한국 청소년의 중독 관련 행동과 정신건강의 관련성: 성별 비교를 중심으로

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the association between addictive behaviors and mental health among Korean adolescents and compared gender differences. Methods: Data from the 19th Korean Youth Risk Behavior Survey were analyzed. Addictive behaviors, including alcohol use, smoking, drug use, and smartphone overdependence were examined in relation to mental health, including stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Complex sample logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the associations with a focus on gender differences. Results: Alcohol use and smoking were more common among male adolescents, whereas drug use and smartphone overdependence were more common among female adolescents (p<0.001). Among female adolescents, alcohol use, smoking, drug use, and smartphone overdependence were associated with stress, anxiety, and depression (p<0.001). However, among male adolescents, alcohol use was not associated with stress or anxiety and smoking was not associated with anxiety (p>0.05). Furthermore, among male adolescents, alcohol use was associated only with depression (p<0.001), whereas smoking was associated with stress and depression (p<0.05). Drug use and smartphone overdependence were associated with stress, anxiety, and depression (p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings emphasize the comprehensive relationship between addictive behaviors and mental health among adolescents, suggesting that gender differences may play a significant role. Considering gender differences is crucial when addressing addictive behaviors, highlighting the need for tailored intervention strategies to effectively reduce addiction-related behaviors and promote mental health among adolescents.