Journal of Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing  2012;23(1):82-90

doi:10.12799/jkachn.2012.23.1.82

The Effects of individual Characteristics and Health Beliefs on North Korean Refugees' Health Behavior.

Jeung Hee JEON 1 ; Youngsuk PARK

Affiliations

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Keywords

North Korea; Refugee; Health behavior

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to provide base data for preparing plans that North Korean (NK) Refugees can adjust themselves to our society with a healthy mind after they get over their health problems using the Health Belief Model, knowing the relationship between individual characteristics and health beliefs, and health behavior. METHODS: The subjects were 304 NK adult refugees in Hanawon. Data were collected by demographic questionnaire, health behavior scale, self-efficacy scale, perceived benefit scale, perceived barrier scale, perceived seriousness, perceived sensibility, and individual characteristics. RESULTS: The factors influencing the health behavior of NK refugees were perceived benefits, self-efficacy, the period in the third country and experience in being expelled to NK, and these variables were describing 31.4% of the health behaviors of refugees. CONCLUSION: The perceived benefits and self-efficacy of health belief and specific experiences related to refugee affected NK refugees' health behavior.