Ji Hyun Oh
Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate acculturative stress, depression, and quality of life, and investigate the relationship between these factors in North Korean refugees who settled in South Korea.
Methods
A total of 232 North Korean refugees residing in South Korea participated in the study. Participants completed a series of questionnaires, including measures of acculturative stress, depression, and quality of life. Data were analyzed using SPSS WIN 20.0.
Results
The results showed that Acculturative stress, depression, and quality of life were interrelated. In our sample, 40.9% of participants scored ≥ 16 on the BDI-II, and the mean depression score was 15.42 (range 0-55), which indicates mild depressive symptoms. The mean total acculturative stress score was 2.88 (SD=0.02). The mean total QOL total score was 3.02 (SD=0.03). The most powerful predictor of quality of life was depression in North Korean refugees. Conclusion: The results suggest that acculturative stress is a factor in preventing depression and promoting quality of life, especially mental health, in North Korean refugees.
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