J Prev Med Public Health.  2015 Sep;48(5):231-238. 10.3961/jpmph.14.045.

A Study of Predictive Factors Affecting Health: Promoting Behaviors of North Korean Adolescent Refugees

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Healthcare Management and Institute of Global Healthcare Research, Eulji University, Seongnam, Korea.
  • 2Department of Korean Unification Studies, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
  • 3Department of Healthcare Management, Eulji University, Seongnam, Korea.
  • 4Department of North Korea Studies, Korea University, Sejong, Korea. seyou1224@hanmail.net

Abstract


OBJECTIVES
The present study aimed to analyze the factors that could affect the health-promoting behaviors of North Korean adolescent refugees residing in South Korea.
METHODS
Questions about their sociodemographic variables, subjective health status, healthy living habits, and health-promoting behaviors were asked.
RESULTS
Statistically significant differences were found in religion (t=2.30, p<0.05), having family members in South Korea (t=2.02, p<0.05), and subjective health status (t=4.96, p<0.01). Scores on health-responsible behaviors were higher with higher age (t=2.90, p<0.01) and for subjects without family or friends (t=2.43, p<0.05). Higher physical-activity behaviors were observed in males (t=3.32, p<0.01), in those with better subjective health status (t=3.46, p<0.05) and lower body mas index (t=3.48, p<0.05), and in smokers (t=3.17, p<0.01). Nutritional behaviors were higher in those who followed a religion (t=2.17, p<0.05). Spiritual growth behaviors were higher in those who followed a religion (t=4.21, p<0.001), had no family in South Korea (t=2.04, p<0.05), and had higher subjective health status (t=5.74, p<0.01). Scores on interpersonal relationships and stress-management behaviors were higher for those with higher subjective health status. A multiple regression analysis showed greater effects on health-promoting behaviors when subjective health status was better. Older people and non-smokers exhibited more health-responsible behaviors, while more physical-activity behaviors and spiritual growth activities were observed when subjective health status was better. Interpersonal relationship behaviors had positive effects on those with good subjective heath status and on non-smokers.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the results of the current study, an alternative was suggested for promoting health in North Korean adolescent refugees.

Keyword

Democratic People's Republic of Korea; Refugees; Adolescent; Health promotion

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior/psychology
Body Mass Index
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Female
Health Behavior
*Health Promotion
Health Status
Humans
Male
Refugees/*psychology
Republic of Korea
Socioeconomic Factors
Surveys and Questionnaires
Young Adult
Full Text Links
  • JPMPH
Actions
Cited
CITED
export Copy
Close
Share
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Similar articles
Copyright © 2024 by Korean Association of Medical Journal Editors. All rights reserved.     E-mail: koreamed@kamje.or.kr