Research topics in intellectual disabilities in North Korea: A scoping review.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Research outcomes on intellectual development and related disabilities in North Korea are not widely known. Therefore, the current scoping review aimed to provide preliminary insight on research topics concerning intellectual disabilities in North Korea. METHOD: A six-stage framework for scoping review was adopted to examine research trends. Articles were categorised based on the era of supreme leader and research topic. RESULTS: There is a greater amount of research regarding intellectual disabilities in the recent Kim Jong-un era compared to the period of the previous leader where research outcomes on general intelligence were the focus. Significant qualitative progress was similarly found. CONCLUSIONS: The current analysis on research outcomes provides meaningful insights to aid in understanding the atmosphere in North Korea surrounding intellectual disabilities. Follow-up studies and open discussions are necessary for further progress.