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

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.