Citation

Jeon BH, Kim MD, Hong SC, Kim NR, Lee CI, Kwak YS, Park JH, Chung J, Chong H, Jwa EK, Bae MH, Kim S, Yoo B, Lee JH, Hyun MY, Yang MJ, Kim DS. Psychiatry Investig. 2009; 6(3): 122.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Korean Neuropsychiatric Association)

DOI

10.4306/pi.2009.6.3.122

PMID

unavailable

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.


Keywords: Depressive symptoms, Correlates, North Korean defectors.