Effects of atopic dermatitis on suicidal ideation, plans and attempts in young adult

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effects of atopic dermatitis on suicidal ideation, plans and attempts in young adult. Methods: Data are from the Sixth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VI, 2013, 2015) in a sample of 2,983 respondents aged 19 to 39 years. Data were analyzed using Frequency, Percentage, χ² test, Complex sample multivariate binary logistic regression analysis with SPSS version 18.0 software. Results: Firstly, factors affecting suicidal ideation are gender, education level, smoking, self-reported health status, asthma, depression and stress perception. Factors affecting suicidal plan are education level, self-reported health status, asthma and depression. Lastly, factors affecting suicidal attempt are gender, education level, smoking, self-reported health status, depression and stress perception. Compared to non-atopic group, the prevalence of suicidal ideation and plan of atopic group increased from odds ratio 2.14 to 2.48 and 1.90 to 2.50, respectively. Odds ratio for suicidal attempt was odds ratio 2.69 (10% error level). Conclusion: The results show that atopic dermatitis in young adult affects suicidal ideation, plans and attempts. Therefore, it is necessary to identify atopic patients who have suicidal thoughts and plans and develop an intervention program to prevent and manage suicide in young adult.