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Kaim A, Tov MS, Kimhi S, Marciano H, Eshel Y, Adini B. A longitudinal study of societal resilience and its predictors during the Israel-Gaza war. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2024. [PMID: 38515210 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
This study assesses the resilience of Israeli society during the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict and pinpoints factors that influence this resilience in prolonged national crises. A longitudinal study was carried out with two surveys, both using the same questionnaire to gage societal, community, and individual resilience levels, along with hope, morale, distress, perceived threats, and government support. The initial survey was administered 5 days after the war escalated and the second 1 month later. The study's results reveal a decline in societal resilience over time. The regression analysis identified four major associations at both resilience measurement points. The key variables are community resilience and hope, both contributing positively. Attitudes towards government support (specifically being a government supporter vs. an opponent) also played a role. Additionally, there was a negative association with levels of religiosity, particularly distinguishing between ultra-orthodox and secular individuals. In the temporal analysis predicting future resilience (from data at the first time point to predict resilience at the second time point), societal resilience at the first measurement was the strongest forecaster of its resilience at the second measurement. Additionally, the main continuous variable from the previous analysis, community resilience, continued to be an influential and positive forecaster in the time-based analysis. The research suggests that the initial unifying effect of the conflict, similar to a "Rally around the flag" phenomenon, may be short-lived. The study underlines the importance of community strength, hope, government support, and religious considerations in shaping societal resilience in the face of conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle Kaim
- ResWell Research Collaboration, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Emergency and Disaster Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Maya Siman Tov
- Department of Emergency and Disaster Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shaul Kimhi
- ResWell Research Collaboration, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Stress and Resilience Research Center, Tel-Hai College, Tel-Hai, Israel
| | - Hadas Marciano
- Stress and Resilience Research Center, Tel-Hai College, Tel-Hai, Israel
- The Institute of Information Processing and Decision Making, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yohanan Eshel
- Stress and Resilience Research Center, Tel-Hai College, Tel-Hai, Israel
- Psychology Department, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Bruria Adini
- ResWell Research Collaboration, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Emergency and Disaster Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Fukasawa M, Nishi D, Umeda M, Akiyama T, Horikoshi N, Yasumura S, Yabe H, Suzuki Y, Bromet EJ, Kawakami N. Effects of disaster-related traumatic events on worry about radiation and COVID-19: A decade after the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 163:135-141. [PMID: 37210831 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Community residents exposed to nuclear power plant (NPP) accidents have long-term worry about the effects of radiation. After the 2011 Fukushima NPP accident, those who experienced traumatic events during the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) tended to have greater worry about radiation. Along with the prolonged worry about radiation, there may also be cognitive changes caused by the traumatic events. We hypothesized that if there were cognitive changes underlying the prolonged worry about radiation, those who experienced the traumatic events would tend to have greater worry about other issues unrelated to radiation. We examined the effects of the traumatic events during the GEJE on community residents' worry about radiation and COVID-19 a decade after the Fukushima NPP accident. Using the data of a longitudinal questionnaire survey following a random sample of 4900 community residents outside the evacuation zone in Fukushima, this study analyzed 774 responses (15.8%). The traumatic events consisted of (1) injury, (2) injury or death of a family member, and (3) the loss of a house or other property. We developed a mediation model drawing paths from the traumatic events to worry about radiation and COVID-19, including posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) as a mediator, using structural equation modeling. The traumatic events directly affected worry about radiation. Although it did not directly affect worry about COVID-19, it did so indirectly through worry about radiation and PTSS. Traumatic events can increase trauma-related worry independently of PTSS and increase trauma-unrelated worry indirectly through trauma-related worry and PTSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiko Fukasawa
- Health Promotion Center, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima City, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Daisuke Nishi
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan; Department of Public Mental Health Research, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8551, Japan
| | - Maki Umeda
- Research Institute of Nursing Care for People and Community, University of Hyogo, 13-71 Kitaoji-cho, Akashi City, Hyogo, 673-8588, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Akiyama
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, NTT Medical Center Tokyo, 5-9-22 Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 141-8625, Japan
| | - Naoko Horikoshi
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima City, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Seiji Yasumura
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima City, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hirooki Yabe
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima City, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Yuriko Suzuki
- Department of Public Mental Health Research, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8551, Japan
| | - Evelyn J Bromet
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Health, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Norito Kawakami
- Department of Digital Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
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Kuroda Y, Goto A, Koriyama C, Suzuki K. Association of health literacy with anxiety about COVID-19 under an infectious disease pandemic in Japan. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:7079825. [PMID: 36930233 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We quantitatively analysed the relationship of health literacy with both anxiety about the COVID-19 outbreak and free-text qualitative data. A questionnaire was mailed to 5450 citizens aged 16-89 years in four prefectures between late April and May 2020. It gauged the level of anxiety about COVID-19, assessed health literacy (HL) on both critical and communicative HL subscales, and invited free-text responses. We compared anxiety levels in three groups of both HL subscales. Text-mining analyses were also conducted among the three HL groups. Two-thirds of respondents reported anxiety about COVID-19, and 42% of them also reported fear. The level of communicative HL was negatively associated with no or low anxiety (p < 0.01), and the same association was observed for critical HL (p < 0.01). Free-text analysis identified 11 categories related to concerns about COVID-19: response of the national government, appreciation of health care practitioners, early convergence, vaccine development, fear of infection, invisible, a school for children, everyday life, information-related issue, novel coronavirus and self-quarantine. Words that were characteristic of the high-HL group were 'information', 'going out', 'vaccines' and 'government'. This survey reveals high public anxiety under COVID-19, and while anxiety is associated with HL levels, people with higher HL may make more prudent and healthier decisions. In situations of uncertainty, different approaches to alleviate anxiety depending on HL are warranted, providing new insights and contributing to public health measures during the outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiro Kuroda
- Department of Prevention and Care Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 7-430 Morioka, Obu, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Aya Goto
- Center for Integrated Science and Humanities, Fukushima Medical University, Hikarigaoka, Fukushima-shi, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Chihaya Koriyama
- Department of Health and Psychosocial Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Kohta Suzuki
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
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Winkel C, McNally B, Aamir S. Narratives of Crisis: Female Saudi Students and the Covid-19 Pandemic. ILLNESS, CRISES, AND LOSS 2023; 31:4-22. [PMID: 36605775 PMCID: PMC9638505 DOI: 10.1177/10541373211029079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
This paper endeavors to portray the narratives of a group of female undergraduate students, in Saudi Arabia, studying during the Covid-19 pandemic. Data collection occurred in March 2021, at which time students had been in online classes for a year and had experienced several curfews as well as a total lockdown. Students answered open-ended questions and wrote a reflection about how they experienced the pandemic. The majority of the participants reported sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, and social isolation, identifying their family as the most important source of support during this time. Others tried to cope using their own resources. The study highlighted the need for increased awareness among faculty, education leaders and policy-makers about the psychological effects of lockdown and social isolation. There is a requirement for more support services for those affected by anxiety, depression, and regular follow-up after the pandemic ends to explore the long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Winkel
- Core Curriculum Department, College of Sciences & Human Studies, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia,Carmen Winkel, Core Curriculum Department, College of Sciences & Human Studies, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Beverley McNally
- Core Curriculum Department, College of Sciences & Human Studies, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Siddiqua Aamir
- Core Curriculum Department, College of Sciences & Human Studies, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia
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Fukasawa M, Umeda M, Akiyama T, Horikoshi N, Yasumura S, Yabe H, Suzuki Y, Bromet EJ, Kawakami N. Worry about Radiation and Its Risk Factors Five to Ten Years after the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Disaster. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192416943. [PMID: 36554824 PMCID: PMC9778659 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Worry about radiation persists long after nuclear power plant accidents. Young age, low socioeconomic status, being married, and disaster-related experiences are known to be associated with greater worry about radiation. This study explored the duration of the effects of these risk factors on worry about radiation after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, using the longitudinal data of randomly sampled non-evacuee community residents who were followed five to ten years after the accident. Questionnaire surveys were conducted five times with 1825 respondents (37.2% of the 4900 initial targets). We examined the interaction of time and risk factors of worry about radiation using a mixed model. Fear or anxiety immediately after the accident had effects on worry about radiation that continued even after 10 years, though it slightly attenuated with time. Family problems stemming from the disaster retained their effects. While direct damage and evacuation experience were significantly associated with worry about radiation in the early phase, their effects diminished and became non-significant during the study period. Being under the age of 65, having low educational attainment, and being married were significantly associated with worry about radiation, although the association with age weakened over time. Individuals who experience intense fear or anxiety post-nuclear power plant accidents or disaster-related family problems may need continuous monitoring for their worry about radiation even 10 years after such accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiko Fukasawa
- Health Promotion Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Maki Umeda
- Research Institute of Nursing Care for People and Community, University of Hyogo, Akashi 673-8588, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Akiyama
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, NTT Medical Center Tokyo, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8625, Japan
| | - Naoko Horikoshi
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Seiji Yasumura
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hirooki Yabe
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Yuriko Suzuki
- Department of Public Mental Health Research, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira 187-8551, Japan
| | - Evelyn J. Bromet
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Health, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Norito Kawakami
- Department of Digital Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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Bodas M, Peleg K, Stolero N, Adini B. Understanding Societal Resilience-Cross-Sectional Study in Eight Countries. Front Public Health 2022; 10:883281. [PMID: 35433604 PMCID: PMC9010723 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.883281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Civilian populations that are more prepared for emergencies are more resilient. Ample research has been carried out over the last three decades to identify the factors that contribute to public readiness to emergencies and disasters and enhance societal resilience. However, the analysis did not achieve an in-depth comprehension of the types of contributing factors, namely, contextual vs. target aspects. A cross-sectional study that explored attitudinal factors among civilian populations took place during the months of January-February 2021. Diverse representative samples (N ≥ 500 each) of adults from eight countries (Italy, Romania, Spain, France, Sweden, Norway, Israel, and Japan) were engaged. The primary outcomes of this study were individual and societal resilience as well as emergency preparedness. The results suggest that in most countries, levels of trust are relatively high for emergency services and health services, and relatively low for politicians. In the overall sample, the individual preparedness index, which delineates the compliance with general household adjustment recommendation for emergencies, averaged at 4.44 ± 2.05SD (out of 8). Some variability was observed between countries, with some countries (e.g., Spain, Norway, and Italy) reporting higher preparedness rates than others (e.g., Japan). In the overall sample, levels of individual resilience were mediocre. Multivariate analysis showed that the following variables are predictors of societal resilience: trust (β = 0.59), social norms and communality (β = 0.20), individual resilience (β = 0.05), individual preparedness (β = 0.04), risk awareness (β = 0.04), and age (β = 0.03). The results of this study show that there are commonalities and differences between societies across Europe and beyond concerning societal resilience at large, including preparedness, individual resilience, and risk perception. Despite socio-cultural driven differences, this study shows that societies share varied characteristics that may contribute toward a common model for assessing societal resilience and for explaining and predicting resilience and readiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moran Bodas
- Department of Emergency and Disaster Management, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
- National Center for Trauma and Emergency Medicine Research, Sheba Medical Center, The Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Kobi Peleg
- Department of Emergency and Disaster Management, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
- National Center for Trauma and Emergency Medicine Research, Sheba Medical Center, The Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Nathan Stolero
- Department of Emergency and Disaster Management, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Bruria Adini
- Department of Emergency and Disaster Management, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
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Sakoda A, Nomura N, Kuroda Y, Kono T, Naito W, Yoshida H. Review of engagement activities to promote awareness of radiation and its associated risk amongst the Japanese public before and after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2021; 41:1258-1287. [PMID: 34816800 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ac2678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in 2011, many radiation experts directly experienced a vast gap between ideal and real public understanding (PU) of radiation in risk communication. Therefore, this study collated and reviewed information about PU activities for radiation and its risk that six Japanese academic societies-which seem to be socially neutral expert communities-related to radiation and radiation risk conducted before and after the accident. Activities these radiation-related societies provided to the general public were discussed from the following perspectives: (a) difficulties in two-way communication due to resources, motivation and public interest and concerns; (b) balance between academic research and PU activities; (c) academic societies' building trust with the public while ensuring member experts' neutrality and independence; and (d) discussions among academic societies to prepare for public engagement. We hope that this paper encourages experts and academic societies in radiation protection to hold more national and international discussions about their roles in public communication and outreach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Sakoda
- Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Centre, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 1550 Kamisaibara, Kagamino-cho, Tomata-gun, Okayama 708-0698, Japan
| | - Naoki Nomura
- Department of Applied Nuclear Technology, Fukui University of Technology, 3-6-1 Gakuen, Fukui-city, Fukui pref 910-8505, Japan
| | - Yujiro Kuroda
- Department of Prevention and Care Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 7-430 Morioka, Obu, Aichi, 474-8511, Japan
- Centre for Integrated Science and Humanities, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima-shi, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Takahiko Kono
- Sector of Fukushima Research and Development, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 7-1 Omachi, Taira, Iwaki-shi, Fukushima 970-8026, Japan
| | - Wataru Naito
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Hiroko Yoshida
- Radioisotope Research and Education Centre, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
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O’Connor C, O’Connell N, Burke E, Nolan A, Dempster M, Graham CD, Nicolson G, Barry J, Scally G, Crowley P, Zgaga L, Mather L, Darker CD. Media Representations of Science during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Analysis of News and Social Media on the Island of Ireland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9542. [PMID: 34574465 PMCID: PMC8470699 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is arguably the most critical science communication challenge of a generation, yet comes in the wake of a purported populist turn against scientific expertise in western societies. This study advances understanding of science-society relations during the COVID-19 pandemic by analysing how science was represented in news and social media coverage of COVID-19 on the island of Ireland. Thematic analysis was performed on a dataset comprising 952 news articles and 603 tweets published between 1 January and 31 May 2020. Three themes characterised the range of meanings attached to science: 'Defining science: Its subjects, practice and process', 'Relating to science: Between veneration and suspicion' and 'Using science: As solution, policy and rhetoric'. The analysis suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic represented a platform to highlight the value, philosophy, process and day-to-day activity of scientific research. However, the study also identified risks the pandemic might pose to science communication, including feeding public alienation by disparaging lay understandings, reinforcing stereotypical images of scientists, and amplifying the politicisation of scientific statements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cliodhna O’Connor
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, D04 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nicola O’Connell
- Discipline of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Population Health, Trinity College Dublin, D02 Dublin, Ireland; (N.O.); (E.B.); (G.N.); (J.B.); (L.Z.); (L.M.); (C.D.D.)
| | - Emma Burke
- Discipline of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Population Health, Trinity College Dublin, D02 Dublin, Ireland; (N.O.); (E.B.); (G.N.); (J.B.); (L.Z.); (L.M.); (C.D.D.)
| | - Ann Nolan
- Trinity Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, D02 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Martin Dempster
- School of Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5BN, UK; (M.D.); (C.D.G.)
| | - Christopher D. Graham
- School of Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5BN, UK; (M.D.); (C.D.G.)
| | - Gail Nicolson
- Discipline of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Population Health, Trinity College Dublin, D02 Dublin, Ireland; (N.O.); (E.B.); (G.N.); (J.B.); (L.Z.); (L.M.); (C.D.D.)
| | - Joseph Barry
- Discipline of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Population Health, Trinity College Dublin, D02 Dublin, Ireland; (N.O.); (E.B.); (G.N.); (J.B.); (L.Z.); (L.M.); (C.D.D.)
| | - Gabriel Scally
- School of Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK;
| | - Philip Crowley
- Quality Improvement, Health Service Executive, D08 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Lina Zgaga
- Discipline of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Population Health, Trinity College Dublin, D02 Dublin, Ireland; (N.O.); (E.B.); (G.N.); (J.B.); (L.Z.); (L.M.); (C.D.D.)
| | - Luke Mather
- Discipline of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Population Health, Trinity College Dublin, D02 Dublin, Ireland; (N.O.); (E.B.); (G.N.); (J.B.); (L.Z.); (L.M.); (C.D.D.)
| | - Catherine D. Darker
- Discipline of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Population Health, Trinity College Dublin, D02 Dublin, Ireland; (N.O.); (E.B.); (G.N.); (J.B.); (L.Z.); (L.M.); (C.D.D.)
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Fukasawa M, Kawakami N, Umeda M, Akiyama T, Horikoshi N, Yasumura S, Yabe H, Suzuki Y, Bromet EJ. Distrust in government and its relationship with mental health after the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2021; 67:680-686. [PMID: 33148102 DOI: 10.1177/0020764020968129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Distrust in authorities has negative effects on mental health. AIMS In this study, we aimed to explore whether the impact of distrust in government on mental health became stronger in the area heavily affected by the 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant accident. METHODS We examined the effects of distrust in the national government on depressive symptoms three years after the accident among community residents in Fukushima prefecture using those in the Kanto area (the area surrounding Tokyo) as a control. A questionnaire survey was administered to a random sample of 1000 residents in Fukushima prefecture and 1650 residents in the Kanto area. Distrust in the national government was assessed using a four-point single-item scale. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The associations of residential area (i.e. living in Fukushima prefecture or in the Kanto area) and distrust in the national government with depressive symptoms were examined, controlling for socio-demographic characteristics and disaster-related experiences using multivariate linear regression analyses. We used the interaction term of residential area and distrust in the government to explore the difference in the association between the respondents in Fukushima prefecture and those in the Kanto area. RESULTS Valid responses were obtained from 976 (36.8%) residents. Distrust in the government was associated with depressive symptoms and the association was stronger in Fukushima prefecture than in the Kanto area. CONCLUSION The deleterious effects of distrust in the government on mental health may become more serious after a nuclear power plant accident and require careful attention during support activities in an affected area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiko Fukasawa
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norito Kawakami
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maki Umeda
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Research Institute of Nursing Care for People and Community, University of Hyogo, Akashi City, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Akiyama
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, NTT Medical Center Tokyo, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoko Horikoshi
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima City, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima City, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Seiji Yasumura
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima City, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima City, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hirooki Yabe
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima City, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yuriko Suzuki
- Department of Mental Health Policy, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
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Oe M, Takebayashi Y, Sato H, Maeda M. Mental Health Consequences of the Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima Nuclear Disasters: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18147478. [PMID: 34299933 PMCID: PMC8304648 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Many individuals who were affected by the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami and the subsequent Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident continue to face a challenging recovery. We reviewed the long-term mental health consequences of three major nuclear power plant accidents: the Three Mile Island (TMI, 1979), Chernobyl (1986), and Fukushima (2011) nuclear disasters. We examined the relevant prospective cohort studies and before-and-after studies that covered more than two timepoints, searching four databases (PubMed, Ichushi, PsyArticles, and PTSDPub). We identified a total of 35 studies: TMI, n = 11; Chernobyl, n = 6; and Fukushima, n = 18. The smaller numbers of early-phase studies (within 6 months) of the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters may also indicate the chaotic situation at those timepoints, as large-scale interviews were conducted in the early phase after the TMI disaster. Although the patterns of effects on mental health outcomes were diverse, more than half of the participants in the studies we evaluated were categorized into low or under-threshold symptom groups in all three disasters. Across the three disasters, the radiation exposure level estimated by the proximity and stigma were the common risk factors for mental health outcomes. Our findings will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the worst nuclear accidents in history on the affected individuals' mental health, and our results illustrate the longitudinal consequences of such disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misari Oe
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Asahi-machi 67, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Yui Takebayashi
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (Y.T.); (H.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Hideki Sato
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (Y.T.); (H.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Masaharu Maeda
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (Y.T.); (H.S.); (M.M.)
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Bloeser K, McCarron KK, Merker VL, Hyde J, Bolton RE, Anastasides N, Petrakis BA, Helmer DA, Santos S, Litke D, Pigeon WR, McAndrew LM. "Because the country, it seems though, has turned their back on me": Experiences of institutional betrayal among veterans living with Gulf War Illness. Soc Sci Med 2021; 284:114211. [PMID: 34271400 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
People living with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) often have poor quality of life and health outcomes. Many struggle to engage with and trust in healthcare systems. This qualitative study examined how experiences with institutions influence perceptions of medical care for MUS by applying the theoretical framework of institutional betrayal to narratives of U.S. military Veterans living with Gulf War Illness (GWI). Institutional betrayal refers to situations in which the institutions people depend upon for safety and well-being cause them harm. Experiences of institutional betrayal both during active military service and when first seeking treatment appeared to shape perceptions of healthcare in this sample. Veterans expressed the belief that the military failed to protect them from environmental exposures. Veterans' concerns regarding subsequent quality of healthcare were intrinsically linked to a belief that, despite official documentation to the contrary, the predominant paradigm of both the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is that GWI does not exist. Veterans reported that providers are not adequately trained on treatment of GWI and do not believe Veterans' descriptions of their illness. Veterans reported taking up self-advocacy, doing their own research on their condition, and resigning themselves to decrease engagement with VA healthcare or seek non-VA care. The study's findings suggest institutional level factors have a profound impact on perceptions of care and the patient-provider relationship. Future research and policy aimed at improving healthcare for people living with MUS should consider the concept of institutional betrayal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Bloeser
- The War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, The VA New Jersey Health Care System, 385 Tremont Ave. Mail Stop 129, 11th Floor, East Orange, NJ, 07018, USA; Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, The City University of New York, NY, USA.
| | - Kelly K McCarron
- The War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, The VA New Jersey Health Care System, 385 Tremont Ave. Mail Stop 129, 11th Floor, East Orange, NJ, 07018, USA
| | - Vanessa L Merker
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, MA, USA
| | - Justeen Hyde
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, MA, USA; Boston University, Department of Medicine, Section General Internal Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rendelle E Bolton
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, MA, USA; Brandeis University, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, MA, USA
| | - Nicole Anastasides
- The War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, The VA New Jersey Health Care System, 385 Tremont Ave. Mail Stop 129, 11th Floor, East Orange, NJ, 07018, USA
| | - Beth Ann Petrakis
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, MA, USA
| | - Drew A Helmer
- VA Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (IQuESt), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Susan Santos
- The War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, The VA New Jersey Health Care System, 385 Tremont Ave. Mail Stop 129, 11th Floor, East Orange, NJ, 07018, USA
| | - David Litke
- The War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, The VA New Jersey Health Care System, 385 Tremont Ave. Mail Stop 129, 11th Floor, East Orange, NJ, 07018, USA
| | - Wilfred R Pigeon
- VA Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Lisa M McAndrew
- The War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, The VA New Jersey Health Care System, 385 Tremont Ave. Mail Stop 129, 11th Floor, East Orange, NJ, 07018, USA; Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, NY, USA
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12
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Warden CA, Warden AR, Huang SCT, Chen JF. Job Tension and Emotional Sensitivity to COVID-19 Public Messaging and Risk Perception. Popul Health Manag 2020; 24:182-189. [PMID: 32882155 DOI: 10.1089/pop.2020.0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, government social marketing messages support strategies of suppression (often stay-at-home orders or lockdowns) and/or mitigation (through testing, isolation, and tracing). Success at lowering the virus reproduction rate (R0) depends on social marketing messaging that rapidly changes behaviors. This study explores a potential side effect of a successful antivirus public health messaging campaign, when employees are back at work but the virus threat has not disappeared, that leads to on-the-job stress. The authors surveyed office employees in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China, where a nearly 2-month COVID-19 quarantine ended in late March 2020 and work locations reopened with strong public health messaging to encourage cooperation with continued virus spread suppression strategies-an approach likely to be followed in numerous countries. This study examines the relationship of pandemic public messaging sensitivity with tension and negative emotions on the job. Canonical correlation analysis is used with a sample of 1154 respondents, 4 predictor variables (reference group, self-regulation, media, and risk), and 2 criterion variables (negative emotions and job tension). Results show employees are differentially affected by the pandemic background noise. Those more sensitive to social-level virus risks and more open to reference group influence report increased levels of negative emotions and work tension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clyde A Warden
- Marketing Department, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Antony R Warden
- Institute for Personalized Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Stephen Chi-Tsun Huang
- Department of Marketing and Distribution, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Judy F Chen
- Business Administration Department, Overseas Chinese University, Taichung, Taiwan
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