Breakfast consumption was associated with suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt: a population-based cross-sectional...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Limited research exists on the link between breakfast consumption and suicidal behaviors in adults and seniors.
• Previous studies primarily focused on adolescents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between breakfast frequency and suicidal behaviors in an adult population.
• To determine if reduced breakfast consumption correlates with increased risk of suicidal ideation, plans, or attempts.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 21,376 community residents aged 18 and older in Hebei Province, China.
• Data collected on breakfast frequency per week (BFF), full breakfast frequency (FBF), and suicidal behaviors (ideation, plans, attempts).
• Sociodemographic factors, living situation, and sleep quality were also assessed.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts were 1.4%, 0.3%, and 0.2%, respectively.
• Consuming breakfast 2-3 days/week was associated with higher odds of suicidal ideation (OR=1.93), suicide plans (OR=2.73), and suicide attempts (OR=3.46) compared to ≥6 days/week.
• Participants eating a full breakfast 2-3 days/week had increased odds of suicidal ideation (OR=2.06) compared to those never eating a full breakfast.

Conclusions:

• Lower breakfast frequency is positively associated with suicidal behaviors in adults.
• Reduced full breakfast consumption is linked to a higher risk of suicidal ideation.
• Findings suggest breakfast habits may be a relevant factor in adult mental health and suicide prevention strategies.