Changes in suicidal behaviors and predictors of suicidal behaviors among middle-aged single-person households in South Korea: Analysis of the 2013 Korean Community Health Survey and 2021 Korean Community Health Survey

Objectives: This study compared the changes in suicidal behaviors in 2013 and 2021 and explored the predictors of suicidal behaviors among middle-aged Korean adults living in single-person households. Methods: Data collected from the Korean Community Health Survey (N=16,842) in 2013 and 2021 were analyzed using the χ² test and complex sample multiple logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of suicidal ideation dropped by 2.1% from 2013 (14.6%) to 2021 (10.9%), while that of suicide attempts (1.2%) remained the same. Demographic factors, physical health, mental health, and social-environmental factors were related to higher levels of suicidal behaviors. Conclusion: The predictors of suicidal behaviors differed slightly between the two periods. To enhance the effectiveness of suicide prevention among middle-aged adults in single-person households, individual characteristics, as well as social-environmental factors such as unmet healthcare needs, neighborhood social capital, and neighborhood environment, should be considered. In addition, primary healthcare providers should understand the risk factors of suicidal behaviors and mental health needs among middle-aged adults in single-person households.