A Survey on the Health Status of North Korean Refugees in a Region

일 지역 북한이탈주민의 건강 실태

Purpose : The purpose of this survey was to investigate the health status (food intake, exercise, smoking, drinking, stress, social support) of North Korean Refugees in Gwangju metropolitan city and Jeonnam province. Method : Data were collected by self-reported questionnaire from 61 North Korean Refugees from March 20 to April 20, 2005. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics using SPSS win 12.0 programs. Results: In current health status, 42.7% of the subjects were in poor health. In exercise status, 32.8% of the subjects practiced exercise regular basis but only 13.1% did it 3-4 times per week. In smoking status, 26.2% of the subjects were current smokers and 81% were nicotine dependent. In drinking status, 37.7% of the subjects were current drinkers, 48% were problematic and 17% were alcohol dependent. In stress status, 42.7% of the subjects were in psycho-emotional, 49.2% in physical and 19.6% in behavioral stress. The mean score of social support was 24 out of 54 points showing a little low relatively. Conclusion : These findings showed that the health conditions of Saeteomins were poor relatively. Therefore, health care programs should be started for these Saeteomins in order to improve their health status.