Awareness of Korean Unification and Health Care in Healthcare Professional Students

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the awareness of Korean unification and health care in healthcare professional students. Methods: Descriptive survey design was used, and self administered questionnaires were collected from 567 participants. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, ANOVA, and scheffe test. Results: A total of 279(54.4%) students answered that Korean unification is needed. The mean score of attentiveness to Korean unification was 5.27() out of 10, and the mean score of interest on health care for unification was 4.28(). The degree of interest in Korean unification was significantly associated with the degree of health care for unification(p<.001). The mean score of necessity regarding health care education for unification was 5.59() out of 10, which was proportional to the degree of interest in the Korean unification(p<.001). The mean score of knowledge regarding North Korea`s medical status was 2.35() out of 10. Conclusion: Based on the study results, continuous education about unification as well as health care for unification is required in order to increase awareness of Korean unification and healthcare in students. Furthermore, additional studies to better understand nursing care systems of North Korea and to identify the roles of nurses in the unification process and public healthcare of unified Korea are needed.ope