A Study of Predictive Factors Affecting Health: Promoting Behaviors of North Korean Adolescent Refugees.
- Author:
Jin Won NOH
1
;
Hyo Young YUN
;
Hyunchun PARK
;
Shi Eun YU
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Keywords: Democratic People's Republic of Korea; Refugees; Adolescent; Health promotion
- MeSH: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior/psychology; Body Mass Index; Democratic People's Republic of Korea; Female; Health Behavior; *Health Promotion; Health Status; Humans; Male; Refugees/*psychology; Republic of Korea; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
- From:Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health 2015;48(5):231-238
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to analyze the factors that could affect the health-promoting behaviors of North Korean adolescent refugees residing in South Korea. METHODS: Questions about their sociodemographic variables, subjective health status, healthy living habits, and health-promoting behaviors were asked. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found in religion (t=2.30, p<0.05), having family members in South Korea (t=2.02, p<0.05), and subjective health status (t=4.96, p<0.01). Scores on health-responsible behaviors were higher with higher age (t=2.90, p<0.01) and for subjects without family or friends (t=2.43, p<0.05). Higher physical-activity behaviors were observed in males (t=3.32, p<0.01), in those with better subjective health status (t=3.46, p<0.05) and lower body mas index (t=3.48, p<0.05), and in smokers (t=3.17, p<0.01). Nutritional behaviors were higher in those who followed a religion (t=2.17, p<0.05). Spiritual growth behaviors were higher in those who followed a religion (t=4.21, p<0.001), had no family in South Korea (t=2.04, p<0.05), and had higher subjective health status (t=5.74, p<0.01). Scores on interpersonal relationships and stress-management behaviors were higher for those with higher subjective health status. A multiple regression analysis showed greater effects on health-promoting behaviors when subjective health status was better. Older people and non-smokers exhibited more health-responsible behaviors, while more physical-activity behaviors and spiritual growth activities were observed when subjective health status was better. Interpersonal relationship behaviors had positive effects on those with good subjective heath status and on non-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the current study, an alternative was suggested for promoting health in North Korean adolescent refugees.
