J Korean Acad Community Health Nurs.  2012 Mar;23(1):82-90. 10.12799/jkachn.2012.23.1.82.

The Effects of individual Characteristics and Health Beliefs on North Korean Refugees' Health Behavior

• Jeon JH
• Park Y

• KMID: 2292820
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12799/jkachn.2012.23.1.82

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to provide base data for preparing plans that North Korean (NK) Refugees can adjust themselves to our society with a healthy mind after they get over their health problems using the Health Belief Model, knowing the relationship between individual characteristics and health beliefs, and health behavior.
METHODS
The subjects were 304 NK adult refugees in Hanawon. Data were collected by demographic questionnaire, health behavior scale, self-efficacy scale, perceived benefit scale, perceived barrier scale, perceived seriousness, perceived sensibility, and individual characteristics.
RESULTS
The factors influencing the health behavior of NK refugees were perceived benefits, self-efficacy, the period in the third country and experience in being expelled to NK, and these variables were describing 31.4% of the health behaviors of refugees.
CONCLUSION
The perceived benefits and self-efficacy of health belief and specific experiences related to refugee affected NK refugees' health behavior.

Keyword

North Korea; Refugee; Health behavior

MeSH Terms

Adult
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Health Behavior
Humans
Refugees
Surveys and Questionnaires

Figure

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  Figure 1 A conceptual framework.

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