The Awareness of Contraception and Experience of Oral Contraceptives among North Korean Defector Women in Republic of Korea
10.24304/kjcp.2019.29.1.33
- Author:
Sohui HAN
1
;
Kwang Joon KIM
;
Joon Seok BANG
Author Information
1. Graduate School of Clinical Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
North Korean defecting women;
awareness of contraception;
oral contraceptives;
women's health
- MeSH:
China;
Contraception;
Contraceptives, Oral;
Counseling;
Democratic People's Republic of Korea;
Education;
Female;
Humans;
Methods;
Republic of Korea;
Sex Education;
Women's Health
- From:Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
2019;29(1):33-44
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: This study attempts to gauge the necessity of contraceptive education for women defecting from North Korea (NKDWs). METHODS: We conducted in-depth interviews with six NKDWs who had lived in the Republic of Korea (ROK) for more than three years, to understand the subjects' perceptions, experiences, and opinions regarding contraception. Thematic analyses were performed using qualitative data provided in the survey results. RESULTS: Before their defections from North Korea, none of the NKDWs had received any sex education. Loop is the only contraceptive method available to married women in ROK. After defection, NKDWs were provided information about contraceptive options available in China, but they could not fully understand this information. Furthermore, the information they received was not accurate. Thus, NKDWs had a high need for contraceptive sex education. As per our survey, their preferred education method was at least 3 lessons plus 1 : 1 counseling, as necessary. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that a necessity exists for development of a sex education program for NKDWs to enhance their contraceptive knowledge. Thus, government and health managers have a role to play in developing such a program.
