cyber Violence Victimization Among Adolescents in South Korea: National Population-Based Study.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent stay-at-home mandates, adolescents faced isolation and a decline in mental health. With increased online activity during this period, concerns arose regarding exposure to violent media content and cyber victimization among adolescents. Yet, the precise influence of pandemic-related measures on experiences of cyber violence remains unclear. Hence, it is pertinent to investigate whether the pandemic altered the dynamics of cyber violence victimization for individuals. This study aims to investigate the effects of COVID-19 and exposure to violent media content on cyber violence victimization among adolescents in South Korea. We used national survey data from 2019 (n=4779) and 2020 (n=4958) to investigate the potential impact of COVID-19 on the prevalence of cyber violence among young adolescents. The data encompassed responses from elementary fourth-grade students to senior high school students, probing their exposure to violent media content, average internet use, as well as experiences of victimization and perpetration. The analysis revealed a noteworthy decline in cyber victimization during 2020 compared with 2019 (B=-0.12, t=-3.45, P<.001). Furthermore, being a perpetrator significantly contributed to cyber victimization (B=0.57, t=48.36, P<.001). Additionally, younger adolescents (β=-.06, t=-6.09, P<.001), those spending more time online (β=.18, t=13.83, P<.001), and those exposed to violent media (β=.14, t=13.89, P<.001) were found to be more susceptible to victimization. Despite the widespread belief that cyber violence among adolescents surged during COVID-19 due to increased online activity, the study findings counter this assumption. Surprisingly, COVID-19 did not exacerbate cyber victimization; rather, it decreased it. Given the strong correlation between cyber victimization and offline victimization, our attention should be directed toward implementing real-life interventions aimed at curbing violence originating from in-person violence at school.

Racial/ethnic disparities in sleep health among adolescents in South Korea: The role of substance use behaviours.

To examine the relationship between racial/ethnic disparities and substance use behaviours (alcohol and tobacco use) and their impact on the sleep health of South Korean adolescents. Secondary analysis of cross-sectional study data from the 2021 Korea Youth Risk Behaviour Web-based Survey dataset. Given that Korean society has historically linked its racial/ethnic identity to a shared bloodline, we categorized 2644 adolescents from the Korea Youth Risk Behaviour Web-based Survey based on their racial/ethnic status, determined by their parents' birthplaces. Using multiple linear regression, we investigated whether the impact of racial/ethnic disparities on sleep health (sleep duration, debt, and timing) varies depending on substance use behaviours (alcohol and tobacco use) after controlling for age, sex, household economic status, depressed mood, suicidal ideation, perceived excessive stress, and anxiety level. Despite no statistical differences in sleep health and the prevalence of substance use between racial/ethnic groups, racial/ethnic minority adolescents experienced greater sleep debt than racial/ethnic majority adolescents when consuming alcohol. Moreover, racial/ethnic minority adolescents were more likely to report psychosocial distress and had lower parental education level. Racial/ethnic minority adolescents were more vulnerable to the detrimental effects of alcohol use on sleep health compared to racial/ethnic majority adolescents. This heightened vulnerability may be attributed to the more pronounced psychosocial challenges and the lower socioeconomic status of parents in the racial/ethnic minority group. Racial/ethnic disparities are concerning in South Korea, particularly since the negative effects of substance use on sleep health are intensified among racial/ethnic minority adolescents. Nurses and other healthcare providers should recognize the importance of addressing the social disadvantages linked to racial/ethnic disparities. Beyond just advocating for the cessation of substance use, it is crucial to address these underlying issues to reduce sleep disparities among South Korean adolescents. No patient or public contribution.

The residential, area-specific prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation among South Korean adolescents

ObjectivesThis study investigated the residential, area-specific prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation among adolescents in South Korea, based on nationally representative data. MethodsA secondary analysis was performed using the database of the 17th Korean Youth Health Behavior Survey, which contained data from 54,848 adolescents. ResultsFemale adolescents (more influential in counties), low economic status (more influential in metropolitan cities), perceived stress (more influential in metropolitan cities), depression (more influential in counties), loneliness (more influential in counties), and anxiety (more influential in counties) were influencing factors in all areas, and the factors associated with suicidal ideation differed by residential area. The factors related to suicidal ideation were similar by residential area, but the degree of relevance differed from area to area; in particular, the prevalence of variables related to mental health (depression, loneliness, and anxiety) was high in counties. Alcohol drinking was significant only in small- and medium-sized cities in terms of suicidal ideation. ConclusionSuicide prevention programs for adolescents should be implemented given the higher incidence of suicidal ideation among female adolescents, the greater influence of mental health-related variables in counties, and the influence of smoking in cities. There were differences in the prevalence and risk factors of suicidal ideation by residential areas.

Analysis of the Use of Korean Medicine Treatments among Children and Adolescents in South Korea: Analysis of Nationally Representative Sample.

Korean medicine (KM) is pivotal within South Korea's healthcare system. This study aimed to investigate the current use and determinants associated with KM among children and adolescents through an analysis of the 2019 Korea Health Panel Annual Data. Subjects were divided into two groups: the integrative medicine (IM) group, utilizing both KM and conventional medicine (CM) (n = 163), and the CM-only group (n = 1843) for the year 2019. Differences in various factors between the IM and CM groups were investigated using the chi-square test or t-tests. Moreover, binomial logistic regression was employed to ascertain factors influencing the choice of KM over exclusive CM utilization. The IM group had a higher mean age (p = 0.011) and annual household income (p < 0.001) compared to the CM group. The regression analysis indicated a significant association between the use of both KM and CM and being an adolescent (p = 0.011), residing in Seoul/Gyeonggi/Incheon (p = 0.017), living in Daejeon/Chungcheong/Sejong (p = 0.001), and belonging to the first income percentile (p = 0.002). Significant differences were observed in the KM usage patterns between the groups of children and adolescents. These insights could contribute to the development of strategies for the optimal allocation of medical resources within South Korea's distinctive medical framework.