Factors associated with maintenance of smoking cessation in adolescents after implementation of tobacco pricing policy in South Korea: Evidence from the 11th Youth Health Behavior Survey.

As a part of Korea's smoking cessation policy, the price of tobacco was increased in January 2015. Initially, the smoking rate among adolescents began to decrease. The current data, however, show that the adolescent smoking rate is on the rise. Alongside price policies, there is a need to further understand additional preventive measures that promote successful smoking cessation by identifying the factors that influence maintenance of smoking cessation in adolescents. This study aimed to identify the factors that influence smoking cessation in adolescents after attempting smoking cessation after increase in tobacco price. The study used large-scale, nationwide, secondary data obtained from the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey. The sample included a total of 627 subjects who reported an attempt to quit smoking after the tobacco price increased. Descriptive statistics, t test, the χ2 test, and multiple logistic regression were used. The results showed that household economic status, school type, suicidal ideation, experience of exposure to secondhand smoke at home, and experience of witnessing teaching staff smoking were significant factors related to maintenance of smoking cessation among adolescents. To increase the success rate of smoking cessation, future intervention programs should include school environment structure and address emotional and psychological issues such as suicide.

[A study on regional differentials in death caused by suicide in South Korea].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare suicide mortality by region in South Korea. METHOD: Suicide mortality differentials were calculated for several mortality indicators by geographical regions from raw data of the cause of death from KNSO. RESULTS: The results are as follows; the Crude suicide death rate was 22.63 per 100,000. The highest was in Kangwon showing 37.84% whereas, Chungnam, and Jeonbuk followed after. Suicide was 4.4% of all causes of death, but Inchon and Ulsan showed a higher proportion. The male suicide death rate was 31.12 per 100,000 and females 14.09. The ratio of gender suicide mortality was 2.21, per 100,000 and was the highest in Jeju. For age-specific suicide death rates, the rate increased as age advanced, showing 2.33 per 100,000 in 0-19 years, 18.68 in 20-39, 30.48 in 40-59,63.33 in 60 years and over. In Ulsan, Kangwon, and Inchon, age-specific suicide death rates of the 60 and over age group were higher than other regions, Daegu, Busan, and Kangwon showed a higher age-specific suicide mortality of the 40-59 age group, and Kangwon, Jeonnam, and Chungnam had a higher age-specific suicide mortality of the 20-39 age group. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide mortality differed by region. These results can be used for a regional health care plan and planning for suicide prevention by regions.