Status of human rights violations and trauma among North Korean defectors: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

This study aimed to identify the types of human rights violations and the associated psychological trauma experienced by North Korean defectors. It also examined the impact of trauma on the defectors' interpersonal relationships, employment, and overall quality of life, while evaluating existing psychological support policies to suggest potential improvements.

Methods

A multidisciplinary research team conducted an observational survey and in-depth interviews with approximately 300 North Korean defectors residing in South Korea from June to September 2017. Standardized measurement tools, including the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist (PCL-5), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), and Short Form-8 Health Su

SUBMITTER: Lee SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12277490 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature