J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2005 Nov;44(6):714-720.

Relationship between Traumatic Events and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among North Korean Refugees

• Hong CH
• Jeon WT
• Lee CH
• Kim DK
• Han M
• Min SK

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study is to find out the relationship between the traumatic experiences and the prevalence of PTSD among North Korean refugees in South Korea.
METHODS
Two hundred North Korean refugees in South Korea were voluntarily participated. Researchers conducted face-to-face interviews and assisted defectors in performing a self-report assessment of this survey. The study questionnaire consisted of demographic characteristics, Traumatic Experiences Scale for North Korean Defectors, and PTSD part of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R Korean version.
RESULTS
Prevalence rate of PTSD in defectors was 29.5%, with a higher rate for women. In factor analysis, the 25 items of traumatic events experienced in North Korea were divided into three factors: physical trauma, political-ideological trauma, and family-related trauma. In addition, the 19 items of traumatic events during defection were grouped into four factors: physical trauma, discovery and capture-related trauma, family-related trauma, and betrayal-related trauma. In multi-factorial logistic regression analysis, family-related trauma in North Korea had a significant odds ratio.
CONCLUSION
Family-related trauma experienced in North Korea is related to the prevalence of PTSD among North Korean refugees in South Korea.

Keyword

Refugees; North Korea; PTSD; Trauma

MeSH Terms

Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Female
Humans
Korea
Logistic Models
Odds Ratio
Prevalence
Surveys and Questionnaires
Refugees*
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic*