What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to examine the relationship between sleep quality and suicidal behavior among international students and workers in South Korea.

June 6, 2026Open Access

The impact of sleep quality on suicidal behavior among international students and workers in South Korea: a cross-sectional study

Key Points

This study aims to examine the relationship between sleep quality and suicidal behavior among international students and workers in South Korea.
Cross-sectional design involving 824 participants from 10 Asian countries, including 474 workers and 350 students.
Sleep quality measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and suicidal behavior assessed with the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R).
Performed logistic and linear regression analyses to explore associations while adjusting for demographic factors.
57.4% of participants reported poor sleep quality (PSQI >5).
A significant association was found between poor sleep quality and high suicide risk (OR=3.53, 95% CI [1.90, 6.57], p<0.001).
Male participants had lower odds of suicide risk compared to females (OR=0.237, p=0.008).

Abstract

International students and workers in South Korea experience multiple stressors that may increase vulnerability to poor sleep and suicidal behavior. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 824 participants, including 474 workers and 350 students from 10 Asian countries. Sleep quality and suicidal behavior were assessed using the PSQI and the SBQ-R. Poor sleep quality (PSQI >5) was reported by 57.4% of participants, and 9.3% met criteria for high suicide risk (SBQ-R ≥7). A significant association was observed between sleep quality and suicide risk (χ²(1)=20.71, p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that individuals with poor sleep had higher odds of high suicide risk (OR=3.53, 95% CI 1.90, 6.57, p<0.001), after adjusting for demographic factors. Male participants demonstrated significantly lower odds of suicide risk compared to female participants (OR=0.237, p=0.008). Linear regression analysis further showed that poorer sleep quality was significantly associated with higher suicidal behavior scores (β=0.21, p<0.001). These findings suggest that sleep quality is significantly associated with suicide risk among foreign residents in South Korea.

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