• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.62-71
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• 2015

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate North Korean refugees' knowledge of mental illnesses and treatments and analyze the factors affecting this knowledge. Methods: Subjects were selected via a snowball sampling method, and the survey outcomes of 152 North Korean refugee participants were analyzed. The factors affecting knowledge of mental illnesses were analyzed via a regression analysis by constructing a multivariate model with mental illness knowledge score as the dependent variable. Results: The North Korean refugees' mental illness scores ranged from 3 to 24 points, with an average score of 13.0. Regarding the factors that influence mental illness knowledge, the subjects with South Korean spouses and those who had spent more time in South Korea had higher knowledge scores. Furthermore, the subjects who considered the mental health of North Korean refugees to be a serious issue revealed lower knowledge scores than those who did not believe it was a serious issue. The subjects who visit psychiatric clinics showed higher knowledge scores than those who do not. The South Korean subjects who had at least a college education exhibited higher scores than did those without advanced education. The subjects who are satisfied with life in South Korea manifested a higher mental illness knowledge score than those who are not. Conclusions: This study is significant as being the first study to ever measure and evaluate the level of North Korean refugees' knowledge of mental illnesses. In addition, the evaluations of North Korean refugees' mental illness knowledge and influencing factors while residing in South Korea created basic data that formed the foundation of an effort to enhance mental health literacy and provide proper mental health services. The results of this study can be utilized to solve mental health problems that might frequently occur during the unification process of North and South Korea in the future.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.70-76
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• 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of North Korean refugees' trust in South Korea health service. Methods: This study surveyed 168 North Korean refugees aged 19 and over living in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, and Gangwon. The collected data were analyzed by frequency analysis, t-test, analysis of variance, and hierarchical regression analysis to analyze the effect on the trust of refugees. Results: The difference analysis showed statistically significant difference according to duration of residence and employment status. The determinants of North Korean refugees' trust in South Korea health services were duration of residence, basic communication skills, health communication skills, and experience of health service. Conclusion: In order to increase the trust of North Korean defectors in South Korea medical services, it is necessary to resolve communication problems and improve the satisfaction of health services. For this, the interpreter service should be activated. And specific education should be given to the North Korean refugees about the health care system and the utilization methods of health service in Korea.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.37-44
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• 2010

Objectives : This study investigated the influence of traumatic experience on the ego identity, self-esteem, and general psychopathology of adolescent North Korean refugees. Methods : The participants were 146 adolescents North Korean refugees who attended H High School for North Korean refugees. We divided the subjects into two groups according to the severity of their traumatic experience : the more-traumatic-experience group and the less-traumatic-experience group. Each group performed self-report assessments including an assessment to reveal demographic characteristics, the Traumatic Experiences Scale for North Korean Defectors, the Scale for Ego identity, the Scale for Self-esteem and the Symptom Check-90-Revision (SCL-90-R). Statistical analysis of t-test and multiple regression utilized SPSS 12.0 for Window for comparison between more-traumatic-experience group and less-traumatic-experience group. Results : The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder among adolescents North Korean refugees was 37%. The factor with the greatest influence on ego identity was length of time living in South Korea, while, for self-esteem the most influential factor was perception of health. The more-traumatic-experience group had lower self-esteem scores on some subscales of the Scale for Ego identity. They had higher scores on all SCL-90-R subscales than the less-traumatic-experience group. Conclusion : Adolescent North Korean refugees experienced high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder. The more traumatic-experience-group had lower self esteem and poorer ego identity and mental health than the less-traumatic-experience group.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.69-76
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• 2015

This paper aims to analyze how the Venture Business Tendency of North Korean refugees affects social adaptation and family health, and to provide proposals for policy making on the issue. For the purpose, we specifically suggest analysis of activation plan that 48 Venture Business North Korean managed Enterprise types, Entrepreneur type, Business type, Gender, Profit etc. As a result of analysis of actual proof, First, The Venture Business North Korean refugees managed need to consult to be technology business professionally because they features to be self-employment than expertise and knowledge basis type. Second, the rate of success of North Korean refugees is researched that female is higher than male. Third, to support Venture Business of North Korean refugees, they need one on one incubating support syspen why they are inexperienced in network, technical skills. Fourth, Venture Business Tendency of North Korean refugees affects social adaptation and family health. Since mid 1990's, North Korean refugees have come to South Korea through China or third countries due to collapsing economy of North Korea. In an effort to help those escaping from North Korea, the Seoul government provided them with a 3-month settlement program. But they have had experienced difficulties in communication, cultural assimilation, and confusion in their value system and identity. For the purpose, one-on-one interview was carried out on 45 North Korean refugees living in Seoul and neighboring cities, and the interviewed group was classified into three categories: single households, single-parent families and families with parents. The study findings demonstrated four policy alternatives to help improve quality of life of North Korean refugees and to help their successful settlemen.

• Culinary science and hospitality research
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.93-110
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the adaptation and preference for South Korean food among North Korean refugees. A survey was conducted on 220 North Korean refugees regarding general questions, adaptations, and preference on consuming dishes in South Korea. The results of the survey showed that the average difficulty degree scored with the adaptation to South Korean food was 3.06 points out of 5.00 points. The adaptation to Korean food was investigated as 'average' and some North Korean refugees had some difficulties in South Korean food. Some respondents described South Korean food as having very strong flavor that tastes more sweetened, seasoned, and spicy than North Korean food. The extended residency in South Korea allowed North Korean refugees to become more familiar with sweetened flavors. Most of them enjoy an oily and spicy taste more than South Koreans. North Korean refugees like Ssal bap, Naengmyeon, Doenjang-guk, Galbi-jjim, Bulgogi(beef, pork), Chaesobokkeum, Oi-saengchae, Chaeso-jeon, Baechu-kimchi, Saengsun-twigim, Soondae, pears, fruit juice, and spring water. North Korean refugees over the age of 30 years enjoy classic foods such as Japgokbap, Gimbap, Jumeokbap, Hwedeopbap, and Chobap. On the other hand, North Korean refugees less than 30 years old enjoy new foods like ramen and spaghetti.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.287-297
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• 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to identify variables influencing the psychosocial adjustment of North Korean adolescent refugees in order to establish a structural equation model and design an intervention strategy to improve psychosocial adjustment. Methods: The subjects included 290 North Korean adolescent refugees aged 16~24 years who were enrolled in alternative schools or regional adaptation centers. They were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Results: The goodness of fit measures of the model were as follows: $x^2=131.20$ (p<.001), GFI=.93, CFI=.91, TLI=.86, RMSEA=.08, and SRMR=.07. The results estimated from the structural equation model indicated a good fit of data to the hypothesized model, which proposed that stress and emotional intelligence are associated with psychosocial adjustment. The major variables influencing psychosocial adjustment were stress, emotional intelligence, which was a significant direct effect, whereas attitude of parenting showed an indirect effect on psychosocial adjustment through emotional intelligence. These variables account for 50.0% of psychosocial adjustment. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop a program and intervention plan that can enhance emotional intelligence and thereby relieve the stress of North Korean adolescent refugees. The program should also include parenting education so that parents have positive attitude of parenting.

• Journal of Korean Academic Society of Home Health Care Nursing
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.166-176
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge and prevention attitudes of female North Korean refugees regarding cervical cancer and human papillomavirus(HPV) infection. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted. Data were collected from November 2015 to March 2016 and 130 female North Korean refugees participated. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0. Results: Score on knowledge and prevention attitudes regarding cervical cancer and HPV were 2.53 out of 8 points, 1.67 out of 17 points, and 28.90 out of 36 points. There were significant differences between entry duration, the number of children, previous cervical cancer tests, Precognition about HPV, preferred education method, and knowledge of cervical cancer. There were significant differences between previous cervical cancer tests, Precognition about HPV and knowledge of HPV. The correlation between knowledge and prevention attitudes regarding cervical cancer and HPV was significant positive. Conclusion: Female North Korean refugees' knowledge level of cervical cancer and HPV is very low. However, their attitudes towards prevention was higher. These results imply a need for education, aimed at guiding North Korean female refugees, so as to enhance their knowledge regarding cervical cancer and HPV, and to promote their sexual health.

• Culinary science and hospitality research
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.147-158
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• 2014

The purpose of this study is to investigate the preference and present use condition of convenience foods for North Korean refugees in South Korea. Questionnaires were completed by 211 North Korean refugees and data was analyzed with SPSS software. The preference for convenience foods of half of the questionnaires was investigated as 'moderate'. More than half of the North Korean refugees enjoy eating the convenience foods. They enjoy them as a snack. The reason to eat convenience foods is due to the convenience(n=122, 57.8%), and taste(n=42, 10.0%). North Korean refugees under the age of 29 years think the fastfood is good due to the convenience and taste. The longer the period of residence in South Korea, the less they enjoy convenience foods. The reason to choose the convenience foods is 'good for health', 'convenient', 'exotic', and 'economical'. The results suggest that it is necessary to educate people to buy reasonably by understanding the relationship between the convenience foods and health.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.373-384
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• 2013

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to understand the cognition of the initiation of diseases of North Korean refugees in South Korea. Methods: 9 North Korean refugees hospitalized in Oriental Neuropsychiatry of National Medical Center participated in the interview. The statements were analyzed by using the phenomenological research methodology and Giorgi's analytical method, in particular, was applied. Results: A total of 4 categories and 15 sub categories were derived from the participants' descriptions. North Korean refugees who thought their diseases have begun while living in North Korea coming to South Korea, have fire disease because of the strict social system, limitations imposed on their actions, and the violence of their husbands. And who thought during escaping from North Korea, have anxiety about being killed, found and transferred to North Korea. They also suffered from a sense of guilt towards their family who were left behind as well as from depression. Consequently, they thought their skeletal diseases have begun during this period. Who thought during their period in Korea, their diseases like fire disease and depression have been worsen because of unfamiliar circumstances and doctors who said their problems had been caused by psychiatric disorder. Nevertheless, they did their jobs, felt happy and had a will to be cured thingking possibilities of overcoming diseases. Conclusions: These results suggest that various factors during different periods in the life of North Korean refugees could have an effect on their present diseases.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare
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• v.64 no.4
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• pp.89-111
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• 2012

Since the U.S. government officially accepted North Korean(NK) as refugees starting in 2006, about 120 North Koreans have come to and been living in the United States. However, little is known in regard to what the North Korean refugees need for a qualify life. This study aims to explore the essential experiences of North Korean defectors who have settled in the United States after escaping North Korea. Research inquiries are why North Korean refugees have chosen the United States for their settlement, and how they are living in the United States. Data were collected from in-depth interviews with eight NK refugees. For data analysis, grounded theory approach by Strauss and Corbin(1998) was employed. The data analysis identified the central phenomenon, protective and risk factors, and core actions and consequences of NK refugees' adjustment in the U.S. The central phenomenon was "voluntary choose to come to the U.S." The core action and consequences in the process of their adjustment were 'searching for the meaning of life,' and 'achieving acculturation.' The findings may provide deeper understanding on the situation of North Korean refugees in the U.S. and implications for how to help them adjust well in the society.