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

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.