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Kunii Y, Usukura H, Otsuka K, Maeda M, Yabe H, Takahashi S, Tachikawa H, Tomita H. Lessons learned from psychosocial support and mental health surveys during the 10 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake: Establishing evidence-based disaster psychiatry. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 76:212-221. [PMID: 35137504 PMCID: PMC9314661 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Post-disaster mental health and psychosocial support have drawn attention in Japan after the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, with mental health care centers for the affected communities being organized. After the catastrophe, a reconstruction budget was allocated to organize mental health care centers to provide psychosocial support for communities affected by the 2007 Chūetsu offshore earthquake, the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, and the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. There were several major improvements in post-disaster mental health measures after the Great East Japan Earthquake. The Disaster Psychiatric Assistance Team system was organized after the earthquake to orchestrate disaster response related to the psychiatric health system and mental health of the affected communities. Special mental health care efforts were drawn to the communities affected by the nuclear power plant accident through Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high yield Explosives, being succeeded by measures against the coronavirus pandemic. As another new movement after the Great East Japan Earthquake, the number of surveys involving communities affected by disasters has soared. More than 10 times the number of scientific publications were made in English during the decade following the Great East Japan Earthquake, compared with the previous decades. In this review, we examined the results and issues acquired in the 10 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake, proposing evidence-based disaster psychiatry as the direction of future mental health measures related to emergency preparedness and response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuto Kunii
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hitomi Usukura
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kotaro Otsuka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan.,Department of Disaster and Community Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Masaharu Maeda
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan.,Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hirooki Yabe
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Sho Takahashi
- Department of Disaster and Community Psychiatry, Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Tachikawa
- Department of Disaster and Community Psychiatry, Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Tomita
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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Safarpour H, Sohrabizadeh S, Malekyan L, Safi-Keykaleh M, Pirani D, Daliri S, Bazyar J. Suicide Death Rate after Disasters: A Meta-Analysis Study. Arch Suicide Res 2022; 26:14-27. [PMID: 32674715 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2020.1793045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disasters have undesirable effects on health among individuals such as psychosocial disorders which may lead lead to suicide in some cases. Thus, the present study aimed to measure the rate of suicide death after disasters all over the world. METHODS In the present meta-analysis study, all of the articles published in English until the end of 2019 were probed in electronic databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, and Google Scholar. Then, the data were imported to STATA ver.13 software and analyzed through fixed- and random-effects models, meta-regression, and Cochrane statistical tests. RESULTS A total of 11 studies including a sample size of 65495867 were considered. Suicide death rates before and after the disasters were calculated as 13.61 (CI95%: 11.59-15.77) vs. 16.68 (CI95%: 14.5-19:0) among the whole population, 28.36 (CI 95%:11.29-45.43) vs. 32.17 (CI95%: 17.71-46.62) among men, and 12.71 (CI95%: 5.98-19.44) vs 12.69 (CI95%: 5.17-20.21) among women. The rate of suicide death significantly increased in the whole population and men, while no significant difference was reported among women. CONCLUSION Suicide death rate increases after disasters indicating the destructive impact of this phenomenon on peoples' health. Therefore, implementing supportive and interventional measures is highly suggested after disasters in order to prevent suicide death among the affected people.
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Practical Report of Disaster-Related Mental Health Interventions Following the Great East Japan Earthquake during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Potential for Suicide Prevention. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910424. [PMID: 34639724 PMCID: PMC8507691 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: This practical report aims to publicize the ongoing disaster-related mental health interventions following the Great East Japan Earthquake during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Disaster-related mental health interventions consisted of: (1) screening high-risk evacuees with high psychological distress (Kessler 6 score ≥ 13) or binge drinking; and (2) visiting selected high-risk individuals and providing them counseling through outreach in evacuee housing. These activity records were compiled from existing material in the Sendai City Office; therefore, no new interviews or questionnaire surveys were conducted. Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we introduced telephone counseling and shortened the time of support as a result of the restrictions. Counselors addressed issues of “loneliness” or “isolation” among evacuees, who had little connection with society due to the pandemic. Moreover, the procedure for obtaining COVID-19 special financial aid was explained to evacuees in financial difficulty. During this period, the suicide rates in the affected area did not increase significantly as compared to the national average. Conclusions: Our report may be instructive in terms of preventing suicide during the pandemic using high-risk approaches and counselors trained in disaster-related mental health interventions.
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Ghazanchaei E, Khorasani-Zavareh D, Aghazadeh-Attari J, Mohebbi I. Identifying and Describing Impact of Disasters on Non-Communicable Diseases: A Systematic Review. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 50:1143-1155. [PMID: 34540735 PMCID: PMC8410956 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v50i6.6413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with non-communicable diseases are vulnerable to disasters. This is a systematic review describing the impact of disasters on non-communicable diseases. METHODS A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA standards. Relevant articles published from 1997 to 2019 collected by searching the Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, databases. We specifically examined reports describing NCDs and including the key words "non-communicable disease and Disasters". NCDs included cardiovascular, respiratory, diabetes, cancer and mental health diseases. RESULTS Of the 663 studies identified, only 48 articles met all the eligibility criteria. Most studies have shown the impact of all natural disasters on non-communicable diseases (39.8% n=19). The largest study was the effect of earthquakes on non-communicable diseases (29.2% n=14). For the NCDs targeted by this research, most of the included studies were a combination of four diseases: cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, diabetes and cancer (44% n=21). Followed by cardiovascular disease (14.6% n=7), chronic respiratory disease (12.5% n=6), diabetes and cancer (6.2% n=3) and mental health (12.5% n=6). CONCLUSION The incidence of disasters affects the management of treatment and care for patients with NCDs. Specific measures include a multi-part approach to ensuring that patients with non-communicable diseases have access to life-saving services during and after disasters. The approach of the health system should be expanded from traditional approaches to disasters and requires comprehensive planning of health care by policy makers and health professionals to develop effective strategies to enable patients to access medical, therapeutic and diagnostic services in natural disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Ghazanchaei
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Davoud Khorasani-Zavareh
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Workplace Health Promotion Research Center, Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Aghazadeh-Attari
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Iraj Mohebbi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Généreux M, Schluter PJ, Takahashi S, Usami S, Mashino S, Kayano R, Kim Y. Psychosocial Management Before, During, and After Emergencies and Disasters-Results from the Kobe Expert Meeting. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E1309. [PMID: 31013679 PMCID: PMC6518049 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16081309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Emergencies and disasters typically affect entire communities, cause substantial losses and disruption, and result in a significant and persistent mental health burden. There is currently a paucity of evidence on safe and effective individual- and community-level strategies for improving mental health before, during, and after such events. In October 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) Centre for Health Development (WHO Kobe Centre) convened a meeting bringing together leading Asia Pacific and international disaster research experts. The expert meeting identified key research needs in five major areas, one being "Psychosocial management before, during, and after emergencies and disasters". Experts for this research area identified critical gaps in observational research (i.e., the monitoring of long-term psychological consequences) and interventional research (i.e., the development and evaluation of individual- and community-level interventions). Three key research issues were identified. First, experts underscored the need for a standardized and psychometrically robust instrument that classified the mental health/psychosocial risk of people within both a clinical and community setting. Then, the need for a standardization of methods for prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment for affected people was highlighted. Finally, experts called for a better identification of before, during, and after emergency or disaster assets associated with greater community resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélissa Généreux
- Sherbrooke Hospital University Centre, Eastern Townships Integrated University Centre in Health and Social Services, Sherbrooke, QC J1J 3H5, Canada.
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 1B1, Canada.
| | - Philip J Schluter
- School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury-Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
- Primary Care Clinical Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4006, Australia.
| | - Sho Takahashi
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan.
- Ibaraki Prefectural Medical Center of Psychiatry, Kasama 309-1717, Japan.
| | - Shiori Usami
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan.
| | - Sonoe Mashino
- Research Institute of Nursing Care for People and Community, University of Hyōgo, Akashi 673-8588, Japan.
| | - Ryoma Kayano
- World Health Organization Centre for Health Development, Kobe 651-0073, Japan.
| | - Yoshiharu Kim
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Center for Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira 187-0031, Japan.
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Sakuma A, Ueda I, Rengi S, Shingai T, Matsuoka H, Matsumoto K. Increase in the number of admissions to psychiatric hospitals immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Asia Pac Psychiatry 2018; 10:e12307. [PMID: 29285896 PMCID: PMC6175335 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 09/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Major natural disasters have a significant impact on the mental health of survivors in affected communities. Although it has been speculated that the number of survivors requiring admission to psychiatric hospital increases immediately after a major disaster, few studies have examined the issue. METHODS On March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated the relatively isolated city of Kesennuma. We therefore compared the weekly number of patients admitted to 2 psychiatric hospitals in Kesennuma in the 4 weeks immediately after the earthquake with those in the 4 weeks immediately preceding the earthquake. We also made comparisons between this 8-week period and the corresponding 8-week periods in 2009, 2010, and 2012. RESULTS The number of patients admitted to the 2 psychiatric hospitals increased in 4 weeks after the disaster in 2011, with a weekly median (range) of 13 (9-16), compared with 6 (5-9) in the preceding 4 weeks in 2011. The corresponding figures were 5.5 (2-10) in 2009, 6.5 (5-9) in 2010, and 4 (3-7) in 2012 (P = .01, H = 13.05). By diagnostic category, admissions for schizophrenia spectrum disorder and neurotic stress-related disorder increased significantly following the disaster. DISCUSSION Demands for inpatient psychiatric treatment increased immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Government officials and mental health professionals must strengthen support for survivors with mental illness, especially those with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. This should include support for mental health authorities and medical staff in the affected community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Sakuma
- Department of Psychiatry, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan.,Miyagi Disaster Mental Health Care Center, Kesennuma, Japan
| | - Ikki Ueda
- Department of Psychiatry, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan.,Miyagi Disaster Mental Health Care Center, Kesennuma, Japan
| | - Shigehito Rengi
- Department of Psychiatry, Mitsumine Hospital, Kesennuma, Japan
| | - Toshiyasu Shingai
- Department of Psychiatry, Hikarigaoka-Hoyouen Hospital, Kesennuma, Japan
| | - Hiroo Matsuoka
- Department of Psychiatry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kazunori Matsumoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Preventive Psychiatry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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Orui M, Suzuki Y, Maeda M, Yasumura S. Suicide Rates in Evacuation Areas After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster. CRISIS 2018; 39:353-363. [PMID: 29618266 PMCID: PMC6263751 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract.Background: Associations between nuclear disasters and suicide
have been examined to a limited extent. Aim: To clarify the
suicide rates in evacuation areas after the nuclear disaster in Fukushima, which
occurred in March 2011. Method: This descriptive study used
monthly data from vital statistics between March 2009 and December 2015. Suicide
rates in areas to which evacuation orders had been issued, requiring
across-the-board, compulsory evacuation of residents from the entire or part of
municipalities, were obtained and compared with the national average.
Results: Male suicide rates in evacuation areas increased
significantly immediately after the disaster, and then began to increase again 4
years after the disaster. Female suicide rates declined slightly during the
first year and then increased significantly over the subsequent 3-year period.
Moreover, male rates in areas where evacuation orders were issued for the total
area declined over the course of approximately 2 years, but then began to
increase thereafter. Analysis by age revealed postdisaster male rates in
evacuation areas decreased for those aged 50–69 years and increased for those
aged ≤ 29 years and ≥ 70 years. Limitations: The
number of suicides among females and the female population in the evacuation
area was small. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the need to
keep in mind that, when providing post-disaster mental health services, suicide
rates can eventually increase even if they initially decrease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatsugu Orui
- 1 Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima City, Japan
| | - Yuriko Suzuki
- 1 Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima City, Japan.,2 National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Adult Mental Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaharu Maeda
- 3 Department of Disaster Psychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima City, Japan
| | - Seiji Yasumura
- 1 Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima City, Japan
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Fukuma S, Ahmed S, Goto R, Inui TS, Atun R, Fukuhara S. Fukushima after the Great East Japan Earthquake: lessons for developing responsive and resilient health systems. J Glob Health 2018; 7:010501. [PMID: 28400956 PMCID: PMC5370211 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.07.010501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background On 11 March 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake, followed by a tsunami and nuclear–reactor meltdowns, produced one of the most severe disasters in the history of Japan. The adverse impact of this ‘triple disaster’ on the health of local populations and the health system was substantial. In this study we examine population–level health indicator changes that accompanied the disaster, and discuss options for re–designing Fukushima’s health system, and by extension that of Japan, to enhance its responsiveness and resilience to current and future shocks. Methods We used country–level (Japan–average) or prefecture–level data (2005–2014) available from the portal site of Official Statistics of Japan for Fukushima, Miyagi, and Iwate, the prefectures that were most affected by the disaster, to compare trends before (2005–2010) and after (2011–2014) the ‘disaster’. We made time–trend line plots to describe changes over time in age–adjusted cause–specific mortality rates in each prefecture. Findings All three prefectures, and in particular Fukushima, had lower socio–economic indicators, an older population, lower productivity and gross domestic product per capita, and less higher–level industry than the Japan average. All three prefectures were ‘medically underserved’, with fewer physicians, nurses, ambulance calls and clinics per 100 000 residents than the Japan average. Even before the disaster, age–adjusted all–cause mortality in Fukushima was in general higher than the national rates. After the triple disaster we found that the mortality rate due to myocardial infarction increased substantially in Fukushima while it decreased nationwide. Compared to Japan average, spikes in mortality due to lung disease (all three prefectures), stroke (Iwate and Miyagi), and all–cause mortality (Miyagi and Fukushima) were also observed post–disaster. The cause–specific mortality rate from cancer followed similar trends in all three prefectures to those in Japan as a whole. Although we found a sharp rise in ambulance calls in Iwate and Miyagi, we did not see such a rise in Fukushima: a finding which may indicate limited responsiveness to acute demand because of pre–existing restricted capacity in emergency ambulance services. Conclusions We analyze changes in indicators of health and health systems infrastructure in Fukushima before and five years following the disaster, and explored health systems’ strengths and vulnerabilities. Spikes in mortality rates for selected non–infectious conditions common among older individuals were observed compared to the national trends. The results suggest that poorer reserves in the health care delivery system in Fukushima limited its capacity to effectively meet sudden unexpected increases in demand generated by the disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Fukuma
- Department of Healthcare Epidemiology, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.; Center for Innovative Research for Communities and Clinical Excellence (CIRC(2)LE), Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shahira Ahmed
- Boston University School of Public Health, Department of Global Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rei Goto
- Graduate School of Business Administration, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Thomas S Inui
- Center for Innovative Research for Communities and Clinical Excellence (CIRC(2)LE), Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan; Regenstrief Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Rifat Atun
- Department of Healthcare Epidemiology, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Joint last authorship
| | - Shunichi Fukuhara
- Department of Healthcare Epidemiology, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.; Center for Innovative Research for Communities and Clinical Excellence (CIRC(2)LE), Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan; Joint last authorship
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Orui M, Ueda Y, Suzuki Y, Maeda M, Ohira T, Yabe H, Yasumura S. The Relationship between Starting to Drink and Psychological Distress, Sleep Disturbance after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster: The Fukushima Health Management Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14101281. [PMID: 29064443 PMCID: PMC5664781 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14101281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the prevalence of newly-started drinkers and their continuing drinking behaviors after the Great East Japan earthquake. Moreover, the relationships between newly-started drinking and psychological factor, disaster-related experience, and perceived radiation risk were examined. We used data from 37,687 pre-disaster non-drinkers who participated in the 2012 and 2013 surveys conducted in Fukushima. We defined newly-started drinkers as those who did not drink before the disaster but who began drinking after the disaster, based on information collected retrospectively. In 2012, 9.6% of non-drinkers began drinking, of which the prevalence of heavy drinkers was 18.4%. The prevalence of continued drinking among newly-started drinkers in 2013 was 53.8%. Logistic regression analyses revealed post-disaster newly-started drinking was significantly associated with being male, less than 65 years old, sleep dissatisfaction and psychological distress (Kessler 6 ≤ 13) when this model was adjusted for disaster-related experience and perceived radiation risk. Moreover, psychological distress and heavy drinking were significant risk factors for continued drinking among newly-started drinkers. Newly-started drinkers might use alcohol to cope with disaster-related stress. Thus, they may be targeted for disaster-related health services. Moreover, early intervention should encourage responsible drinking, since post-disaster heavy drinkers were likely to continue heavy drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatsugu Orui
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Yuka Ueda
- Department of Epidemiology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Yuriko Suzuki
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
- Department of Adult Mental Health, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8553, Japan.
| | - Masaharu Maeda
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Tetsuya Ohira
- Department of Epidemiology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, 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.
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Seiji Yasumura
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
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Noncommunicable Diseases After the Great East Japan Earthquake: Systematic Review, 2011-2016. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2017; 12:396-407. [PMID: 29032775 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2017.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including mental disorders, have become major threats to human health worldwide. People with NCDs are particularly vulnerable to disasters. We systematically reviewed reports describing studies of NCDs at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) to clarify the circumstances of people with NCDs and to build strong measures to support them. METHODS Relevant articles published from March 2011 through December 2016 were collected by searching the PubMed database (National Library of Medicine). We specifically examined reports describing NCDs and including the key words "East Japan Earthquake." NCDs included every disease type aside from injury and infectious disease. RESULTS We collected 160 relevant articles, 41 of which described NCDs that existed in residents before the GEJE. Articles describing respiratory diseases and mental illnesses were found most frequently. Interruption of regular treatment was the most frequent problem, followed by lack of surveillance capacity. We found 101 reports describing NCDs that had developed after the GEJE, of which 60% were related to mental health issues. CONCLUSIONS NCDs pose major health issues after large-scale disasters. Establishment of strong countermeasures against interruption of treatment and surveillance systems to ascertain medical needs for NCDs are necessary to prepare for future disasters. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018; 12: 396-407).
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11
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Maeda M, Oe M. Mental Health Consequences and Social Issues After the Fukushima Disaster. Asia Pac J Public Health 2017; 29:36S-46S. [PMID: 28330398 DOI: 10.1177/1010539516689695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent nuclear power plant accident caused multidimensional and long-term effects on the mental health condition of people living in Fukushima. In this article, focusing on the influence of the nuclear disaster, we present an overview of studies regarding the psychosocial consequences of people in Fukushima. Studies revealed that the experiences of the explosions at the plant as well as the tsunami are deeply embedded in their memory, leading to posttraumatic responses. Chronic physical diseases, worries about livelihood, lost jobs, lost social ties, and concerns about compensation were also associated with posttraumatic responses. Furthermore, the radioactive fallout brought chronic anxiety regarding physical risks of radiation exposure to people, especially young mothers. People often have different opinions about the radiation risk and their own future plans, resulting in a reduction in the resilience that communities and families had before the disaster. In addition, such weakened community resilience may produce a significant increase in disaster-related suicide in Fukushima. Specific social issues, such as "radiation stigma" among the public and self-stigma among evacuees, that are never seen with other natural disasters also increased in Fukushima.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Misari Oe
- 1 Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan.,2 Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
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12
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Practical Report on Long-term Disaster Mental Health Services Following the Great East Japan Earthquake: Psychological and Social Background of Evacuees in Sendai City in the Mid- to Long-term Post-disaster Period. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2017; 11:439-450. [PMID: 28327208 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2016.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred on March 11, 2011, caused unprecedented damage. To address evacuees' psychosocial issues, our disaster mental health team provided psychosocial support in the form of careful listening and providing information for reconstruction. METHODS To summarize evacuees' psychosocial issues, we reviewed records of our daily activities and analyzed factors related to continuation or termination of support. Terminated support was defined as the resolution or improvement of psychological issues relative to the time of initial support. RESULTS Based on logistic regression analysis, living in prefabricated temporary housing (odds ratio [OR]: 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.19-0.72), a high number of improved stress symptoms (0.81; 95% CI: 0.67-0.99), and higher support frequency (0.84; 95% CI: 0.78-0.90) were significantly associated with a lower likelihood of continuing support. Conversely, economic and resettlement issues (2.75; 95% CI: 1.63-4.64) and high numbers of stress symptoms (1.24; 95% CI: 1.06-1.45) were strongly and significantly associated with continuing support, particularly in the mid- to long-term phase following the earthquake (ie, after August 1, 2011). No significant association was found between support status and alcohol problems or disaster-related experiences (eg, loss of family or housing). CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the need to be aware of evacuees' social issues such as resettlement in the mid- to long-term post-disaster phase. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:439-450).
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Horikoshi N, Iwasa H, Kawakami N, Suzuki Y, Yasumura S. Residence-related factors and psychological distress among evacuees after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2016; 16:420. [PMID: 27881162 PMCID: PMC5121974 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-016-1134-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relocation following a disaster can impact the psychological well-being of evacuees. This study investigated the associations between residence-related factors and psychological distress among evacuees living in temporary housing after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. METHODS Data from 525 participants living in temporary housing were collected. Associations between residence-related factors (frequent relocation, dissatisfaction with the residence, and plan to move to permanent housing) and psychological distress were measured. The psychological distress of evacuees was measured using the Japanese version of the 6-item Kessler scale (K6). We used a cut-off score of five to identify cases with psychological distress, the basis of Kessler's 6 items for psychological distress. RESULTS Multivariate logistic regression analysis (n = 418) showed that frequent relocation (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.14-3.66, p = 0.016) and dissatisfaction with the residence (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.60-3.83, p < 0.001) was significantly associated with psychological distress. After stratifying by gender, dissatisfaction with the residence was associated with psychological distress, and a plan to move to permanent housing was significantly associated with psychological distress in women (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.03-3.63, p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS Frequent relocation and dissatisfaction with the residence were associated with psychological distress among evacuees following the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Evacuees should be provided with comfortable living spaces, and steps should be taken to reduce repeated relocation of evacuees. Thus, particular attention should be paid to women with a plan to move to permanent housing within this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Horikoshi
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Hajime Iwasa
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, Fukushima 960-1295 Japan ,Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-0015 Japan
| | - Norito Kawakami
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8654 Japan
| | - Yuriko Suzuki
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8553 Japan
| | - Seiji Yasumura
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, Fukushima 960-1295 Japan
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Maeda M, Oe M, Bromet E, Yasumura S, Ohto H. Fukushima, mental health and suicide. J Epidemiol Community Health 2016; 70:843-844. [PMID: 26962203 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2015-207086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Masaharu Maeda
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Misari Oe
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Evelyn Bromet
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Seiji Yasumura
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ohto
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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Sobowale K, Torous J. Disaster psychiatry in Asia: The potential of smartphones, mobile, and connected technologies. Asian J Psychiatr 2016; 22:1-5. [PMID: 27520886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Disaster mental health is recognized as a crucial part of disaster preparedness and response. Despite the commonality of disasters in Asia, many countries face formidable barriers to a rapid and robust mental health care response. Mobile technologies can alleviate the immediate suffering and reduce onset of chronic conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. This article explores the role of mobile technologies to improve mental health before, during, and after disasters in Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunmi Sobowale
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - John Torous
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Orui M, Sato Y, Tazaki K, Kawamura I, Harada S, Hayashi M. Delayed increase in male suicide rates in tsunami disaster-stricken areas following the great east japan earthquake: a three-year follow-up study in Miyagi Prefecture. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2015; 235:215-22. [PMID: 25765170 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.235.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Devastating natural disasters and their aftermath are known to cause psychological distress. However, little information is available regarding suicide rates following tsunami disasters that destroy regional social services and networks. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the tsunami disaster following the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011 has influenced suicide rates. The study period was from March 2009 to February 2014. Tsunami disaster-stricken areas were defined as the 16 municipalities facing the Pacific Ocean in Miyagi Prefecture. Inland areas were defined as other municipalities in Miyagi that were damaged by the earthquake. Suicide rates in the tsunami disaster-stricken areas were compared to national averages, using a time-series analysis and the Poisson distribution test. In tsunami disaster-stricken areas, male suicide rates were significantly lower than the national average during the initial post-disaster period and began to increase after two years. Likewise, male suicide rates in the inland areas decreased for seven months, and then increased to exceed the national average. In contrast, female post-disaster suicide rates did not change in both areas compared to the national average. Importantly, the male suicide rates in the inland areas started to increase earlier compared to the tsunami-stricken areas, which may reflect the relative deficiency of mental healthcare services in the inland areas. Considering the present status that many survivors from the tsunami disaster still live in temporary housing and face various challenges to rebuild their lives, we should continue intensive, long-term mental healthcare services in the tsunami-stricken areas.
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Systematic Consensus Building on Disaster Mental Health Services After the Great East Japan Earthquake by Phase. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2015; 9:359-66. [PMID: 25905559 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2015.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We intended to build consensus on appropriate disaster mental health services among professionals working in the area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. METHODS We focused on the first 3 months after the disaster, divided into 3 phases: immediate aftermath, acute phase, and midphase. We adopted the Delphi process and asked our survey participants (n=115) to rate the appropriateness of specific mental health services in each phase and comment on them. We repeated this process 3 times, giving participants feedback on the results of the previous round. Through this process, we determined the criterion for positive consensus for each item as having the agreement of more than 80% of the participants. RESULTS We found that the importance of acute psychiatric care and prescribing regular medication for psychiatric patients gained positive consensus in the immediate aftermath and acute phase. Counseling and psychoeducation after traumatic events or provision of information gained consensus in the acute phase and midphase, and screening of mental distress gained consensus in the midphase. CONCLUSIONS Higher priority was given to continuous psychiatric services in the immediate aftermath and mental health activities in later phases.
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Trauma signature analysis of the great East Japan disaster: guidance for psychological consequences. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2015; 7:201-14. [PMID: 24618172 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2013.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES On March 11, 2011, Japan experienced the largest earthquake in its history. The undersea earthquake launched a tsunami that inundated much of Japan's eastern coastline and damaged nuclear power plants, precipitating multiple reactor meltdowns. We examined open-source disaster situation reports, news accounts, and disaster-monitoring websites to gather event-specific data to conduct a trauma signature analysis of the event. METHODS The trauma signature analysis included a review of disaster situation reports; the construction of a hazard profile for the earthquake, tsunami, and radiation threats; enumeration of disaster stressors by disaster phase; identification of salient evidence-based psychological risk factors; summation of the trauma signature based on exposure to hazards, loss, and change; and review of the mental health and psychosocial support responses in relation to the analysis. RESULTS Exposure to this triple-hazard event resulted in extensive damage, significant loss of life, and massive population displacement. Many citizens were exposed to multiple hazards. The extremity of these exposures was partially mitigated by Japan's timely, expert-coordinated, and unified activation of an evidence-based mental health response. CONCLUSIONS The eastern Japan disaster was notable for its unique constellation of compounding exposures. Examination of the trauma signature of this event provided insights and guidance regarding optimal mental health and psychosocial responses. Japan orchestrated a model response that reinforced community resilience.
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Tachibana A, Kitamura H, Shindo M, Honma H, Someya T. Psychological distress in an earthquake-devastated area with pre-existing high rate of suicide. Psychiatry Res 2014; 219:336-40. [PMID: 24928758 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2014.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
On 12 March 2011 an earthquake devastated the Matsunoyama and Matsudai districts of Tōkamachi City, Niigata, Japan. These areas had high pre-existing suicide rates, especially among the elderly. We investigated whether mental health status became worse among the sufferers 5 months after the earthquake, and what kind of factors were implicated in any changes. A 15-item questionnaire that tapped earthquake-related variables and the Kessler 10 Psychological Distress Scale to measure psychological distress were distributed to 1923 residents aged over 40 years. The mean age (S.D.) of the total 1731 respondents (male, 805; female, 926) was 68.2 (13.1) years. Of these, we assessed K10 scores from 1346 respondents. The mean scores (S.D.) for K10 and K6 (six selected items from the K10) were 5.8 (6.3) and 3.4 (3.9), respectively. Among the respondents, 9.1% and 3.2% obtained a score of K10 ≥15 and K6 ≥13, respectively. These scores showed slightly higher psychological distress, especially among the elderly, in comparison with existing community-based data. Categorical regression analysis revealed significant and relatively strong effects of initial psychological impact, decrease in sleep hours, advanced age, and decrease in interpersonal relationships within the community on the K10 score. The last item suggests the importance of socio-environmental factors in post-disaster mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Tachibana
- Department of Psychiatry, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Hideaki Kitamura
- Department of Psychiatry, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi, Niigata 951-8510, Japan; Section of Disaster Medicine, Research Institute for Natural Hazards and Disaster Recovery, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan.
| | - Masanobu Shindo
- Department of Psychiatry, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroko Honma
- Niigata Institute for Traumatic Stress, Mental Health and Welfare Association in Niigata Prefecture, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Someya
- Department of Psychiatry, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi, Niigata 951-8510, Japan; Section of Disaster Medicine, Research Institute for Natural Hazards and Disaster Recovery, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan; Niigata Institute for Traumatic Stress, Mental Health and Welfare Association in Niigata Prefecture, Japan
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Orui M, Harada S, Hayashi M. Changes in suicide rates in disaster-stricken areas following the Great East Japan Earthquake and their effect on economic factors: an ecological study. Environ Health Prev Med 2014; 19:459-66. [PMID: 25338317 DOI: 10.1007/s12199-014-0418-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Devastating disasters may increase suicide rates due to mental distress. Previous domestic studies have reported decreased suicide rates among men following disasters. Few reports are available regarding factors associated with disasters, making it difficult to discuss how these events affect suicide rates. This study aimed to observe changes in suicide rates in disaster-stricken and neighboring areas following the Great East Japan Earthquake, and examine associations between suicide rates and economic factors. METHODS Monthly suicide rates were observed from March 2009 to February 2013, during which time the earthquake occurred on March, 2011. Data were included from disaster-stricken (Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima Prefectures) and neighboring (control: Aomori, Akita, and Yamagata Prefectures) areas. The association between changes in suicide rates and economic variables was evaluated based on the number of bankruptcy cases and ratio of effective job offers. RESULTS In disaster-stricken areas, post-disaster male suicide rates decreased during the 24 months following the earthquake. This trend differed relative to control areas. Female suicide rates increased during the first seven months. Multiple regression analysis showed that bankruptcy cases (β = 0.386, p = 0.038) and ratio of effective job offers (β = -0.445, p = 0.018) were only significantly associated with male post-disaster suicide rates in control areas. CONCLUSION Post-disaster suicide rates differed by gender following the earthquake. Our findings suggest that considering gender differences might be important for developing future post-disaster suicide prevention measures. This ecological study revealed that increasing effective job offers and decreasing bankruptcy cases can affect protectively male suicide rates in control areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatsugu Orui
- Sendai City Mental Health and Welfare Center, 1-6 Sankyozawa, Aramaaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-0845, Japan,
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Niitsu T, Takaoka K, Uemura S, Kono A, Saito A, Kawakami N, Nakazato M, Shimizu E. The psychological impact of a dual-disaster caused by earthquakes and radioactive contamination in Ichinoseki after the Great East Japan Earthquake. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:307. [PMID: 24885053 PMCID: PMC4037272 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The psychological impact of dual-disasters (earthquakes and a nuclear accident), on affected communities is unknown. This study investigated the impact of a dual-disaster (earthquakes and radioactive contamination) on the prevalence of psychological distress in a landlocked city within the Tohoku area, Japan. METHODS A cross-sectional mail-in survey with a random sample of inhabitants from Ichinoseki city was conducted eleven months after the disasters, and data from 902 respondents were analyzed by logistic regression models, with multiple imputation methodology. The K6 was used to determine psychological distress. RESULTS The estimated prevalence of psychological distress was 48.0 percent. House damage due to earthquakes and anxiety about radioactive contamination were significantly associated with psychological distress (p < 0.05), while an interactive effect between house damage and anxiety about radioactive contamination was not significant. Being female, middle-to-low educational status and unemployed were additional risk factors for psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS This dual-disaster was associated with a moderate prevalence of psychological distress in the area. The impact of the earthquake and radioactive contamination appeared additive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomihisa Niitsu
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
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Reifels L, Pietrantoni L, Prati G, Kim Y, Kilpatrick DG, Dyb G, Halpern J, Olff M, Brewin CR, O'Donnell M. Lessons learned about psychosocial responses to disaster and mass trauma: an international perspective. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2013; 4:22897. [PMID: 24371515 PMCID: PMC3873118 DOI: 10.3402/ejpt.v4i0.22897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
At the 13th meeting of the European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies in 2013, a symposium was held that brought together international researchers and clinicians who were involved in psychosocial responses to disaster. A total of six disasters that occurred in five countries were presented and discussed. Lessons learned from these disasters included the need to: (1) tailor the psychosocial response to the specific disaster, (2) provide multi-dimensional psychosocial care, (3) target at-risk population groups, (4) proactively address barriers in access to care, (5) recognise the social dimensions and sources of resilience, (6) extend the roles for mental health professionals, (7) efficiently coordinate and integrate disaster response services, and (8) integrate research and evaluation into disaster response planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Reifels
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Gabriele Prati
- School of Political Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Yoshiharu Kim
- National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Adult Mental Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Dean G. Kilpatrick
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Grete Dyb
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - James Halpern
- Institute for Disaster Mental Health, State University of New York, New Paltz, NY, USA
| | - Miranda Olff
- Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Arq Psychotrauma Expert Center, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Chris R. Brewin
- Clinical, Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Meaghan O'Donnell
- Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Yamashita J, Shigemura J. The Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident: a triple disaster affecting the mental health of the country. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2013; 36:351-70. [PMID: 23954052 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2013.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 caused 2 other serious disasters: a tsunami and a nuclear power plant accident. A chronic shortage of mental health resources had been previously reported in the Tohoku region, and the triple disaster worsened the situation. Eventually a public health approach was implemented by providing a common room in temporary housing developments to build a sense of community and to approach evacuees so that they could be triaged and referred to mental health teams. Japan now advocates using psychological first aid to educate first responders. This article extracts key lessons from relevant literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yamashita
- Faculty of Letters, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.
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Abstract
In face with a triple disaster of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear power plant accident, the degrees of which are historically hardly preceded, immediate mental health countermeasure was taken by the initiative of the national and local government together with academic and clinical organizations. Based on previous experience of natural disasters, more than 50 mental health care teams have been organized and dispatched to the affected areas, scheduled by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. When 6 months have passed, the acute and temporal support system should be replaced with more sustainable local networks with aims at promoting resilience, though community psychiatric service should be developed as well. Existing guidelines should be respected but actually it tended to be only partially recognized. In Fukushima prefecture, where nuclear plant accident occurred, its mental health impact is most concerned and long-term follow-up of the residents' health has been being planned.
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