J Korean Acad Community Health Nurs.  2012 Sep;23(3):231-243. 10.12799/jkachn.2012.23.3.231.

Health Status and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II of North Korean Immigrants

Affiliations
  • 1College of Nursing, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea. yha@gnu.ac.kr

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify the relationships between health status including objective health status and subjective health perception and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II in North Korean immigrants.
METHODS
During August 2011 to November 2011, a convenience sample of 96 subjects aged 19 to 65 years were recruited from two centers and one public health center in Gyeongnam. The subjects were interviewed face to face by trained people with a survey questionnaire.
RESULTS
Approximately 40% of North Korean immigrants rated their health status as 'poor', and the prevalence of health problems in them was 81.3%. The average level of health-promoting lifestyle profile II was 1.78+/-0.35. Females with normal weight or overweight, and have stayed for over 1 year in South Korea were related to the lower score of health-promoting lifestyle profile II.
CONCLUSION
Considering North Korean immigrants' health background and health behaviors, customized health care program focusing on musculoskeletal disorder and psychological problems are required, and at the same time health behavior change program to achieve lifetime wellness should be developed.

Keyword

Immigrant; Health status; Health behavior

MeSH Terms

Aged
Delivery of Health Care
Emigrants and Immigrants
Female
Health Behavior
Humans
Life Style
Overweight
Prevalence
Public Health
Republic of Korea

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