Prevalence and Correlates of Depressive Symptoms among North Korean Defectors Living in South Korea for More than One Year
Psychiatry Investigation
; : 122-130, 2009.
Article
in En
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-183825
Responsible library:
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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.
Key words
Full text:
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Index:
WPRIM
Main subject:
United Nations
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Epidemiologic Studies
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Mental Health
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Prevalence
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Surveys and Questionnaires
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Depression
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Republic of Korea
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Health Services
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Occupations
Type of study:
Diagnostic_studies
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Observational_studies
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Prevalence_studies
Limits:
Female
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Humans
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Male
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
En
Journal:
Psychiatry Investigation
Year:
2009
Type:
Article