This study had several limitations that should be considered in interpreting and generalizing these findings. First, our findings were based on self-reported data in the absence of corroboration from other sources. In addition, each variable (e.g., depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts) was measured by a single item rather than by a scale consisting of multiple items; this may have resulted in reliability and validity problems. Nonetheless, most recent previous studies focusing on various racial and ethnic groups have used this self-reported single question method, and this trend has increased in recent years.4-7,12,13 Second, the main predictor variables (problem behaviors) used herein were addressed retrospectively. Moreover, these variables generally carry socio-cultural taboos for adolescent populations. Thus, it is possible that study participants did not answer accurately. In addition, our data were obtained from only middle and high school students, thereby excluding those who had dropped out of school and/or had a poor attendance record at the time of the survey, and we also omitted those who did not answer three primary questions (i.e., the onset of alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking
