Characteristics and Risk Factors of Suicide Attempts and Suicide among Adolescents and Young Adults : A Study Based on the Korean National Hospital Discharge In-Depth Injury Survey Data

Objectives: This study aims to compare the characteristics and influencing factors of suicide attempts and suicide between adolescents and young adults in South Korea, in order to provide empirical evidence for age-specific suicide prevention strategies. Methods: Data from 1,524 cases of intentional self-harm among adolescents (13-18) and young adults (19-34) from the Korean National Hospital Discharge In-Depth Injury Survey from 2019 to 2022 were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square (χ²) tests, logistic regression, and multinomial logistic regression. Results: Adolescents made up 18.9% and young adults 81.1% of cases. Most suicide attempts and suicide occurred at home, poisoning was the most common method. Psychiatric disorders and interpersonal conflict were key risk factors in both groups, with stronger effects in adolescents Conclusion: This study identified distinct differences in suicide characteristics and risk factors by age. These findings emphasize the need for tailored suicide prevention policies addressing the unique needs of adolescents and young adults.