Korean Female Adolescents Research Articles

Factors Influencing Suicidal Ideation in Korean Female Adolescents with Sexual Intercourse Experience.

Suicide rate in South Korea is the highest among Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries. Particularly it is a major public health concern among adolescents. We investigated the factors affecting suicidal ideation among female Korean adolescents who had experienced sexual intercourse. This study was a secondary data analysis using the 18th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey, conducted using a complex sampling design in 2022. A complex sample multiple logistic regression was performed to analyze data of 1,166 female students who had experienced sexual intercourse. Among the general characteristics, significant differences in suicidal ideation depending on grade, household income, living with family, academic achievement, and allergic dermatitis were observed (P<0.05). Additionally, the factors significantly associated with suicidal ideation were contraceptive use, mental health (generalized anxiety disorder, depressive symptoms, loneliness, and stress), current smoking, drinking, insufficient sleep, and insufficient breakfast consumption (P<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the factors affecting suicidal ideation were generalized anxiety disorder, perceived stress, loneliness, depressive symptom, and smartphone addiction. For female adolescents with sexual experience, negative mental health and smartphone addiction needed to be managed to reduce suicidal ideation.

The Relationship of Risky Online Behaviors and Adverse Childhood Experiences to Online Sexual Victimization Among Korean Female Adolescents.

Prior research has demonstrated that online sexual victimization (OSV) is a significant social problem and is associated with adolescents' negative developmental outcomes. However, it remains unclear whether adolescents' risky online behaviors and offline victimization are related to the risk of OSV. The present study examined whether female adolescents' risky online behaviors (mood regulation through the Internet, ingratiating behavior, disclosure of personal information, harassing behavior, talking with someone met online, and sexual behavior) and offline victimization (adverse childhood experiences [ACEs]) would be associated with OSV. This study recruited female adolescents and their mothers within six metropolitan cities and provinces of residential areas of South Korea. A total of 509 female adolescents participated in the survey (aged 13-18 years). The present study employed multivariate regression to examine the relationship of risky online behaviors and offline victimization to the experience of OSV. Female adolescents' risky online behaviors (harassing behavior, talking with someone met online, and sexual behavior) were significantly associated with OSV, and those with high exposure to maltreatment and family dysfunction during childhood were more at risk of OSV than adolescents with low exposure to ACEs. The results suggest that it is important to address the effects of risky online behaviors and exposure to offline victimization on female adolescents' sexual victimization online. Identifying risky online behaviors and offline victimization related to OSV can help researchers and practitioners further understand female adolescents' online victimizations in the context of offline and online dynamics.

The Association Between Higher Use of Projection and Negative Body Image in Korean Female Adolescents

Jae-Won Choi, So-Jin Lee, Bong-Jo Kim, Cheol-Soon Lee, Boseok Cha, Dongyun Lee, Jiyeong Seo, Young-Ji Lee, Eun-Ji Lim, and Nuree Kang. Psychoanalysis 2022;33:56-62. https://doi.org/10.18529/psychoanal.2022.33.3.56

Problematic smartphone use and functional somatic symptoms among adolescents: Mediating roles of depressive symptoms and peer relationships by gender

This study explored the relationship between problematic smartphone use and depressive symptoms, peer relationships, and functional somatic symptoms with a representative sample of Korean male and female adolescents using serial multiple mediation models. The results identified the mediating effect of depressive symptoms and peer relationships for males in the association between problematic smartphone use and FSS. The serial mediating effect of the two mediators was also verified in the model for males. However, in the model for females, only depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between problematic smartphone use and FSS. The findings suggest that parents and professionals should assess adolescents with problematic smartphone use for the risk of FSS when depressive symptoms develop. Schools should also provide programs to build positive peer relationships to reduce FSS.

Effects of depression and social interaction on smartphone addiction among female adolescents.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of social interaction and depression on smartphone addiction among Korean female adolescents. This study is a secondary analysis of the data from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey, a national survey conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute In Korea in 2018. The data of 1185 female adolescents was analyzed. Binary logistic regression was performed between smartphone addiction and depression, parenting behavior, peer interaction and teacher interaction. Proportion of risk users was 24.9%. Depression, coercive parenting attitude, negative peer relationship, and trust/sensitivity/accessibility in teacher relationship predicted smartphone addiction. This study emphasizes the necessity of smartphone addiction prevention programs to lower depression levels and approach adolescents' parents, friends, and teachers.

한국 여자 청소년의 화장이 학교 적응에 미치는 영향

In Korean society, older generations consider adolescent makeup deviant behavior, whereas millennials have rapidly accepted makeup as their peer group culture. This generation gap has fueled a generational conflict. In this situation, this study aims to examine the effects of Korean adolescent makeup on their school adjustment (i.e., learning achievement and relationships with friends). For a rigorous understanding of this relationship, this study developed a research framework that includes the internalization of beauty ideals and body satisfaction through literature reviews of relevant studies. In total, five hypotheses were established within the research framework and data were collected through an online survey with 107 Korean female adolescents aged 15–17 years. The collected data were analyzed through confirmatory factor analysis, higher-order factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. The results showed that the internalization of beauty ideals negatively affected body satisfaction. Adolescent makeup reinforced by the internalization of beauty ideals improved body satisfaction, which had a suppression effect on the decline in body satisfaction caused by the internalization of beauty ideals. Additionally, both body satisfaction and adolescent makeup positively influenced school adjustment. These results could reduce the generation gap regarding adolescent makeup and provide educational and industrial implications for Korean society.

Mental health states and influencing factors of risky and problem drinking in South Korean female adolescents

ObjectivesAlcohol is one of the most used and abused psychoactive substances by adolescents. We investigated influencing factors of risky and problem drinking in Korean female adolescents. Study designThe study design used is a cross-sectional modeling. MethodsWe used data from the 13th Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS) conducted in 2017. KYRBS data were obtained from a stratified, multistage, clustered sample. Risky drinking was binge drinking and problem drinking was drinking with several conflicts association with alcohol consumption. ResultsAmong 62,276 participants, the rates of current, risky, and problem drinking among all participants were 16.1%, 8.3%, and 6.1%, respectively. Although all of these rates were higher in males, risky and problem drinking rates among current female drinkers were higher than those of males (55.4 vs 48.5%, 38.9 vs 37.2%, respectively). Problem drinking was most strongly associated with risky drinking (adjusted odds ratio: 17.53 [95% confidence interval: 14.63–21.00]), similarly, risky drinking was most strongly associated with problem drinking in female current drinkers (17.76 [14.84–21.27]). Current smoking was the second strongest risk factor for risky and problem drinking in females (5.22 [3.92–6.95] and 2.93 [2.21–3.89], respectively). ConclusionMany female adolescents in Korea drink alcohol in an unhealthy manner. The female risky and problem drinking rates among current drinkers were higher than those of males. Risky drinking and problem drinking was most significant influencing factor among females, reciprocally. Public education on abstinence in female adolescents is warranted.

Biochemical Index, Nutrition Label Use, and Weight Control Behavior in Female Adolescents: Using the 2010 and 2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

This study was conducted to analyze the biochemical index, nutrient intakes, nutrition label use, diet-related factors and weight control behavior of Korean female adolescents at the age of 12 to 18 according to body mass index (BMI) by using the results of the 2010 and 2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. The obese group had higher waist circumference (p < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (p < 0.01) than the normal group. In the biochemical index, the obese group had lower serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level (p < 0.001), while their triglyceride level was higher than the normal group (p < 0.01). Nutrient intake according to BMI was not significantly different except carbohydrate, and calcium intake was about 53% of recommended nutrient intake in all study subjects. The nutrition label was recognized in more than 90% of all groups. But actual nutrition label use was below 50% in all groups and the underweight group was the lowest (p < 0.05). In the result for subjective body image perception, even in the group with normal BMI, 25.3% recognized themselves as obese, and 75.3% said they were trying to lose weight, indicating that many female teens actually think their bodies are obese. In conclusion, obese female adolescents have high systolic blood pressure and serum triglyceride concentrations, which requires obesity prevention education. And a large number of female adolescents with normal BMI thought they were obese and tried to lose weight. Therefore, education on healthy weight and calcium intake is necessary.

New 20 m Progressive Shuttle Test Protocol and Equation for Predicting the Maximal Oxygen Uptake of Korean Adolescents Aged 13-18 Years.

Background: Although several equations for predicting VO2max in children and adolescents have been reported, the validity of application of these equations to the Korean population has not been verified. The purpose of study was to develop and validate regression models to estimate maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) using a newly developed 20 m progressive shuttle test (20 m PST) protocol in Korean male (n = 80, 15.3 ± 1.86 years) and female (n = 81, 15.5 ± 1.73 years) adolescents aged 13–18 years. Methods: The modified 20 m PST was performed and the VO2max was assessed in a sample of 161 participants. The participants underwent a treadmill test (TT) in the laboratory and the modified 20 m PST in a gymnasium. For the validation study, the participants performed the TT with a stationary metabolic cart and the 20 m PST with a portable metabolic cart once. In addition, they performed the 20 m PST two more times to establish test–retest reliability. Results: The mean VO2max (49.6 ± 8.7 mL·kg−1·min−1) measured with the potable metabolic cart was significantly higher than that measured in the graded exercise test with the stationary metabolic cart (46.6 ± 8.9 mL·kg−1·min−1, p < 0.001) using the new 20 m PST protocol. The standard error of the estimate (SEE) between these two measurements was 1.35 mL·kg−1·min−1. However, the VO2max derived from the newly developed equation was 46.7 ± 7.3 mL·kg−1·min−1 (p > 0.05) and the SEE was 2.90 mL·kg−1·min−1. The test and retest trials of the 20 m PST yielded comparable results (laps, r = 0.96; last speed, r = 0.93). Conclusions: Our data suggest that the new 20 m PST protocol is valid and reliable and that the equation developed in this study provides a valid estimate of VO2max in Korean male and female adolescents aged 13–18 years.

Diet and Physical Activity of Korean Female Adolescents in Their Peer Networks.

The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the diet and physical activity behaviors of female adolescents and their friends within classroom-based peer networks in Korea. Complete social network analysis was used to examine the influence of classroom-based peers on adolescents' diets and physical activity. Data were collected by self-report from 99 female adolescents in three classrooms. Diet and physical activity behaviors were measured using the Adolescent Food Habit Checklist, food frequency questions, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Female adolescents were asked to nominate close friends within their classroom. Descriptive statistics for diet and physical activity were generated; social network data were analyzed using social network analysis. Most participants were normal-weight, 18-year-old adolescents. Across three classrooms, adolescents' dietary behaviors were connected with those of their classroom-based peer networks; however, similar outcomes were not identified for physical activity. Clusters of diet behaviors for Korean female adolescents were identified in classroom-based peer networks. Developing interventions based on these shared behaviors could be effective in improving these behaviors. Additional studies should explore potential barriers to physical activity for Korean female adolescents and their classroom-based peers. The current study found that Korean female adolescents' dietary behaviors were associated with their peers'. Healthcare providers should consider involving peers when developing interventions to improve the diet of Korean female adolescents.

Factors Associated with Vitamin D Status Among Korean Female Adolescents

PurposeThe prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among female adolescents in South Korea is the highest in East Asia. Therefore, this study aims to identify factors associated with vitamin D status among female adolescents in South Korea. Design and MethodsThis cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a data set from the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010−2012). Participants comprised 734 female adolescents aged 12–18 years. A general linear model using a complex samples design was employed. ResultsThe mean vitamin D level of the participants was 14.90 ng/mL. Among these participants, 87.6% had a vitamin D deficiency. As their age increased by one year, their vitamin D level decreased by 0.47 ng/mL. Female adolescents with a low household income had vitamin D levels lower by 1.88 ng/mL than those with a high household income. Vitamin D levels in female adolescents who skipped lunch was lower by 3.41 ng/mL than those who had lunch. ConclusionThe prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among female adolescents in South Korea is considerable. The findings suggest that age, socioeconomic status, and skipping a meal were associated with vitamin D status in female adolescents, but physical activity was not.Practice Implications.As the findings of this study indicate, older female adolescents and those from lower household incomes may be at higher risk for lower levels of Vitamin D. Counseling female adolescents as to dietary measures to avoid vitamin D deficiency is advised. Preventive health for at risk female adolescents includes provision of health education and counseling.

Insufficient sleep and suicidal ideation: a survey of 12,046 female adolescents

ObjectivesAdolescence is a period of adaptation to social, hormonal, and physical changes. Because of these changes, adolescents are at risk for depression and suicidal thoughts. Female adolescents tend to be more sensitive to hormonal and emotional changes. Although the reciprocal relationship among depression, poor sleep quality, and suicide has been studied, whether decreased sleep time leads to depression-mediated suicide or induces suicide itself remains to be determined. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze (using a path analysis) the indirect (i.e., due to depression) and direct effects of sleep on suicidal ideation for female adolescents. MethodsWe use nationally representative data from the Korean juvenile health behavior online survey to analyze the sleep effects on suicidal ideation. A total of 12,046 Korean female adolescents were included in this study. We analyzed data from the juvenile health behavior online survey (2017) conducted by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and identified variables that could affect the mental health of female adolescents. A path analysis was performed to determine the direct role of sleep in suicidal ideation. ResultsDecreased sleep was one of the several risk factors for suicidal ideation. Unexpectedly, after controlling for other risk factors including depression and socioeconomic factors, insufficient sleep was found to have direct effects on suicidal ideation. The indirect effect of insufficient sleep on suicidal ideation was mediated by depression. ConclusionSleep is a modifiable factor that could reduce the suicide rate among female adolescents and could be targeted through public health prevention efforts.

Role of social normative beliefs as a moderating factor in smoking intention among adolescent girls in Korea.

In this study, we investigated the relationship between risk-taking tendency and smoking intention as moderated by social normative beliefs among Korean female adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 274 female adolescents in middle school. Multiple regression and simple slope analyses were employed to test the moderating effects of social normative beliefs regarding smoking on the relationship between risk-taking tendency and smoking intention. Results determined that risk-taking tendency, social normative beliefs regarding smoking, and their interaction were significant factors influencing smoking intention among adolescents. Risk-taking tendency was associated with greater smoking intention among adolescents, with higher than average social normative beliefs regarding smoking. However, risk-taking tendency was not significantly associated with smoking intention for adolescents with lower than average social normative beliefs regarding smoking. In conclusion, social normative beliefs regarding smoking moderated the relationship between risk-taking intention and smoking intention among Korean female adolescents. Unique sociocultural perceptions about smoking behaviors of adolescents need to be reflected in smoking-prevention and -cessation programs.

Types of stressors and bullying perpetration among female adolescents in Korea

ABSTRACTResearch concerning bullying among female adolescents in Korea remains extremely limited. This study examined the impact of three different types of stressors (family stress, friendship stress, and school stress) on bullying perpetration among Korean female adolescents. Five middle schools were randomly selected from 11 schools in Pyeongtaek, Korea. Participants in the study were 374 female students in 7–9th grade. A linear regression analysis based on the different types of stressors was conducted. Findings indicate that family and school related stressors were significantly associated with bullying perpetration. Results supported Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological systems theory. Interventions to decrease family stress and school stress are supported for Korean female adolescents engaged in bullying perpetration.

A prediction model for peer attachment in KOREAN female adolescents using back propagation neural network

Background/Objectives: This study used data mining technique to explore the potential factors affecting the peer attachment of South Korean female students.Methods/Statistical analysis: This study analyzed 2009 9th grade female students, who attended Panel Study on Korean Children in 2016. Peer attachment was defined as a dependent variable. The explanatory variables included gender, academic achievement satisfaction, subjective household economy level, parent-child dialogue frequency, subjective health status, depression symptom, self-esteem, subjective life satisfaction, and mobile phone dependence. The predictors of peer attachment were analyzed by using back propagation neural network (BPN).Findings: Analysis results showed that depression, self-esteem, dialogue level between parent and child regarding school life, subjective health condition were highly related to the peer attachment of female students.Improvements/Applications: It is required to develop a customized educational program to form a successful social relationship between adolescent female students.

한국 여자 청소년의 신체활동 참여와 건강행위

한국 여자 청소년의 신체활동 참여와 건강행위

Conceptualizing effective interventions for smartphone addiction among Korean female adolescents

This study is the first of its kind to conceptualize effective interventions for smartphone addiction among female adolescents in South Korea using a mixed method concept-mapping approach. The participants were Korean female adolescents (N=36) who had been referred to an Internet addiction treatment centers due to their smartphone addiction problems. Concept mapping was conducted to collect, organize, and interpret qualitative data using quantitative techniques such as hierarchical cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling. The study found five clusters of effective interventions: involuntary restriction, self-awareness and self-control, school restrictions, peer support, and professional services. This conceptual framework can be utilized in planning and developing interventions for female adolescents with smartphone addiction.

Association between sleep duration and menstrual cycle irregularity in Korean female adolescents

ObjectiveThe association between sleep and the menstrual cycle in the adolescent population has been scarcely studied. This study aimed to investigate the association between sleep duration and menstrual cycle irregularity among female adolescents using nationwide representative data from the South Korean population. MethodsThis population-based, cross-sectional study used the data collected from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010–2012, and the data from 801 female adolescents were analyzed. Hierarchical multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk of menstrual cycle irregularity in relation to sleep duration. ResultsSubjects with menstrual cycle irregularity accounted for 15% (N = 120). The mean sleep duration in subjects with menstrual cycle irregularity was significantly shorter than that in those without (p = 0.003). Menstrual cycle irregularity prevalence tended to decrease as sleep duration increased (p for trend = 0.004), which was significantly different based on sleep duration and presence of depressive mood (p = 0.011). Sleep duration ≤5 h per day was significantly associated with increased risk of menstrual cycle irregularity compared with that in the subjects whose sleep duration is ≥8 h per day even after adjusting for confounding variables. The odds ratios of menstrual cycle irregularity tended to increase for shorter sleep duration in all adjusted models. ConclusionThis study found a significant inverse association between sleep duration and menstrual cycle irregularity among Korean female adolescents. Increasing sleep duration is required to improve the reproductive health of female adolescents.

Vitamin D Deficiency As a Risk Factor of Atopic Dermatitis in Korean Female Adolescents

Vitamin D Deficiency As a Risk Factor of Atopic Dermatitis in Korean Female Adolescents

Determinants of tobacco use among Korean female adolescents: Longitudinal test of the theory of triadic influence

This study aimed to examine the influences of social, attitudinal, and intrapersonal factors at three levels on tobacco use among female adolescents in South Korea using longitudinal national data. The study analyzed data from the Korean Youth Panel Study, with a study population consisting of middle-school second-graders (N=1594). Using time dependent Cox regression, our analyses yielded the following main findings: the theory of triadic influence was verified to provide a theoretical framework for smoking among Korean female adolescents. All of the social factors at the three levels, including parental supervision, attachment to friends, and peer smoking prevalence, were found to influence tobacco use among Korean female adolescents. Stigma on the distal level and attitude towards smoking on the proximal level were significant attitudinal factors. Among intrapersonal factors, self-control on the distal level and stress on the proximal level were found to be significant. The study findings suggest that including parental education and promoting attachment to non-smoking friends, as well as enhancing sound relationships with them, would provide an effective strategy for the prevention and cessation of smoking. Prevention and cession should include strategies that alleviate stigma and stress, and improve negative attitude toward smoking and the level of self-control.