American Journal of Preventive Medicine
Volume 20, Issue 3, 2001, Pages 225-229

Trauma experience of North Korean refugees in China (Article)

Lee Y.* , Lee M.K. , Chun K.H. , Lee Y.K. , Yoon S.J.
  • a Department of Preventive Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Pardar Gu, Suwon, South Korea, Dept. of Preventive Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Wonchon Dong 5, Pardar Gu, Suwon 442-721, South Korea; K., Department of Preventive Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Pardar Gu, Suwon, South Korea
  • b School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
  • c Department of Preventive Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Pardar Gu, Suwon, South Korea
  • d [Affiliation not available]
  • e Department of Preventive Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Pardar Gu, Suwon, South Korea

Abstract

Objectives: We examined trauma experience and mental health conditions among North Korean migrants in China. Methods: Personal interviews of 170 North Korean 'food refugees' in China were conducted in 1999. Structured questionnaires were used to identify specific trauma experience and symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. Results: All participants surveyed reported trauma exposure, with food and water shortage (93%) and illness without access to medical care (89%) being the most frequently cited events. Post-traumatic stress disorder was suspected in 56% of the respondents. Above-threshold scores on anxiety and depression were found in 90% and 81% of the cases, respectively. Conclusions: The burden on the part of North Korean migrants in China who experience trauma appears to be very high. An international call for action is warranted to monitor and safeguard the mental health status of this vulnerable segment of people and respond to their urgent psychiatric and medical care needs. Copyright © 2001 American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

anxiety Needs Assessment China depression refugee mental health human Refugees middle aged injury Aged Health Surveys interview mental disease Humans male female North Korea questionnaire Article major clinical study adult posttraumatic stress disorder Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic personality assessment medical care Korea
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0035105307&doi=10.1016%2fS0749-3797%2800%2900282-8&partnerID=40&md5=8601eb6f1fc4b1614d8ed5ccbc3e30b1
DOI: 10.1016/S0749-3797(00)00282-8
ISSN: 07493797
Cited by: 47
Original Language: English