| Keywords |
North Korean defectors; Physical fitness; Health-related Quality of Life Instrument with 8 Items; (HINT-8); Jangmadang generation; Arduous March generation |
| Abstract |
This study investigated the physical characteristics, fitness levels, and health-related quality of life of North Korean defectors (NKDs), focusing on generational differences between the Jangmadang (JMD) and Arduous March generations (AMG). The results of anthropometric measurements, physical fitness tests, and the HINT-8 evaluation completed by 25 subjects (14 males, 11 females; 14 JMD, 11 AMG) were interpreted using national reference data from the Korean National Physical Fitness Award and the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. NKDs showed lower physique and fitness levels than South Korean norms: male height averaged 168.4±3.6 cm (JMD) and 169.7±2.1 cm (AMG), while female height was 156.0±2.0 cm (JMD) and 156.2±5.9 cm (AMG), with corresponding Z values of ?1.4 to ?0.4. Body weight was also lower in both sexes (Z = ?1.2 ~ ?0.1). Grip strength averaged 40.8±4.4 kg (JMD) and 40.0±8.6 kg (AMG) in males, and 24.4±4.3 kg (JMD) and 26.8±3.5 kg (AMG) in females (Z = ?0.9 ~ +0.2). Cross sit-ups were lower in both sexes (Z = ?0.9 ~ ?0.6). Overall, 84% did not meet the 3rd-grade criteria of the national fitness standards. Despite these deficits, mean HINT-8 indices remained relatively high (0.82?0.87). JMD males reported fewer problems with stair climbing and depression than AMG males (p < 0.05). Composite fitness scores correlated with HINT-8 only in AMG (ρ = 0.726, p = 0.011). These findings suggest that health promotion strategies for NKDs should consider generational differences: physical function recovery for AMG and psychosocial support for JMD. This study provides foundational data for preparing integrated health support systems for future Korean unification. |