Prevalence and Correlates of Depressive Symptoms among North Korean Defectors Living in South Korea for More than One Year.
- Author:
Bong Hee JEON
1
;
Moon Doo KIM
;
Seong Chul HONG
;
Na Ri KIM
;
Chang In LEE
;
Young Sook KWAK
;
Joon Hyuk PARK
;
Jaehwan CHUNG
;
Hanul CHONG
;
Eun Kyung JWA
;
Min Ho BAE
;
Sanghee KIM
;
Bora YOO
;
Jun Hwa LEE
;
Mi Yeul HYUN
;
Mi Jeong YANG
;
Duk Soo KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Medical Science, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Depressive symptoms;
Correlates;
North Korean defectors
- MeSH:
Depression;
Epidemiologic Studies;
Female;
Health Services;
Humans;
Male;
Mental Health;
Occupations;
Prevalence;
Surveys and Questionnaires;
Republic of Korea;
United Nations
- From:Psychiatry Investigation
2009;6(3):122-130
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: This study examined the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms in North Korean defectors who have been living in South Korea for more than one year. METHODS: We used questionnaires developed by the authors to collect sociodemographic data in addition to the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the Psychosocial Well-being Index to measure stress, and a social support scale. A total of 367 subjects were included in this study. RESULTS: The results showed that 30.5% of the men and 34.7% of the women reported depressive symptoms, and 33.1% of the men and 36.1% of the women exhibited signs of severe distress. Correlates of depressive symptoms were lack of occupation [odds ratio (OR)=2.198, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.247-3.873], having escaped without family (OR=1.725, 95% CI, 1.006-2.959), and a poor subjective sense of health status (OR=3.111, 95% CI, 1.591-6.085). CONCLUSION: Continuing vocational training and career management, psychological support programs, and intensive physical health services are needed to improve the mental health of this population.
