Association between unmet healthcare needs and suicidal behaviors among the Korean population

Abstract

Objective: Suicide is an important public health concern. In South Korea, suicide rates have steadily risen over the past two decades. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of literature on the effects of unmet healthcare needs on suicide. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between unmet healthcare needs and suicidal behaviors (suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts).Method: This study analyzed data from 27,498 participants assessed by the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2016 and 2020. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between unmet healthcare needs and suicidal behaviors, while controlling for age, sex, education, household income, occupation, smoking, obesity, and alcohol consumption.Results: Adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were significantly higher in participants who experienced unmet healthcare needs [suicidal ideation: 2.31 (1.84-2.90); suicidal planning: 2.23 (1.75-2.85); and suicidal attempts: 1.92 (1.27-2.87)]. After stratifying for sex and depression, this trend was maintained in male participants and those without a depression diagnosis.Conclusions: This study analyzed the relationship between unmet healthcare needs and suicidal behavior. Further studies using data sources that include more detailed information on suicide and somatic symptoms are required.