COVID-19–Related Daily Life Disruptions and Suicidal Behaviors Among Korean Adults: A National Population-Based Study

Public health crises may disrupt health behaviors and socioeconomic conditions that influence suicide risk. This study examined associations between COVID-19-related daily life disruptions and suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among Korean adults. We analyzed nationally representative data from 149 950 adults aged 19 to 64 years from the 2021 Korea Community Health Survey. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models assessed associations between changes in health behaviors (physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, instant food consumption) and socioeconomic conditions (household income, employment, work environment) and suicidal behaviors during the past 12 months. Both behavioral and socioeconomic disruptions were associated with higher odds of suicidal ideation. Increased smoking and alcohol consumption showed the strongest associations with both suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Decreased household income, job loss, and worsened work environments were significantly associated with suicide attempts. Behavioral instability in either direction was also linked to elevated suicidal ideation. Behavioral and socioeconomic instability may serve as early population-level indicators of suicide vulnerability during public health crises.