Gender differences in the associations among adolescent problem behaviors: a secondary data analysis of the 2023 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the association among various adolescent prob- lem behaviors in South Korea, focusing on gender differences. Methods: This secondary analysis was conducted using cross-sectional data from the 19th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey, conducted in 2023 which included 52,880 mid- dle and high school students in South Korea. They completed an anonymous self-admin- istered survey regarding problem behaviors (drinking alcohol, smoking, drugs use, and sexual experiences). Data were analyzed using complex-samples chi-square and multiple logistic regression models. Results: Among the 52,880 adolescents, the prevalence rates of alcohol use, smoking, drug use, and sexual experiences were 32.6%, 8.6%, 1.7%, and 6.5%, respectively. Gender differences were observed in alcohol use complex-samples multiple logistic regression models. However, no significant gender difference was found in drug use (p=.250). Four problem behaviors were significantly associated with one other when analyzed as inde- pendent variables (odds ratio [OR], 1.33–10.85). The strongest associations were found between alcohol use and smoking (OR, 10.49–10.85), and between smoking and sexual experiences (OR, 4.91–4.96). Conclusion: This study found significant gender differences in adolescent problem be- haviors, with male adolescents exhibiting higher rates of alcohol use, smoking, and sexu- al experience. Strong associations were observed between alcohol use and smoking, as well as between smoking and sexual experience. These findings suggest the need for in- tegrated intervention strategies that target multiple co-occurring problem behaviors.