Research in Community and Public Health Nursing

Original Article

[English] Factors Influencing Suicidal Ideation among Korean Workers: Myeong Hwa Lee, Eun Suk Choi; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2025;36(2):179-191. Published online June 27, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2024.00864

Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study aimed to identify factors influencing suicidal ideation among workers using data from the 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VIII-3), providing foundational data for workplace suicide prevention programs.
Methods
This descriptive correlational study analyzed data from 2,287 employed workers using hierarchical logistic regression to examine relationships between general characteristics, health behaviors, physical and mental health, and suicidal ideation.
Results
The prevalence of suicidal ideation among workers was 3.6%. The primary influencing factors were lower educational level (≤ middle school; OR = 3.33), depression (OR = 10.77), generalized anxiety disorder (OR = 4.63), mild anxiety (OR = 2.51), and stress (OR = 1.82). Mental health variables significantly increased explanatory power from 8% to 37%.
Conclusion
These findings highlight the critical role of mental health, particularly depression and anxiety, in predicting suicidal ideation among workers. Workplace mental health management programs should include comprehensive mental health assessments and early intervention strategies addressing not only severe conditions but also mild anxiety symptoms.

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