Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey Research Articles

National trends in sexual intercourse and usage of contraception among Korean adolescents.

The exact influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual intercourse and usage of contraception remains largely uncharted territory. To bridge this gap in knowledge, we conducted a comprehensive, cross-sectional examination of long-term trends in the prevalence of sexual intercourse and usage of contraception among South Korean adolescents from 2006 to 2022. In our research, we drew upon data encompassing 1,138,799 South Korean adolescents aged 12 to 18years, derived from the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS) over a period spanning from 2006 to 2022. We focused on the prevalence of sexual intercourse, contraception utilization, and the underlying associated factors among this demographic. The KYRBS data was collected using a complex sampling strategy to determine the national prevalence estimates and shifts in prevalence before (2006-2019) and during (2020-2022) the COVID-19 pandemic era. During the pre-pandemic period, a decrease in adolescent sexual intercourse was observed (6.34% in 2006, 5.53% in 2012, and 5.87% in 2019). However, in the post-pandemic period (2020-2022), there was a surge in sexual intercourse (4.55% in 2020 and 6.20% in 2022). This evident alteration in sexual intercourse trajectory between pre- and post-pandemic periods was statistically significant [βdiff, 0.950; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.756-1.144]. Regarding contraceptive use among South Korean adolescents, there was an increase in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic phase across all demographic segments (14.61% in 2006, 22.30% in 2012, and 47.69% in 2022) but a notable decline when compared with the pre- and post-pandemic periods (βdiff, -0.319; 95% CI, -0.454 to -0.184). Additionally, during the study period, a decrease in sexual intercourse was observed in the pre-pandemic period (β, -0.129; 95% CI, -0.148 to -0.110), followed by an increase in the post-pandemic period (β, 0.821; 95% CI, 0.627 to 1.014). This shift is highlighted by an effect size of 0.96 [weighted odds ratio (wOR); 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.00], indicating a substantial change in adolescent sexual behaviors across study periods. The increase in sexual intercourse and decrease in usage of contraception observed in our study between the pre- and post-COVID-19 periods suggests a potential threat to sexual health among South Korean adolescents. This trend emphasizes the ongoing necessity of raising awareness about adolescent sexual behavior in South Korea.

Difference in Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Korean Adolescents

BackgroundPrevious studies have identified various factors associated with sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among children and adolescents. Recent studies attempted to analyze changes in SSB consumption of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic and showed conflicting results. ObjectivesThis study aimed to estimate the difference in SSB consumption before (2018–2019) and during (2020–2021) the COVID-19 pandemic among Korean adolescents. MethodsThe study population consisted of students (n = 227,139) aged 12–18 y from the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS). Data collection was done between 2018 and 2021. The primary outcome was the difference in the SSB consumption status (none/<7 times/wk, ≥7 times/wk) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the association. Additional analysises were also conducted by gender, school grades, household income, grade point average, region, household members, fast-food intake, and fruit intake. ResultsThe COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a decrease in adolescents’ SSB intake. [(<7 times/wk) 2019: 59.4, 2020: 58.8, (≥7 times/wk) 2019: 35.3, 2020: 33.4]. ConclusionsThe study found a difference in SSB consumption among Korean adolescents between before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings are noteworthy considering the importance of continuous care in managing SSB intake.

Did the increase in sitting time due to COVID-19 lead to obesity in adolescents?

IntroductionSince adolescent with obesity is closely linked with the incidence of cardiovascular disease, it is important to identify the factors that increase the prevalence of adolescent with obesity and prevent it early. This study aimed to examine which of the demographic and lifestyle factors including sitting hours per week for purposes other than study had the greatest influence on Korean adolescents with obesity during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.MethodsWe used the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS) data. The primary outcome was the relationship between sitting hours and obesity during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine which of the demographic and lifestyle factors including sitting hours per week for purposes other than study had the greatest influence on Korean adolescents’ obesity status.ResultsThe prevalence of obesity was significantly higher during the COVID-19 than before the COVID-19 (OR, 1.268, CI:1.232–1.305). There was a significant increase in the OR for sitting hours per week for purposes other than study (OR, 1.021, 95% CI, 1.019–1.024). Compared to low household income, the OR decreased for middle (OR = 0.798, 95% CI:0.77, 0.826) and high-income household students (OR, 0.833, 95% CI: 0.803–0.865).Discussion/ConclusionThe results of this study confirmed the relationship between sit-ting hours and obesity in adolescents during the pandemic. To prevent adolescent with obesity, further studies are needed to focus on the importance of promoting health policy in adolescents to avoid the continuous rising of its prevalence and needed to understand whether the increase in obesity rates during the pandemic is a temporary trend.

Factors Influencing Suicide Attempts of Adolescents with Suicidal Thoughts in South Korea: Using the 15th Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (KYRBS).

Adolescence is a period of physical and psychological change that causes adolescents to experience anxiety, stress, and loss of control. These experiences can lead to thoughts about suicide. However, not all adolescents with suicidal thoughts attempt suicide. This study aimed to identify the factors that influence suicide attempts among adolescents with suicidal thoughts, and to prepare a theoretical basis for a method to prevent suicide among adolescents. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the 15th Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (2019) was used. The participants were 7,498 adolescents aged 12-18 yr with thoughts of suicide. Factors influencing suicide attempts among adolescents with suicidal thoughts were analyzed using a complex sample logistic analysis. Gender, age, academic performance, and economic level were the general factors associated with suicide attempts of adolescents with suicidal thoughts. Physical and psychological factors included smoking, alcohol use, drug use, sex-related experience, experiencing violence, efforts to reduce weight, level of physical activity, and depression. Age and gender should be taken into consideration when designing suicide prevention activities. In addition, in order to lower the suicide rate of adolescents in Korea, an effective system of prevention and intervention strategies should be implemented, which attend to the issues of adolescents from low-income families, adolescent weight and body image concerns, and adolescent depression.

Association Between Breakfast Consumption and Suicidal Attempts in Adolescents.

PurposeIt has been previously reported that skipping breakfast is positively associated with increased depression, anxiety, stress, and psychological distress. This study examined the effects of breakfast consumption on suicide attempts among adolescents.Patients and MethodsThe Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS) is an anonymous self-report survey conducted with middle- and high-school students to understand the health behavior of Korean adolescents. Variables related to suicide risk such as suicide attempts, breakfast frequency, depression, anxiety, and violence were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The class selected as the sample class was surveyed for all students and the number of youths selected as the sample in 2020 was 57,925 students from 800 schools (400 middle schools and 400 high schools) in 17 cities and provinces nationwide. Among them, the dataset for this study was 54,948 completed adolescent health behavior surveys.ResultsAdolescents who attempted suicide often skipped breakfast and had high stress levels. In the regression analysis, those who ate breakfast less than once a week had a stronger association with suicide attempts than the group of six or seven times a week (OR = 2.186; 95% CI = 1.873–2.552). In the group of feeling sadness or hopeless for more than two weeks in the past year, those who ate breakfast zero or once a week (OR = 1.269; 95% CI = 1.044–1.542), or two or three times (OR = 1.300; 95% CI = 1.043–1.619), showed a stronger correlation with suicide attempts than the group of six or seven times a week.ConclusionBreakfast can affect adolescents’ emotions. Helping adolescents regularly eat breakfasts might be a suicide prevention strategy.

Applying target congruence theory to victimization risk of students from multicultural backgrounds: A comparison of South Korean, North Korean, and other multicultural family adolescents

Abstract The objective of this study was to apply Target Congruence Theory (TCT) to explore the relationship between ethnicity and victimization in the context of South Korea. Specifically, this study used more than 235,000 students from the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (KYRBS) to explore the victimization experiences of multicultural children through the lenses of target vulnerability, target gratifiablity, and target antagonism. Results from multivariate modeling show that indicators of target congruence and deviant lifestyles were associated with the risk of violent victimization. Consistent with propositions of TCT, students from North Korean families were over eleven times more likely to report that they had experienced serious victimization, even after controlling for opportunity-related variables than students from South Korean families. Similarly, “other” multicultural family adolescents were over five times more likely to report a violent victimization experience than South Korean family adolescents. Policy implications are discussed.

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.

Health-related behaviors and mental health states of South Korean adolescents with atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic skin disease with a negative influence on adolescent mental health state. We aimed to identify the influencing factors for mental health in adolescents with AD. We 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. Participants responded to the question "have you ever been diagnosed with AD by a doctor?" and several yes/no questions about stress, depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Among 62276 participants, the proportion of adolescents with AD was 25.0%. Compared with adolescents without AD, those with AD were significantly more likely to experience stress, depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation (P<0.001) at rates of 59.1%, 27.8% and 13.9%, respectively. In the multivariate logistic regression model, subjective unhappiness was most strongly associated with stress in subjects with AD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 7.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.87-9.18), while depression (aOR, 9.83; 95% CI, 7.85-11.32) and suicidal ideation (aOR, 5.70; 95% CI, 5.01-6.48) were reciprocally the most important risk factors in adolescents with AD. AD in adolescents is associated with a higher prevalence of stress, depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. It is important for pediatricians to watch for these risks and to screen for suicidality in adolescents with AD.

Influencing Factors for Influenza Vaccination among South Korean Adolescents with Asthma Based on a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

Background:Influenza viral infection is a major public health problem with significant morbidity and mortality.Asthma is a risk factor for developing serious complications related to influenza infection. Objective: We explored factors associated with influenza vaccination coverage among adolescents with asthma. Methods: Data were obtained from 62,276 participants in the 13th Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (KYRBS) conducted in 2017. KYRBS data were obtained from a stratified, multistage, clustered sample. We used multiple logistic regression analyses to identify variables potentially related to influenza vaccination in adolescents with asthma. Results: The proportion of asthma was 8.8%, and the influenza vaccination rate overall was 37.9%. It was 41.8% in the asthma group and 37.5% in the nonasthma group (p < 0.001). After regression, male sex (odds ratio (OR) = 1.45; 95% CI 1.35–1.55), a high socioeconomic status (OR = 1.12; 95% CI 1.05–1.19), residence at an orphanage (OR = 1.93; 95% CI 1.38–2.29), regular breakfast consumption (OR = 1.09; 95% CI 1.02–1.17), and subjective good health (OR = 2.39; 95% CI 1.69–3.39) were associated with increased influenza vaccination, whereas current smoking (OR = 0.87; 95% CI 0.67–0.96) and a depressive mood (OR = 0.77; 95% CI 0.64–0.95) were inversely associated in adolescents with asthma. Conclusion: It is important to improve influenza vaccination in adolescents with asthma, especially females, those with a low socioeconomic status, independent residents, breakfast skippers, current smokers, and those who consider themselves unhealthy and have depressive moods.

Suicide Attempts and Contributing Factors among South and North Korean-Family Youth Using the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey.

Objectives:There is an increasing number of North Korean adolescents in South Korea. These adolescents need clinical attention as they experience a high risk of suicidal behavior because of the childhood adversity and acculturative challenges that they face before and after arriving in South Korea. This study assessed the risk of suicide attempts among North Korean adolescents compared to South Korean adolescents, and investigated the contributing factors for each group.Methods:We used data from the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (KYRBS) spanning 2011 to 2018, in which 404 adolescents had a father and/or mother who was a North Korean native. Data on 1,212 propensity-matched South Korean adolescents were extracted from the 2011 to 2018 KYRBS. Prevalence was calculated and compared by group. Separate odds ratios were calculated by group.Results:The North Korean group had a significantly higher suicide attempt rate [unadjusted odds ratio (OR)=8.27; adjusted OR=8.45]. Multivariate analysis indicated that having a low or high socioeconomic status and depressive symptoms were significantly associated with suicide attempts in North Korean adolescents, while being female, having a high socioeconomic status, alcohol use, and depressive symptoms were significantly related to suicide attempts in South Korean adolescents.Conclusion:The results found similarities and differences in the factors associated with the likelihood of suicide attempts in the two groups. From these results, different approaches are needed when planning interventions for each group.

Emotional State According to Breakfast Consumption in 62276 South Korean Adolescents

Objectives: Adolescents frequently skip breakfast for a variety of reasons. We investigated associations between lifestyle, emotional state, and breakfast consumption in adolescents. Methods: Data from 62276 adolescents were derived from the 13th Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS), conducting from June 1, 2017 to June 30. The adolescents were drawn by stratified multistage clustered samples from 400 middle schools and 400 high schools. Breakfast skipper was defined as those who ate breakfast less than 2 days per week. Results: Among 62276 participants, 19658 (31.5%) were breakfast skippers. Compared to those who were steady eaters, those who skipped breakfast were younger and shorter, had a poorer academic performance, poorer parent education status, and lower family economic status. Compared to steady eaters, those who skipped breakfast regularly also tended to be more overweight and obese, participate in exercise less frequently, and report increased stress, depressive mood, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Skipping breakfast was also associated with increased levels of smoking and alcohol consumption compared to steady eaters. Conclusions: Skipping breakfast is associated with an adverse effect on adolescent health and well-being, especially in regard to suicide attempts. Public and parental education on the benefits of eating breakfast in adolescents is recommended.

Comparative Study of Mental Health States Among Adolescents in Multicultural Versus Monocultural Families, Using the 13th Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey, 2017

Objectives: The mental health of multicultural adolescents is an important social issue. We explored the differences in adolescents’ mental health, including suicide modalities, between adolescents in multicultural and those in monocultural families. Methods: The results of 13th Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (KYRBS) in 2017 were used. KYRBS is a cross-sectional survey, and the participants were drawn as stratified multistage clustered samples from 400 middle and 400 high schools in Korea. Student participation was voluntary and anonymous in this self-report, web-based survey. Results: Of the targeted 64991 adolescents, 62276 (response rate 95.8%) participated, and 58052 were finally included in this survey. The multicultural adolescents made up 1.56% of the participants, with female predominance and, compared with the monocultural adolescents, they were younger, shorter, and slenderer, and had lower parent educational status, lower self-recognized academic performance, lower economic status, and used smartphone longer time. Depressive mood was not statistically significantly higher, but suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts were higher in the multicultural adolescents. Daily smoking and drinking status, lower economic status, poorer self-recognized academic performance, and multicultural background itself, were positively related to suicidal attempts, and of these factors, the odds ratio was highest for a multicultural background, at 9.50. Conclusions: Multicultural adolescents tend to have much higher risk of suicidality problems. Therefore, more intensive education and practical prevention strategies are needed to reduce the suicidal behaviors of multicultural adolescents.

Depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviours in adolescent non-daily smokers compared to daily smokers and never-smokers in Korea: National cross-sectional study.

IntroductionWe aimed to investigate the association of non-daily smoking with depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviours among adolescents by analysing data from the 2016 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS), a national school-based survey.MethodsWe analysed data from a nationally representative sample of Korean adolescents aged 12–18 years (n = 65,528). We investigated the risks of depressive symptoms, suicide ideation, plan and attempt in adolescent non-daily smokers using multiple logistic regression analyses after adjusting for confounding factors. Taking into account the trajectory of smoking patterns in adolescents, we assessed all analyses with stratification by early (aged 12–15) and late (aged 16–18) adolescents.ResultsAmong early adolescents, non-daily smokers were more likely to have depressive symptoms, suicide ideation and plan compared with never smokers and even more likely to have depressive symptoms compared with daily smokers. Among late adolescents, non-daily smokers had higher risks of depressive symptoms, suicide ideation, plan and attempt than never smokers, whereas the risk for suicide attempts was lower than daily smokers.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that non-daily smoking in adolescents was associated with risks for depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviours, and the association was more prominent in early adolescents. Careful attention on the mental health of adolescent non-daily smokers is needed because this is an increasing and easily overlooked group.

Relationship between binge drinking experience and suicide attempts in Korean adolescents: based on the 2013 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey

OBJECTIVESSuicide and drinking problems in adolescents are increasing every year, and it is known that suicide is related to drinking. This study aims to identify the relationship between binge drinking experience (BDE) and suicide attempts in Korean adolescents.METHODSThe Ninth Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS), conducted in 2013, was used for analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the relationship between BDE and suicide attempts, and the relationship between BDE and suicide attempts in middle and high school students was stratified by age.RESULTSBDE and suicide attempts were highly related. The odds ratio (OR) of attempted suicide in BDE was 1.63 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28 to 2.09) higher then non-drinking in males. And the OR of attempted suicide in females was 1.21 times (95% CI, 1.07 to 1.37) higher then non-drinking in non-BDE, 1.79 times (95% CI, 1.47 to 2.19) higher in BDE. BDE was associated with suicide attempts in males aged 12 or 13 years (OR, 3.97; 95% CI, 1.57 to 10.03) and in females aged 15 years (OR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.79 to 3.96).CONCLUSIONSBDE is an important factor related to suicide attempts in adolescents. In order to reduce suicide attempts, it is necessary to educate the youth about the regulation of BDE and drinking prevention.

청소년 흡연자의 금연 시도와 전자담배 사용

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the associations between the reasons of Korean adolescents attempts for quitting smoking and their conventional-electronic cigarette use experience. Methods: This research was based on mixed methodology. Data from the 2014 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS) of 72,060 students aged 13-18 years were analyzed with logistic regression. In-depth Intimate interviews were performed with 11 male high school student smokers who had e-cigarette experience and analyzed by using Colaizzi’s method. Results: Conventional cigarette only users were 3,783 (5.4%). 77% of e-cigarette users were dual users. Among ever smokers, those who have smoking friends (OR 6.7; 95% CI 4.0-11.2) and have smoking amount ≥20 cigarettes per day (OR 3.9; 95% CI 2.7-5.6) were more likely to be dual users. In the interview, the students had purchased e-cigarette to save money by quitting smoking on the increase in cigarette prices. Influence from peers and convenience (i.e. the absence of odor) was other reasons for using e-cigarette. They became dual users because not satisfied with e-cigarette. The internet was an important distribution channel for e-cigarette. Conclusions: E-cigarette users became dual users because it was not satisfactory. Further research should be followed to regulate the spread out of e-cigarette in adolescents.

우리나라 중고등학교 여학생의 조기 초경 경향과 영향요인

본 연구는 최근 우리나라 중고등학교 여학생들의 초경 연령 변화와 조기 초경에 영향을 미치는 요인을 파악하기 위해 수행하였다. 연구자료는 2006년-2014년 청소년건강행태온라인조사 원시자료를 이용하였으며, 연구대상자는 조사 완료된 여학생 중 내용이 부실한 자료를 제외한 1988년에서 2002년에 출생한 216,917명이었다. 연도별 초경 연령과 조기 초경(12세 이전 초경 경험) 비율의 변화를 분석하기 위해 선형추세검정을 이용하였고, 조기 초경에 영향을 미치는 요인을 분석하기 위해 다중로지스틱회귀분석을 실시하였다. 연구결과 1988년생 여학생의 초경연령이 <TEX>$12.61{\pm}1.32$</TEX>세에서 2002년생 <TEX>$11.88{\pm}0.75$</TEX>세로 감소하는 경향을 보였으며(p for trends<.001), 조기 초경을 경험한 비율은 증가추세에 있었다(p for trends<.001). 조기 초경 비율은 1988년에 출생한 여학생의 경우 19.7%에서 2002년에 출생한 여학생은 25.2%로 증가 추세에 있었다(p for trends<.001). 도시에 거주할수록, 스트레스 정도가 높을수록, 수면시간이 짧을수록, 과체중 및 비만일수록 조기 초경의 위험이 높았다(all p<.001). 본 연구결과는 우리나라 여고생의 초경연령이 여전히 감소하고 있으며, 초경연령 조절을 위한 중재가 필요함을 시사한다. The objective of this study is to identify the secular trend in age at menarche and to investigate the factors influence the early menarche(<12 years old) among Korean middle and high school girls. We analyzed data from the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey(KYRBWS) 2006-2014. This study was a descriptive study of 216,917 Korean middle and high school girls born between 1988 and 2002. Linear trends test performed to assess the trend age at menarche and percentage of early menarche. Multiple logistic regression analysis was to assess the risk factors influence the early menarche. Mean age at menarche decreased from <TEX>$12.61{\pm}1.32$</TEX> years for middle and high school girls born 1988 to <TEX>$11.88{\pm}0.75$</TEX> years for those born 2002(p for trends<.001). Percentage of early menarche increased from 19.7% to 25.2% between 1988 and 2002(p for trends<.001). Living in city, higher stress level, short sleep duration, and higher body mass index were associated with an early menarche among middle and high school girls(all p<.001). We found that age at menarche is still falling in the Korean adolescents, and it need intervention strategies to control the early menarche.

Gender Differences in the Association between Eating Behavior and Depression of Adolescents: Evidence from a National Korean Cross-sectional Survey

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between unhealthy eating behavior and depression in adolescents, with confounding variables adjusted. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of the data collected from the 2013 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS). The analysis included 72,435 participants (36,655 male and 35,780 female). The data were analyzed by x2 test, t-test, and logistic regression analysis using SPSS Version 21 by complex samples analysis. Results: Compared with male adolescents with healthy eating behavior, those who with unhealthy eating behavior were more likely to suffer depression with other factors controlled (OR=1.37, 1.07~1.75). On the other hand, female adolescents with unhealthy eating behavior were less likely to feel depressed compared with female adolescents with unhealthy eating behavior and with other factors controlled (OR=0.98, 0.64~1.50). However, it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that healthy eating behavior may be a protective factor against depression in male adolescents, but not in female adolescents. Furthermore, our results suggest that the longitudinal associations between mental health and healthy eating behavior and other lifestyle factors are complex.

Allergic diseases, excessive Internet use and suicidal ideation in Korean adolescents

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate the relation between suicidal ideation, allergic diseases, and excessive Internet use in Korean youth using a national representative dataset. MethodsData from the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (KYRBWS), conducted by the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, were used in this study. Complex sample logistic regression and structural equation modeling were performed to define the relation between suicidal ideation, allergic disease and excessive Internet use. ResultsA total of 73,238 students participated in this survey. In Korea, 19.3% of adolescents had suicidal ideation in the previous year. Asthma (OR=1.23, 95% CI=1.15–1.32, p<0.01) and allergic rhinitis (OR=1.17, 95% CI=1.11–1.22, p<0.01) were identified as risk factors for suicidal ideation after adjusting for school and family factors. Structural equation modeling showed that excessive Internet use interacted with the association between allergic diseases and suicidal ideation. ConclusionAllergy problems could positively affect suicidal ideation in Korean adolescents. Excessive Internet use could be a mediating factor between allergic disease and suicidal ideation.

우리나라 여고생의 초경연령 영향요인

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this study were to compare general characteristic of high school girls according to me-narcheal age and to investigate the factors associated with the menarcheal age of high school girls. Methods: This study utilized the data of the 2013 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS). The sample included 18,077 high school girls who experienced menarche. The questionnaires used for this study assessed menacheal age, grade, place of residence, family affluence, height, weight, diet pattern, physical activity, sleep duration, and stress level. Data was analyzed using the complex sample analysis ( x 2 -test, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis). Results: Higher BMI, frequent vegetable consumption, short sleep duration, and higher stress level were associated with an earlier menarcheal age among high school girls. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate intervention strategies to control the timing of menarche. Key Words: Menarcheal age, High school girl, Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS)

여중생의 초경경험과 정신건강의 연관성 연구

이 연구는 14세의 여중학생의 초경 경험과 정신건강과의 연관성을 파악하고자 수행되었다. 연구 대상으로 제 8차 (2012년) 청소년건강행태 온라인 조사에 참여한 여중생 1학년 5,991명을 선별하였다. 데이터는 spss프로그램을 사용하여 빈도분석, t-test, chi-square, 로지스틱 회귀분석을 통하여 분석하였다. 대상자중 4,473명의 초경경험 여학생군(여학생의 평균 초경연령은 12.8세)과 1,518명의 비 초경경험 여학생군을 확인하였다. 초경경험과 정신건강의 로지스틱 분석결과, 지각 스트레스(OR=1.39, 1.20-1.62, p<0.001), 인지 우울증(OR=1.25, 1.10-1.42, p<0.05), 자살 생각(6OR=1.60, 1.38-1.87, <0.001), 자살 계획(OR=1.66, 1.33-2.81, p<0.001)과 자살 시도 (OR=1.42, 1.09-1.86, p<0.05)에 대한 위험 비 (OR)[95% confidence interval (CI)]는 초경 경험군에서 초경 비 경험군보다 높았다, 이러한 결과는 초경의 경험이 여중생의 정신건강에 연관성이 있음을 보여주고 있으며, 초경의 경험이 여자 청소년의 정신건강에 영향을 주는 중요한 요인이었음을 시사한다. This study was performed to identify the association between the menarche experience and mental health in middle school girls aged 14. The subjects were selected using data from the 8th Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS-V), which included 5,991 girls in 1st grade of middle school. Data were analyzed using the PASW 18.0 program for frequency analysis, t-test, chi square and logistic regression analysis. As to results, we found 4,473 girls who had experienced menarche (mean age, 12.8 0.9 years) and 1,518 girls hadn't experienced menarche. In the logistic regression analysis between the menarche experience and mental health behaviors, the odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] for perceived stress (OR=1.39, 1.20-1.62, p<0.001), perceived depression (OR=1.25, 1.10-1.42, p<0.05), suicide thinking (6OR=1.60, 1.38-1.87, <0.001), suicide planning (OR=1.66, 1.33-2.81, p<0.001) and suicide trial (OR=1.42, 1.09-1.86, p<0.05) were higher in the menarche experience group than in the menarche non-experience group. Our results indicate, a viable association between the menarche experience and mental health in the 1st grade of middle school girls, and suggests that the menarche experience is an important factor influencing adolescent girls' mental health.