Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy (한국임상약학회지)

Korean College Of Clinical Pharmacy (한국임상약학회)
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The Awareness of Contraception and Experience of Oral Contraceptives among North Korean Defector Women in Republic of Korea

북한이탈여성의 피임인식 및 경구피임제 복용실태에 대한 연구

  • Han, Sohui (Graduate School of Clinical Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University) ;
  • Kim, Kwang Joon (Department of Pharmacy, Chosun University Hospital) ;
  • Bang, Joon Seok (College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University)
  • 한소희 (숙명여자대학교 임상약학대학원) ;
  • 김광준 (조선대학교병원 약제부) ;
  • 방준석 (숙명여자대학교 약학대학)
  • Received : 2019.03.04
  • Accepted : 2019.03.18
  • Published : 2019.03.31
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Abstract

Objective: This study attempts to gauge the necessity of contraceptive education for women defecting from North Korea (NKDWs). Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with six NKDWs who had lived in the Republic of Korea (ROK) for more than three years, to understand the subjects' perceptions, experiences, and opinions regarding contraception. Thematic analyses were performed using qualitative data provided in the survey results. Results: Before their defections from North Korea, none of the NKDWs had received any sex education. Loop is the only contraceptive method available to married women in ROK. After defection, NKDWs were provided information about contraceptive options available in China, but they could not fully understand this information. Furthermore, the information they received was not accurate. Thus, NKDWs had a high need for contraceptive sex education. As per our survey, their preferred education method was at least 3 lessons plus 1 : 1 counseling, as necessary. Conclusion: This study indicates that a necessity exists for development of a sex education program for NKDWs to enhance their contraceptive knowledge. Thus, government and health managers have a role to play in developing such a program.

Keywords

References

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