Association between dietary and suicidal behaviors in adolescents in Korea based on the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2015-2020)

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the association between dietary and suicidal behaviors of Korean adolescents and investigated differences in this association in children of immigrant parents. METHODS: The sample (n = 368,138) was collected from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey from 2015 to 2020. Participants who agreed to provide family information (n = 313,689) were classified according to their parents' nationality. The study variables were 11 self-reported dietary behaviors, and their composite dietary behaviors (i.e., nutrient deprivation and unhealthy food consumption) that resulted from principal component analysis. The association between study variables and suicide-related outcomes (i.e., suicidal ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempts) was analyzed by multiple logistic regression with adjustment for covariates. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Participants who skipped key meals and foods were more likely to have attemped suicide (aOR [95% CI]: skipping breakfast >= 5 days/wk, 1.28 [1.21 to 1.35]; consuming fruits < 1 times/wk: 1.42 [1.32 to 1.52]; consuming vegetables < 1 times/wk: 1.72 [1.53 to 1.93]; consuming milk <3 times/wk: 1.07 [0.99 to 1.16]). The associations were prominent in third culture kids (TCKs) (aOR [95% CI]: 2.23 [1.61 to 3.09]; 2.32 [1.61 to 3.35]; 2.63 [1.50 to 4.60]; 1.69 [1.09 to 2.63], respectively). Participants who consumed unhealthy foods (fast food, caffeinated and sugary drinks) more frequently were more likely to have attempted suicide (aOR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.38 to 1.73). This association was also more prominent in TCKs (aOR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.08 to 4.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate a positive association between unfavorable dietary behaviors and outcomes related to suicide, and this association appears to be notable in adolescents with immigrant parents.

Automated summary

This study examined the relationship between dietary behaviors and suicidal behaviors in Korean adolescents, with a focus on the differences in this relationship among children of immigrant parents. The findings suggest that unfavorable dietary behaviors, such as skipping meals and consuming unhealthy foods, are associated with a higher likelihood of suicidal behaviors. This association appears to be more prominent in adolescents with immigrant parents.