Mental health and health behaviors in multicultural families: The impact of parents’ cultural background

Objectives: Multicultural marriages are increasing, leading to a rise in the number of multicultural family adolescents. This study aimed to explore the mental health and health behaviors of multicultural adolescents based on their parents’ native culture. Methods: The study involved a secondary analysis of data from the 18th Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2022). A complex sample multiple logistic regression was used to compare mental health risks and health risk behaviors between multicultural adolescents and general Korean adolescents. Results: Ethnic Korean adolescents exhibited higher rates of suicidal ideation (2 times), suicidal plan (2.1 times), depression (1.5 times), high risk for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, treatment experiences through violence (5 times), lifetime drinking experience (1.3 times), current drinking (1.4 times), lifetime smoking experience (2 times), and current smoking (2.7 times) compared to general Korean adolescents. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for tailored health promotion programs and policies for adolescents based on the cultural background of their multicultural families, emphasizing the importance of a customized approach.