Relationship between oral health and suicide attempts in Korean adults :The 7^th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (7^th KNHANES, 2016-2018

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between oral health and suicide attempts in adults aged 19 years or older using the 7th Korea National Health and Examination Survey (KHANES, 2016-2018). Methods: Of the 24,269 participants in the 7th KHANES (2016-2018), 7,261 adults aged 19 years or older who had an oral health examination were selected. Complex samples crosstabulation (χ2-test) was performed to determine the rate of suicide ideation by general characteristics. Complex samples logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effects of oral health on suicide attempts. Results: Participants with gingivitis were 1.7 times more likely to receive mental health counseling (p<0.05) and 1.6 times more likely to attempt suicide (p<0.05). Conclusions: Oral health is significantly associated with suicide attempts in adults aged 19 years or older, and this emphasizes the importance of oral health management as an intervention for preventing suicide and improving the health of adults.

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