"SURVIVAL SEX" AS A PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN: THE "COMFORT WOMEN" ISSUE IN EAST ASIA, WITH A FOCUS ON THE EXPERIENCES OF THE "COMFORT WOMEN" OF KOREA STEMMING FROM JAPANESE OCCUPATION
This study examines the public health issue of "survival sex", as this phenomenon occurs in relation to sexual slavery enforced by an occupying military force. The study examines the issue at the international level, with a regional analysis targeting the occurrence of the phenomenon in East Asia, with a specific assessment of the public health issue involving the "comfort women" of Korea whose ordeals began in the 1930s and 1940s, and which, for the survivors, continues in 2004 as an important public health issue involving mental health (Soh, 2004).
The findings of this study are presented in two major sections. The first major section of the study develops the epidemiology of the issue. The second major section of the study reviews and assesses proven and potential interventions, policy recommendations, and other approaches to dealing with the public health issue.
Epidemiology of the Public Health Issue
In developing the epidemiology of the problem of comfort women in East Asia, the public health significance of the issue is established, and terms are defined as appropriate. The impact of the issue is developed in the international (global), regional (East Asia), and national (Korea) contexts, and risk and protective factors relevant to the public health issue are identified. The problem of specific interest is described within the contexts of person, place, and time. Lastly, relevant literature is reviewed and critically assessed.
Public Health Significance of the Issue
While it may sound discordant when one first encounters the contention, in a global context, women suffer disproportionately to men in wartime environments. Dissenters to the contention may point out correctly that (thus far) more men than women die and are inju...