The Relations of Alcohol Drinking Behavior, Depressive Mood, and Suicidal Ideation among Korean Adults

Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of alcohol use on depressive mood and suicidal ideation among Korean adults. For this purpose, this study was conducted to examine the influence of alcohol use on depressive mood and suicidal ideation. Methods: 10,533 individuals participated in the Korea National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2009. Collected data were analyzed by frequency, X2 test, and logistic regression. Results: First, 25.2% of participants were problem drinkers and 15.1% of participants had alcohol addiction. Second, sex, age, income, education level, marital status, and health status were significantly associated with depressive mood and suicidal ideation. Third, problem drinkers and alcohol addiction have an impact on depressive mood and suicidal ideation. Conclusion: The findings have reinforced the need for developing a mental health disease prevention program in Korea with a more practical focus on alcohol use and mental health status