J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2016 Aug;55(3):185-193. 10.4306/jknpa.2016.55.3.185.

Identifying Research Direction for Mental Health of North Korean Refugees Using Delphi Technique

• Noh JW
• Kim HA
• Kim Y
• Park H
• Woo JM

• KMID: 2351544
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2016.55.3.185

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Refugees from North Korea are at risk of a range of mental health problems, posing urgent problems to their care. A review of research on mental health prevalence and services can indicate directions for further study.
METHODS
The authors administered a Delphi survey to 16 professionals who are working for North Korean refugees, including professors and field workers. The collected data was analyzed by descriptive statistics including mean and standard deviation and verified with content validity ratio.
RESULTS
The results are as follows: 1) The most serious problem in the research area is the importance of quantitative research rather than qualitative for North Korean refugees, who are often very negative and uncooperative with questionnaires. 2) There is a great need to develop competence of mental health professionals who are working for North Korean refugees. 3) Most participants agreed to the necessity of longitudinal study to define the factors facilitating successful adaptation among North Korean refugees.
CONCLUSION
The following are our recommendations: 1) Appropriate measurements for North Korean refugees need to be developed reflecting their uniqueness. 2) Research of North Koreans has inherent selection bias. 3) It is essential to provide primary education on mental health to North Korean refugees.

Keyword

North Korea; Refugees; Delphi survey; Mental health

MeSH Terms

Delphi Technique*
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Education
Health Personnel
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Mental Competency
Mental Health*
Prevalence
Refugees*
Selection Bias

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