Identifying Research Direction for Mental Health of North Korean Refugees Using Delphi Technique.
10.4306/jknpa.2016.55.3.185
- Author:
Jin Won NOH
1
;
Hyun Ah KIM
;
Yoojung KIM
;
Hyunchun PARK
;
Jong Min WOO
Author Information
1. Department of Healthcare Management, Eulji University, Seongnam, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
North Korea;
Refugees;
Delphi survey;
Mental health
- MeSH:
Delphi Technique*;
Democratic People's Republic of Korea;
Education;
Health Personnel;
Humans;
Longitudinal Studies;
Mental Competency;
Mental Health*;
Prevalence;
Refugees*;
Selection Bias
- From:Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association
2016;55(3):185-193
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: Refugees from North Korea are at risk of a range of mental health problems, posing urgent problems to their care. A review of research on mental health prevalence and services can indicate directions for further study. METHODS: The authors administered a Delphi survey to 16 professionals who are working for North Korean refugees, including professors and field workers. The collected data was analyzed by descriptive statistics including mean and standard deviation and verified with content validity ratio. RESULTS: The results are as follows: 1) The most serious problem in the research area is the importance of quantitative research rather than qualitative for North Korean refugees, who are often very negative and uncooperative with questionnaires. 2) There is a great need to develop competence of mental health professionals who are working for North Korean refugees. 3) Most participants agreed to the necessity of longitudinal study to define the factors facilitating successful adaptation among North Korean refugees. CONCLUSION: The following are our recommendations: 1) Appropriate measurements for North Korean refugees need to be developed reflecting their uniqueness. 2) Research of North Koreans has inherent selection bias. 3) It is essential to provide primary education on mental health to North Korean refugees.
