J Korean Soc Matern Child Health.  2016 Jan;20(1):43-53. 10.21896/jksmch.2016.20.1.43.

Difference of Traumatic Experience according to Menstrual Regularity among North Korean Woman Refugees in South Korea

• Kim HK
• Kim HS
• Kim SJ

• KMID: 2449534
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21896/jksmch.2016.20.1.43

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study aimed to investigate the differences of traumatic experience according to menstrual regularity among North Korean woman refugees in South Korea.
METHODS
This study used a sample of convenience consisting of 131 women in 5 government resettlement centers throughout South Korea. The traumatic experiences scale for North Korean defectors was used for identifying traumatic experience. Data were collected between June 2012 and December 2012. Data was analyzed using mean, percentage, and t-test.
RESULTS
The rate of irregular menstruation was 35.1%. Irregular menstruation group had more traumatic experiences than regular one (t=-1.78, p=.038).
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates that their reproductive health promotion was necessary regarding menstrual problem. Also, their severe traumatic experiences were considered into healthcare program.

Keyword

women; menstruation; north Korea; refugees; trauma

MeSH Terms

Delivery of Health Care
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Female
Humans
Korea*
Menstruation
Refugees*
Reproductive Health