The Relationship Among Physical Activity, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Suicidal Risk in South Korean Adolescents: Including Individual Characteristics

<b>Objectives:</b> This study explored the relationship between physical activity, generalized anxiety disorder, and suicidal risk among South Korean adolescents, considering individual characteristics. <b>Methods</b>: The study analyzed raw data from the 2023 Youth Health Behavior Survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. A total of 52,880 adolescents' data (weighted to 2,581,964) were analyzed using a complex sample design. <b>Results</b>: Physical activity level had a negative effect on anxiety. Anxiety had a positive effect on suicidal risk, including thoughts, plans, and attempts. Physical activity level indirectly affected suicidal risk negatively by mediating anxiety. Individual characteristics such as gender, alcohol consumption, smoking, drug use, and household economic status also influenced suicidal risk. <b>Conclusions</b>: This study emphasizes that effectively reducing adolescent suicide rates requires a multifaceted approach. Such an approach should include promoting physical activity, addressing mental health challenges like anxiety, and providing tailored support for vulnerable populations.