Gender Differences in Suicidal Ideation and Related Factors among North Korean Refugees in South Korea

Noh, Jin‐Won; Park, Hyunchun; Kwon, Young Dae; Kim, In Hye; Lee, Yo Han; Kim, Yoonjung; Kim, Sin Gon

doi:10.4306/pi.2017.14.6.762

Cited by 10 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…Females usually seek social support more than males, and lacking of it during or after displacement times being the most coherent prognosticator of negative consequences of traumas [ 23 ]. The higher scores of depression thoughts and anxiety symptoms among females in our study was supported by many other studies [ 13 , 16 , 50 , 55 ].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Gender Differences in Traumatic Experiences, PTSD, and Relevant Symptoms among the Iraqi Internally Displaced Persons

Taha

Sijbrandij

2021

IJERPH

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Conflict in Iraq has led to a large number of internally displaced Iraqis, with a great impact on their mental health. A few previous studies investigated the gender differences of mental disorders in Iraqi internally displaced persons (IDPs). The aim of this study was to assess gender differences among Iraqi IDPs after the 2014 terrorist attacks in terms of types of traumatic experiences, prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other symptoms of common mental disorders (depression, anxiety, and somatization symptoms). A cross-sectional survey was conducted in April–June 2015 among 358 female and 464 male adult IDPs living in IDP camps in Duhok, Iraq. The Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), and Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) were applied by local interviewers. Comparison of scores of these measures between the two genders was performed using independent sample t-tests. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify predictors for PTSD. Although the types of traumatic events experienced by female and male IDPs were nearly similar, males reported higher exposure to combat situation, torture, oppressions, and destruction of personal properties (t = 3.718 and 4.758, respectively, p < 0.001). Overall, males experienced more events than females (p < 0.001). The probable PTSD prevalence rates (29.1% among females and 31.9% among males) did not differ significantly (p = 0.212). Female IDPs reported more somatic (p < 0.001) and depressive/anxious (p < 0.001) symptoms than males. The demographic factors and duration of camp stay were not associated significantly with PTSD diagnosis. Probable PTSD rates among male and female IDPs in Iraq are substantial. Although no gender differences were found in probable PTSD rates between female and male Iraqi IDPs, the rate of common mental disorders cases was higher among females and they presented with higher levels of somatic and depressive/anxious symptoms. Further studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms contributing to gender differences in PTSD.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Gender Differences in Traumatic Experiences, PTSD, and Relevant Symptoms among the Iraqi Internally Displaced Persons

Taha

Sijbrandij

2021

IJERPH

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“…Considering the considerable stigma surrounding mental illness and the low health literacy of NKDs residing in South Korea, it is necessary to provide community-based information to vulnerable groups to promote knowledge of mental illness and ensure the safe use of medications. [20,22,37] • Repatriation experiences [38] • Long staying periods after entrance [21,22,44] • Perceived discrimination [10] • Low income [13,46,47] • Family relationships (family violence, family cohesion) [17,48,49] • Physical illnesses [19,51] • Alexithymia [31] • Emotion regulation strategy [40] • Thoughts of personal failure [41] • Resilience [42]…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A 7-year follow-up study on the mental health of NKDs in South Korea reported that the rate of PTSD and PTSD symptom scale scores decreased significantly from baseline over the study period [43]. However, staying more than 5 years after entering South Korea was related to high rates of suicidal ideation among NKDs [22,44]. Additionally, female adult NKDs who had been resettled in South Korea for longer periods experienced more severe depressive symptoms than those in the earlier stages of resettlement [21].…”

Section: Psychosocial Stress During Adaption To New Society and Its Rmentioning

confidence: 99%

Trauma History and Mental Health of North Korean Defectors

Noh

Lee

2020

Curr Behav Neurosci Rep

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Purpose of Review This study aimed to review the mental health status of North Korean defectors (NKDs) and related factors. Interventions to promote their mental health and issues to be dealt with are also reviewed. Recent Findings NKDs are often exposed to multiple severely traumatic events, both in North Korea and surrounding their defection. Furthermore, they face sociocultural barriers in adapting to a new society. Past exposure to traumatic events, longer defection periods, forced repatriation, psychological factors, and acculturative stress such as perceived discrimination, low income, family violence, and health complaints contribute to negative effects on mental health and obstruct their adaptation to life in the Republic of Korea. Summary It is necessary to develop evidence-based programs to promote NKDs’ mental health and help them to adapt to their new society. An NKD cohort study would be helpful to reveal their long-term mental health prognoses and interactions with pre- and post-migration factors.

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“…Empirical studies on refugees or immigrants have consistently suggested that females generally show higher suicide risks both in ideation and attempts, compared to residents of the host country (Burger et al, 2009; Burvill, 1998; Kosidou et al, 2012; Ratkowska & Leo, 2013; Yilmaz & Riecher‐Rössler, 2012). Previous studies on suicidality of NKRW have found that major factors associated with suicidal risk include depression (Im et al, 2017; An et al, 2018; Um et al, 2015), social isolation (Ryu & Park, 2018), alcohol misuse (Kim et al, 2017), and life stress (Kim et al, 2013; Noh et al, 2017). However, previous studies on NKRW’s suicidal risk did not differentiate suicide attempt from suicidal ideation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Life experiences and stress in the course of their adjustment in South Korea put NKRW in great danger of suicidal behaviors (Noh et al, 2017). Empirical studies on refugees or immigrants have consistently suggested that females generally show higher suicide risks both in ideation and attempts, compared to residents of the host country (Burger et al, 2009; Burvill, 1998; Kosidou et al, 2012; Ratkowska & Leo, 2013; Yilmaz & Riecher‐Rössler, 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Suicidal Ideation and Attempt among North Korean Refugee Women in South Korea: Factors that Distinguish Suicide Attempt from Suicidal Ideation

Nam

Kim

DeVylder

et al. 2021

Suicide & Life Threat Behav

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Background North Korean Refugee Women (NKRW) are at a high risk for suicide. However, few studies have examined risk factors for suicide among NKRW in South Korea. This study aimed to examine factors increasing risk for suicidal ideation and to identify factors differentiating suicide attempt from ideation among NKRW in South Korea. Methods A sample of 140 NKRW was analyzed; multinomial logistic regression was conducted to identify factors distinguishing respondents with (1) no suicidal ideation, (2) isolated suicidal ideation (without attempts), and (3) ideation with attempts. Results About 46% of the sample reported suicidal ideation, and about 18% attempted suicide during the past year. NKRW without any suicidal risk had significantly lower levels of social isolation (OR = 0.86, p = 0.02) and less exposure to traumatic events (OR = 0.89, p = 0.02) than those with suicidal ideation. NKRW who attempted suicide were more likely to have higher levels of stress than those with only suicidal ideation (OR = 1.40, p = 0.03). Conclusion This study provides insights into suicide prevention among refugees and emphasized that post‐migration life stress significantly differentiates suicidal ideation from attempt among NKRW. Intervening to address current life stress, traumatic experiences, and social isolation may help prevent refugee suicidal ideation and further attempt.

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Gender Differences in Suicidal Ideation and Related Factors among North Korean Refugees in South Korea

Cited by 10 publications

References 22 publications

Gender Differences in Traumatic Experiences, PTSD, and Relevant Symptoms among the Iraqi Internally Displaced Persons

Gender Differences in Traumatic Experiences, PTSD, and Relevant Symptoms among the Iraqi Internally Displaced Persons

Trauma History and Mental Health of North Korean Defectors

Suicidal Ideation and Attempt among North Korean Refugee Women in South Korea: Factors that Distinguish Suicide Attempt from Suicidal Ideation

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