1
|
Abe T, Saito H, Moriyama N, Ito N, Takita M, Kinoshita Y, Ozaki A, Nishikawa Y, Yamamoto C, Zhao T, Sato M, Tsubokura M. Idobata-Nagaya: a community housing solution for socially isolated older adults following the great East Japan earthquake. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1289552. [PMID: 38074698 PMCID: PMC10703167 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1289552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Following the Great East Japan Earthquake, the living environment of socially isolated older adults has become a pressing concern. In response, Nagaya, a collective housing program, was established in Soma City, Fukushima, Japan to address social isolation among older adults and support their long-term health. This study aimed to identify characteristics of individuals in Nagaya and examine the sustainability of this initiative. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of residents who were relocated to Nagaya, emphasizing their characteristics, the continuity of their stay in Nagaya, and their care certification levels, using data up to December 31, 2022. We employed Kaplan-Meier curves to analyze the duration for which residents continued to reside in Nagaya and the time leading up to the requiring care-level certification. Results Of 65 people who moved to Nagaya after the disaster, 30 people (46.2%) continued to live there, 21 (32.3%) died during their stay, and 14 (21.5%) moved out. The overall duration of occupancy averaged 6.39 years (SD 3.83 years). The proportion of requiring care-level certification occurrences per person-year was 0.0577 for those without care certification and 0.3358 for those with requiring support level at the time of moving in. Conclusion In summary, Nagaya-style communal housing may offer suitable living environments for older adults with diverse needs during disasters and serve as a valuable tool for developing public policies in aging societies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshiki Abe
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Saito
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soma Central Hospital, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Moriyama
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Naomi Ito
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Morihito Takita
- Research Division, Medical Governance Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuri Kinoshita
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Division of Food Science and Nutrition, Tohoku Seikatsu Bunka Junior College, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Akihiko Ozaki
- Department of Breast Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Nishikawa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soma Central Hospital, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hirata Central Hospital, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Chika Yamamoto
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tianchen Zhao
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Mika Sato
- Department of Health Nursing of International Radiation Exposure, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ito N, Amir I, Saito H, Moriyama N, Furuyama A, Singh P, Montesino S, Yamamoto C, Sato M, Abe T, Zhao T, Tsubokura M. Multisite Lifestyle for Older People after the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster. Geriatrics (Basel) 2023; 8:87. [PMID: 37736887 PMCID: PMC10514813 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics8050087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
After the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster in 2011, the Japanese government implemented a return policy, lifting most evacuation orders in former evacuation areas. Consequently, the return of residents is currently underway. However, it has become common for a large number of residents to carry out multisite living, a lifestyle involving returning to their hometown while maintaining their house at the evacuation site, or living at more than two sites. This report focuses on one aspect of the secondary effects of the nuclear incident, which forced affected residents to adopt a multisite lifestyle. Disasters always have a strong impact, via displacement, on those who are socially vulnerable, such as older people in an ageing society. They need intense support to resume their daily life as it was before the incident. For this report, we interviewed an elderly lady in her 90s, who is executing "multisite living" at evacuation sites, in order to obtain reassurance from neighbours and the local community. Our findings may provide valuable suggestions on how older people can restart their lives with the local community in an ageing society after disasters, which could apply to any kind of disaster preparedness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Ito
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (I.A.); (H.S.); (C.Y.); (T.A.); (T.Z.); (M.T.)
| | - Isamu Amir
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (I.A.); (H.S.); (C.Y.); (T.A.); (T.Z.); (M.T.)
| | - Hiroaki Saito
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (I.A.); (H.S.); (C.Y.); (T.A.); (T.Z.); (M.T.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soma Central Hospital, Okinouchi, Soma 976-0016, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Moriyama
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan;
| | - Ayako Furuyama
- Health Promotion Center, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan;
| | - Priya Singh
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; (P.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Stephanie Montesino
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; (P.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Chika Yamamoto
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (I.A.); (H.S.); (C.Y.); (T.A.); (T.Z.); (M.T.)
| | - Mika Sato
- Department of Health Nursing of International Radiation Exposure, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan;
| | - Toshiki Abe
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (I.A.); (H.S.); (C.Y.); (T.A.); (T.Z.); (M.T.)
| | - Tianchen Zhao
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (I.A.); (H.S.); (C.Y.); (T.A.); (T.Z.); (M.T.)
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (I.A.); (H.S.); (C.Y.); (T.A.); (T.Z.); (M.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kwon CY, Seo J, Kim SH. Development of a Manual for Disaster Medical Support Using Korean Medicine for Disaster Survivors. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2023; 29:395-407. [PMID: 36149680 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Disasters adversely affect the mental health of disaster survivors, leading to depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. Survivors complain of not only psychological symptoms but also physical symptoms such as insomnia, pain, and fatigue. Providing immediate and effective psychological support to all survivors is difficult because human and physical medical resources are limited. Therefore, the authors developed a manual for disaster medical support using Korean medicine (KM) for disaster survivors to provide prompt, effective, and long-term support that supplement existing psychological support. Methods: In this article, the authors introduce KM treatment protocols, which are unique elements of the manual. In addition, the authors have developed a step-by-step treatment protocol based on the stage and condition of survivors, as well as separate treatment protocols for psychological and physical symptoms. Results: The interventions include ear acupuncture, acupuncture, herbal medicine, breathing relaxation, stabilization techniques, emotional freedom technique, and self-care methods such as acupressure, exercise, and walking meditation. This manual has been certified as an official procedure of the Korean Society of Oriental Neuropsychiatry. Conclusions: The authors believe that this manual will enable KM doctors to be effectively utilized as medical resources at disaster sites. Furthermore, this manual would provide a good model that can be extended to countries that wish to use integrative medicine for disaster support to implement the commitments of the Declaration of Astana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Young Kwon
- Department of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, Dong-Eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Joohee Seo
- Department of Korean Neuropsychiatry, National Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Ho Kim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry of Korean Medicine, Pohang Korean Medicine Hospital, Daegu Haany University, Pohang-si, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ito N, Moriyama N, Furuyama A, Saito H, Sawano T, Amir I, Sato M, Kobashi Y, Zhao T, Yamamoto C, Abe T, Tsubokura M. Why Do They Not Come Home? Three Cases of Fukushima Nuclear Accident Evacuees. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4027. [PMID: 36901038 PMCID: PMC10002345 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Many people wish to return to where they used to live after evacuation due to disaster. After the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, many residents were forced to evacuate due to concerns about radiation. Subsequently, the evacuation order was lifted, and the government promoted a return policy. However, it has been reported that a considerable number of residents living in evacuation sites or other areas wish to return but are unable to do so. Here, we report three cases of Japanese men and one woman who evacuated after the 2011 nuclear accident in Fukushima. These cases reveal the rapid aging of residents and their health issues. These issues suggest that enhancing medical supply systems and access to medical care can aid in post-disaster reconstruction and residents' returning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Ito
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Moriyama
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Ayako Furuyama
- Health Promotion Center, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Saito
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soma Central Hospital, Okinouchi, Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan
| | - Toyoaki Sawano
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, Fukushima 972-8322, Japan
| | - Isamu Amir
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Mika Sato
- Department of Health Nursing of International Radiation Exposure, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Yurie Kobashi
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hirata Central Hospital, Hirata, Ishikawa District, Fukushima 963-8202, Japan
| | - Tianchen Zhao
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Chika Yamamoto
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Toshiki Abe
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ito N, Yoshida S, Sato M, Yasui K, Sonoda Y, Tsubokura M. COVID-19 Vaccination in a Former Fukushima Nuclear Accident Evacuation Area: COVID-19 Vaccination for Former Evacuees. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2022; 17:e321. [PMID: 36503699 PMCID: PMC9947043 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2022.291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
After the Fukushima accident in 2011, approximately 160000 residents were forced to evacuate the site. The evacuation order has since been lifted and the Japanese government is now advancing a return strategy. As the return proceeds, deterioration of health indicators and measures in the municipalities around the nuclear power plant remains unchanged. This affected the local governments' coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination drive during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Japan, municipalities keep track of residents' information and implement health-related measures. However, many residents evacuated the town, thus leaving their registered residence. With long-term evacuation and few returnees, it was difficult for government officials to constantly monitor the residents' health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to maintain residents' records and ensure that they receive health services without any gap. This report aimed to provide implications for post-disaster community health services and support as observed during the COVID-19 vaccination program at a disaster site.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Ito
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Corresponding author: Naomi Ito,
| | - Sachiko Yoshida
- School of Public Health, Teikyo University, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mika Sato
- Department of Health Nursing of International Radiation Exposure, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Yasui
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yuki Sonoda
- Takebayashi Sadakichi Memorial Clinic, Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhao T, Moriyama N, Ito N, Abe T, Morita T, Nishikawa Y, Tsubokura M. Long‐term care issues in a municipality affected by the great East Japan earthquake: A case of Katsurao Village, Fukushima prefecture. Clin Case Rep 2022; 10:e6268. [PMID: 35999990 PMCID: PMC9388844 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.6268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Information regarding the proposed measures addressing long‐term care problems during disasters at a municipal level is scarce. Thus, this study reviewed the long‐term care insurance measures taken in the Katsurao Village after the Fukushima nuclear accident and summarized the measures that municipalities can take against such issues in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianchen Zhao
- Department of Radiation Health Management Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine Fukushima Japan
| | - Nobuaki Moriyama
- Department of Public Health Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine Fukushima Japan
| | - Naomi Ito
- Department of Radiation Health Management Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine Fukushima Japan
| | - Toshiki Abe
- Department of Radiation Health Management Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine Fukushima Japan
| | - Tomohiro Morita
- Department of Internal Medicine Soma Central Hospital Soma Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Nishikawa
- Department of Health Informatics Kyoto University School of Public Health Kyoto Japan
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Radiation Health Management Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine Fukushima Japan
| |
Collapse
|