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Maeda M, Harigane M, Horikoshi N, Takebayashi Y, Sato H, Takahashi A, Momoi M, Goto S, Oikawa Y, Mizuki R, Miura I, Itagaki S, Yabe H, Ohira T, Yasumura S, Ohto H, Kamiya K. Long-Term, Community-based Approach for Affected People Having Problems With Mental Health and Lifestyle Issues After the 2011 Fukushima Disaster: the Fukushima Health Management Survey. J Epidemiol 2022; 32:S47-S56. [PMID: 36464300 PMCID: PMC9703932 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20210178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
A Mental Health and Lifestyle Survey (MHLS) has been conducted yearly as part of the Fukushima Health Management Survey since 2012, in order to monitor different health issues related to long-term evacuation of affected people after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. This survey is a mail-based one of nearly 210,000 affected people living in the evacuation zone at the time of the disaster. Another purpose of the MHLS is to provide efficient interventions by telephone based on the results of the survey. Significant findings contributing to understanding of non-radiological health effects caused by long-term evacuation were obtained from the MHLS, directly connecting to telephone-based interventions for over 3,000 respondents per year. In this article, the mental health outcomes of the MHLS, including depressive symptoms and posttraumatic responses, are reviewed, and the usefulness of telephone-based interventions is discussed. The evidence showed that, despite improvement of core mental health outcomes, the prevalence of respondents at high risk of some psychiatric problems remained high compared to that among the general population in Japan. In particular, several mental health consequences of respondents staying outside of Fukushima Prefecture were higher than those staying inside Fukushima. Along with further efforts to increase the response rate, we need to continue and modify the MHLS to meet the requirements of the affected people and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaharu Maeda
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan,Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Mayumi Harigane
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan,Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Naoko Horikoshi
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan,Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yui Takebayashi
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan,Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hideki Sato
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan,Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takahashi
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan,Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Maho Momoi
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan,Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Saori Goto
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan,Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yuichi Oikawa
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Rie Mizuki
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Itaru Miura
- 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
| | - Shuntaro Itagaki
- 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
| | - 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
| | - Tetsuya Ohira
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan,Department of Epidemiology Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Seiji Yasumura
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan,Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ohto
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan,Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kenji Kamiya
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan,Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 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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Kuroda Y, Orui M, Hori A. Trends in Suicide Mortality in 10 Years around the Great East Japan Earthquake: Analysis of Evacuation and Non-Evacuation Areas in Fukushima Prefecture. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18116005. [PMID: 34205006 PMCID: PMC8199884 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18116005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This study analyzed the suicide mortality rate in 12 municipalities in Fukushima Prefecture designated as evacuation areas following the 2011 nuclear disaster. Changes in suicide rates were examined using an exponential smoothing time series model. In the evacuation areas, the suicide rate of men increased immediately after the disaster and then decreased from 47.8 to 23.1 per 100,000 during about 1½ years after the disaster. However, with the lifting of the evacuation order, it again exceeded that of non-evacuation areas and continued to do so for the next 3 years. On the other hand, the suicide rate in women in the evacuation areas increased later than that in men. These results indicate the need for continuous support following the lifting of the evacuation order. In addition, it is necessary to enhance social networks, which continue to confer protection, because of the isolation of the elderly as highlighted in our previous study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiro Kuroda
- Research Department, Fukushima Prefectural Centre for Environmental Creation, Fukushima 963-7700, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-247-61-6140
| | - Masatsugu Orui
- Sendai City Mental Health and Welfare Center, Sendai 980-0845, Japan;
| | - Arinobu Hori
- Department of Psychiatry, Hori Mental Clinic, Fukushima 979-2335, Japan;
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Yagi A, Maeda M, Suzuki Y, Yabe H, Yasumura S, Niwa S, Ohira T, Ohtsuru A, Mashiko H, Harigane M, Nakano H, Abe M. Changes in drinking behavior among evacuees after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident:the Fukushima Health Management Survey. Fukushima J Med Sci 2020; 66:133-142. [PMID: 32981903 PMCID: PMC7790465 DOI: 10.5387/fms.2019-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Traumatic experiences and disordered sleep are strongly associated with drinking problems. We examined the effects of experiencing the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent nuclear power plant accident, and of sleep problems, on behavioral changes observed in non-drinkers. Methods This study examined cross-sectional data from the Mental Health and Lifestyle Survey conducted among residents in restricted areas of Fukushima in 2012. Participants were 21,454 evacuees aged 20 years or older at the time of disaster. People who did not drink before the disaster but became drinkers afterwards were compared with the rest of the cohort. We analyzed the association between behavioral changes in non-drinkers and potentially predictive variables, using logistic regression. Results The behavioral change of non-drinkers becoming drinkers (n=2,148) was significantly related to being male (OR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.74-2.15), being younger (21-49 yrs, OR=1.85, 95% CI: 1.60-2.13), having less educational attainment (up to high school graduate, OR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.09-1.35), smoking (OR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.08-1.38), losing family or relatives (OR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.07-1.37), change in employment (OR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.07-1.32), having severe sleep problems as measured by a Japanese version of the Athens Insomnia Scale (3-8, OR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.30-1.62), and severity of traumatic symptoms as measured by the PTSD Checklist Stressor-Specific (PCL-S) score (<44, OR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.17–1.51). Conclusion Having sleep problems and having more severe traumatic symptoms are significantly related to non-drinkers becoming drinkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Yagi
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University
| | - Masaharu Maeda
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University.,Department of Disaster Psychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Yuriko Suzuki
- Department of Mental Health Policy, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
| | - Hirooki Yabe
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University.,Department of Psychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Seiji Yasumura
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University.,Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
| | | | - Tetsuya Ohira
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University.,Department of Epidemiology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Akira Ohtsuru
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University.,Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Hirobumi Mashiko
- Department of Psychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine.,Fukushima Support Center for Developmental Disability
| | - Mayumi Harigane
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University
| | - Hironori Nakano
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University.,Department of Epidemiology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Masafumi Abe
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University.,Prefectural Hospital Bureau
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Murakami M, Hirosaki M, Suzuki Y, Maeda M, Yabe H, Yasumura S, Ohira T. Reduction of radiation-related anxiety promoted wellbeing after the 2011 disaster: 'Fukushima Health Management Survey'. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2018; 38:1428-1440. [PMID: 30375359 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/aae65d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
After the Fukushima disaster in 2011, affected residents experienced increased radiation-related anxiety and reduced subjective wellbeing. We investigated whether reduction of radiation-related anxiety promoted wellbeing among evacuees in Fukushima and assessed the role of mental health distress as a mediator. We used data from questionnaire surveys of evacuees in the 2011 and 2012 fiscal years (N = 34 312). We used radiation risk perception as an indicator of radiation-related anxiety and the frequency of laughter as an indicator of wellbeing. We measured changes in radiation risk perception from 2011 and 2012, and the frequencies of laughter and mental health distress (Kessler 6-item scale) in 2012, and investigated associations between radiation risk perception and frequency of laughter with and without covariates of mental health distress. Perceived genetic risk in 2011 had a significant inverse association with the frequency of laughter. Lowering of radiation risk perception was significantly associated with the frequency of laughter in the absence of covariates of mental health distress, but not in their presence. Lowering of radiation risk perception was also significantly associated with low mental health distress. Reduction of radiation-related anxiety promoted wellbeing via alleviation of mental health distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michio Murakami
- Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, Fukushima, 960-1295 Japan
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Takahashi A, Ohira T, Okazaki K, Yasumura S, Sakai A, Maeda M, Yabe H, Hosoya M, Ohtsuru A, Kawasaki Y, Suzuki H, Shimabukuro M, Sugiura Y, Shishido H, Hayashi Y, Nakano H, Kobashi G, Kamiya K, Ohira H. Effects of lifestyle on hepatobiliary enzyme abnormalities following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident: The Fukushima health management survey. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e12890. [PMID: 30335013 PMCID: PMC6211895 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000012890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Dramatic lifestyle changes due to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident increased the prevalence of hepatobiliary enzyme abnormalities (HEA). We aimed to evaluate associations of HEA with specific lifestyle- and disaster-related factors in residents who lived near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.This cross-sectional study included 22,246 residents who underwent a Comprehensive Health Check and the Mental Health and Lifestyle Survey from June 2011 to March 2012. Residents were divided into 2 groups based on residential area and housing status after the accident. Associations between HEA and lifestyle- and disaster-related factors, including psychological distress, were estimated using logistic regression analysis adjusted for demographic and lifestyle factors.HEA was present in 27.3% of subjects. The prevalence of HEA was significantly higher in evacuees than controls (29.5% vs 25.7%, P < .001). There were significant differences in various lifestyle characteristics and the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder between evacuees and controls. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age, sex, moderate to heavy drinking, and low/no physical activity were significantly associated with HEA regardless of evacuation status. Changes in jobs and unemployment were significantly associated with HEA in controls and evacuees, respectively.Lifestyle and disaster-related factors, but not psychological distress, were associated with HEA among subjects who lived near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
| | - Tetsuya Ohira
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
- Department of Epidemiology
| | - Kanako Okazaki
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
- Department of Epidemiology
| | - Seiji Yasumura
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
- Department of Public Health
| | - Akira Sakai
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
- Department of Radiation Life Sciences
| | - Masaharu Maeda
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry
| | - Hirooki Yabe
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
- Department of Neuropsychiatry
| | - Mitsuaki Hosoya
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
- Department of Pediatrics
| | - Akira Ohtsuru
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
- Department of Radiation Health Management
| | - Yukihiko Kawasaki
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
- Department of Pediatrics
| | - Hitoshi Suzuki
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
- Department of Cardiology
| | - Michio Shimabukuro
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism
| | - Yoshihiro Sugiura
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
- Department of Neurology
| | - Hiroaki Shishido
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
| | - Yoshimitsu Hayashi
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima
| | - Hironori Nakano
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
- Department of Epidemiology
| | - Gen Kobashi
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
- Department of Public Health, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuga, Japan
| | - Kenji Kamiya
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
| | - Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey
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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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Ohto H, Yasumura S, Maeda M, Kainuma H, Fujimori K, Nollet KE. From Devastation to Recovery and Revival in the Aftermath of Fukushima’s Nuclear Power Plants Accident. Asia Pac J Public Health 2017; 29:10S-17S. [DOI: 10.1177/1010539516675700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Japan’s earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent Fukushima nuclear power plant accident in March 2011 forced the evacuation of 185 000 residents. Psychological and social impacts exacerbated by long-term evacuation and widespread rumors have influenced residents’ physical and mental health, despite the fact that no direct fatalities occurred from radiation exposure. However, during the 5 years following the accident, steady recovery in industrial and economic activity has lessened previously widespread, deeply rooted stigma and self-stigma among a significant number of affected victims. More than 21 000 of 62 800 people who evacuated from Fukushima are gradually returning, and concurrently, Fukushima’s economic and social recovery are progressing, as can be seen from remarkable increases in residential construction, recovering agricultural production, job growth, and industrial output. Although post-disaster interventions such as seminars and dialogues with residents are credited with building resilience, a significant proportion of people in the area have depressive tendencies and loss of purpose.
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Oe M, Maeda M, Nagai M, Yasumura S, Yabe H, Suzuki Y, Harigane M, Ohira T, Abe M. Predictors of severe psychological distress trajectory after nuclear disaster: evidence from the Fukushima Health Management Survey. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e013400. [PMID: 27798033 PMCID: PMC5073554 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, which occurred after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in March 2011, may have a considerable long-term impact on the lives of area residents. The aims of this study were to determine the trajectories of psychological distress using 3-year consecutive data, and to find predictive factors of severe distress that may also prove useful for public health intervention. METHODS Data were obtained on 12 371 residents who were registered in the municipalities categorised as complete evacuation areas for 3 years after the disaster and who completed an assessment in each of the 3 years. RESULTS Using group-based trajectory modelling, we identified four trajectory patterns distinguished by the levels of psychological distress, which gradually improved over time in all trajectories. Subjective sleep insufficiency, problem drinking, poor social support and perception of radiation risk 3 years after the accident were associated with the severity of psychological distress, according to the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS The identified factors may be useful for community-based mental healthcare over the long term following a nuclear disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misari Oe
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Masaharu Maeda
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masato Nagai
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - 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
| | - Hirooki Yabe
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yuriko Suzuki
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Mayumi Harigane
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ohira
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masafumi Abe
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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