Prevalence and Correlates of Depressive Symptoms among North Korean Defectors Living in South Korea for More than One Year

Abstract

ObjectiveThis 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsThe 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).ConclusionContinuing vocational training and career management, psychological support programs, and intensive physical health services are needed to improve the mental health of this population.

Mental health status of North Korean refugees in South Korea and risk and protective factors: a 10-year review of the literature

“…Firstly, for emotional disorders, 33–51% of NKRs were classified as having depressive symptoms in eight studies (Ahn et al, 2012; Choi, Min, Cho, Joung, & Park, 2011; Jeon et al, 2009; Kim et al, 2011; Kim, Kim, Kim, Cho, & Lee, 2011; Lee et al, 2007; Y. Lee, J. Jun, Y. Lee et al, 2016; Nam, Kim, DeVylder, & Song, 2016); and 43–54% of NKRs were classified as having anxiety symptoms in two studies (Ahn et al, 2012; Choi et al, 2011). When using a single scale for both depression and anxiety symptoms, 10–48% of NKRs were classified as having a clinical level of depression and anxiety symptoms in four studies (Cho & Kim, 2010; Y. Kim, 2013; Kim, Jeon, & Cho, 2010; Shin, Lee, & Park, 2016).…”

“…Choi et al (2017)Adult NKRs21138.4Depression (CES-D), Anxiety (STAI), PTSD (IES-R), Somatization (SCL-90-R)NoEmery et al (2015)Adolescent NKRs, China born children of NKRs8218.0 (15–25)Depression (CES-D)NoB. Jeon et al (2009)Adult NKRs36740.4Depression (CES-D)NoW. Jeon et al (2013)*Adult NKRs10635.3PTSD (SCID), Depression (BDI), Anxiety/Depression (HSCL-25)NoW.…”

“…Choi et al (2011)DepressionAdult NKRs56BDICut-off score: 1639%Ahn et al (2012)DepressionAdult NKRs367CES-DCut-off score: 2133%B. Jeon et al (2009)DepressionAdult NKRs144CES-DCut-off score: 2149%H. Kim et al (2011)DepressionAdult NKRs144CES-DCut-off score: 2151%S.…”

“…On the other hand, for adult NKRs, most studies noted a lack of an association between time since resettlement and depression (Cho et al, 2005; Jeon et al, 2009; Kim et al, 2010; Nam et al, 2016; Shin et al, 2016; Song et al, 2016; Um, Chi, Kim, Palinkas, & Kim, 2015; Yoo et al, 2017), and two other studies even reported that female adult NKRs who had been resettled in South Korea for longer periods experienced greater depressive symptoms than did those in an earlier stage of settlement (Kim, 2012a; Lee, Chang, & Jun, 2016). Adult NKRs might have to deal with diverse challenges more directly, such as economic struggles, which might inhibit their psychosocial adaptation even after several years, whereas young NKRs might become more resilient under the protection of schools and parental support.…”

“…Whereas social support was linked to decreased psychiatric symptoms such as depression in two reports (Lim, Shin, & Kim, 2010; Song et al, 2016), after controlling for socio-demographic variables and familial factors, perceived social support had no significant association with depressive symptoms (Jeon et al, 2009). The independent mental health effect of social support for adult NKRs remains unclear, given the scarcity of findings.…”