Early Initiation of Alcohol Drinking, Cigarette Smoking, and Sexual Intercourse Linked to Suicidal Ideation and Attempts: Findings From the 2006 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Survey

This study examined the association between early initiation of problem behaviours (alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, sexual intercourse) & suicidal behaviours, & explored the effect of concurrent participation in these problem behaviours on suicidal behaviours among Korean adolescents. Data were obtained from the 2006 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Bivariate & multivariate logistic analyses were conducted. Both male & female preteen initators of each problem behaviour were at greater risk for suicidal behaviours than non-initiators, even after controlling for covariates. More numerous concurrent problematic behaviours were correlated with greater likelihood of seriously considering or attempting suicide among males & females. This pattern was more clearly observed in preteen than in in teen initiators although both groups engaged in the problem behaviour with the same frequency.(21 refs.)