J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2015 Feb;54(1):105-111. 10.4306/jknpa.2015.54.1.105.

Predictors of PTSD among North Korean Defectors Visited Psychiatric Department of North Korean Defectors Treatment Center

• Han NY
• Lee SH
• Yoo SY
• Kim SJ
• Jun JY
• Won SD
• Shin MN

• KMID: 2344005
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2015.54.1.105

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to evaluate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the quality of life and social adjustment of North Korean refugees who consulted psychiatric clinics.
METHODS
A total of 66 North Korean refugees who consulted a psychiatric clinic were included in the analysis. A psychiatrist conducted interviews with the subjects, and PTSD was diagnosed using the clinician-administered PTSD Scale. The quality of life of the subjects was evaluated using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale.
RESULTS
Thirty five (53%) were diagnosed with PTSD. Quality of life was found to show association with understanding the language in South Korea, difficulty interacting with South Koreans, and experience or feeling of neglect. Quality of life of the PTSD group was lower than in the Non-PTSD group. Difficulty adapting to South Korean society was also higher in the PTSD group. Experience or feeling of neglect was negatively correlated with the quality of life in the PTSD group.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study may be helpful in providing a specific direction for psychiatric intervention strategies to improve overall quality of life and adaptation to life in South Korea.

Keyword

North Korean defectors; Post-traumatic stress disorder; Quality of life; Adjustment in South Korea; Refugee mental health

MeSH Terms

Humans
Korea
Psychiatry
Quality of Life
Refugees
Social Adjustment
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic*
World Health Organization

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