1
|
Mavrouli M, Mavroulis S, Lekkas E, Tsakris A. An Emerging Health Crisis in Turkey and Syria after the Earthquake Disaster on 6 February 2023: Risk Factors, Prevention and Management of Infectious Diseases. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11071022. [PMID: 37046949 PMCID: PMC10093972 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11071022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
On 6 February 2023, Turkey and Syria were hit by two major earthquakes that caused extremely heavy structural damage to buildings and infrastructure in one of the most densely populated areas of Anatolia. The authors visited the devastated area shortly after the earthquakes in the frame of search and rescue and scientific missions in order to check whether the newly formed conditions have the potential to further affect public health. Based on the collected disaster-related field data, it is revealed that risk factors associated with and favoring emergence of infectious diseases are present in the affected residential areas from the first hours of the emergency state. The coexistence and synergy of many collapsed health facilities, cold winter conditions, destruction of lifeline infrastructures, overcrowding in emergency shelters, poor sanitation and adverse socio-economic conditions along with evolving crises and disasters (conflicts, pandemic and epidemics) may further aggravate the already fragile public health situation and cause considerable delays in the recovery process. Efficient disease surveillance at local and regional levels is a crucial requirement for early warning and protection against emerging infectious diseases in the earthquake-affected areas among other proposed measures for prevention and management of infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Mavrouli
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Spyridon Mavroulis
- Department of Dynamic Tectonic Applied Geology, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, School of Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Efthymios Lekkas
- Department of Dynamic Tectonic Applied Geology, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, School of Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
- Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, 15451 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanassios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mavrouli M, Mavroulis S, Lekkas E, Tsakris A. The Impact of Earthquakes on Public Health: A Narrative Review of Infectious Diseases in the Post-Disaster Period Aiming to Disaster Risk Reduction. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020419. [PMID: 36838384 PMCID: PMC9968131 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Earthquakes are among the most impressive natural phenomena with very high potential to set off a chain of effects that significantly affects public health through casualties and injuries. Related disasters are attributed not only to the strong ground motion and coseismic phenomena but also to secondary effects, comprising mainly landslides and tsunamis, among others. All these can create harsh conditions favorable for the emergence of infectious diseases that are capable of causing additional human and economic losses and disruption of the emergency and recovery process. The present study comprises an extensive narrative review of the existing literature on the earthquake-triggered infectious diseases recorded worldwide, along with their symptoms, causative pathogens, associated risk factors, most vulnerable population groups, and prevention strategies. Respiratory, gastrointestinal, and vector-borne diseases, as well as wound and skin infections, are mainly recorded among the earthquake-affected population. Measures for effectively preventing earthquake-triggered infectious diseases are also proposed. One of the widely proposed measures is the establishment of a proper disease surveillance system in order to immediately and effectively identify the pre- and post-disaster occurrence of infectious diseases. This approach significantly contributes to disease trends monitoring, validation of early warning, and support of the emergency response and recovery actions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Mavrouli
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Spyridon Mavroulis
- Department of Dynamic Tectonic Applied Geology, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, School of Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Efthymios Lekkas
- Department of Dynamic Tectonic Applied Geology, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, School of Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanassios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Roles of Dental Care in Disaster Medicine in Japan. CURRENT ORAL HEALTH REPORTS 2022; 9:111-118. [PMID: 35789816 PMCID: PMC9244076 DOI: 10.1007/s40496-022-00314-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/30/2022]
|
4
|
Analysis of Disaster-Related Deaths in the Great East Japan Earthquake: A Retrospective Observational Study Using Data from Ishinomaki City, Miyagi, Japan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074087. [PMID: 35409768 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Disaster-related deaths are of two types: direct and indirect. Preventable disaster-related deaths reported in the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) included a large number of indirect deaths. This study aimed to investigate the data on disaster-related deaths in the GEJE in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, and to clarify the scope of disaster-related deaths to help future disaster preparedness. A retrospective observational study was conducted using public data on disaster-related deaths from March 2011 to January 2021, available at Ishinomaki City Hall. Descriptive and Cox regression analyses were conducted. The most common direct cause of disaster-related deaths was respiratory diseases, which were more common among those aged less than three months and over 60 years. Suicide was common among those aged under 60 years, and the proportion increased more than six months after the disaster. The risk of death was significantly higher among those who needed nursing care than among those independent in daily living. The results indicate that measures should be taken for the elderly and those who need care from an early phase after the disaster. The analysis of data on disaster-related deaths in other affected municipalities may provide further evidence to help reduce disaster-related deaths.
Collapse
|
5
|
Incidence of infectious diseases after earthquakes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Public Health 2021; 202:131-138. [PMID: 34953295 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evaluation of the incidence of infectious diseases after natural disasters can help develop healthcare policies. This study provides a global review of the most prevalent infectious diseases observed after earthquakes. STUDY DESIGN A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. METHODS A systematic review was performed on electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, up to March 2020 (with no time limitations). Studies addressing earthquakes and infectious diseases were collected based on specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subsequently, the quality of the studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Data analyses were carried out on six subgroups under five different disease categories using comprehensive meta-analysis software. RESULTS In total, 24 studies qualified for the systematic review and 18 were included in the meta-analysis. The incidences of gastrointestinal infections, dermal infections, respiratory infections, central nervous system infections and other infectious diseases were as follows: odds ratio (OR) 163.4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.0-858.1), OR 84.5 (95% CI: 27.1-262.8), OR 9.9 (95% CI: 3.5-27.7), OR 0.5 (95% CI: 0.2-1.1) and OR 4.4 (95% CI: 1.9-9.9) cases per 100,000 people, respectively. The association between the incidences of infectious diseases before and after earthquakes was significant, namely, 1.561 (95% CI: 1.244-1.957) with a P-value <0.001. CONCLUSIONS The results show an increase in the prevalence of infectious diseases after earthquakes. Governments should take essential measures to be better prepared for such unpredictable catastrophes.
Collapse
|
6
|
Long-term observation of mortality among inpatients evacuated from psychiatric hospitals in Fukushima prefecture following the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14651. [PMID: 34282221 PMCID: PMC8289941 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94152-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The debate regarding the need for hospital evacuation and the evacuation distance remains rather chaotic. Furthermore, the relationship between hospital evacuation and the prognoses of psychiatric inpatients has not yet been investigated. We aimed to reveal the association between the long-term prognosis of psychiatric inpatients evacuated immediately following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident and their backgrounds. In this retrospective cohort study, 777 psychiatric inpatients who were immediately evacuated from their hospitals following the accident were included for analysis. Survival time was the primary outcome. We conducted univariable and multivariable analyses to examine the associations between mortality and linear distance of evacuation and different backgrounds, including psychiatric/physical traits. Univariable analysis showed that the estimated survival time among patients was significantly associated with their evacuation distance. A multivariable analysis showed that a longer evacuation distance had a significantly lower hazard ratio (HR) and resulted in lower mortality. In contrast, older patients with physical complications of respiratory disease (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th revision, J00–99) and genitourinary disease (N00–99) showed a significantly higher HR and had a higher mortality than patients without these complications. To prevent death among elderly psychiatric inpatients with physical comorbidities during disasters, the evacuation destination should be determined taking into consideration the evacuees’ tolerance for long-distance transportation and the availability of post-evacuation care in the destination hospitals.
Collapse
|
7
|
Increased risk of Legionella pneumonia as community-acquired pneumonia after heavy rainfall in 2018 in west Japan. J Infect Chemother 2021; 27:1429-1435. [PMID: 34088603 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2021.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Japan experienced a heavy rainfall event from June 28 to July 8, 2018, and many casualties were caused by both heavy rainfall and flooding. Few studies have investigated patients' characteristics and the causative pathogens of community-acquired pneumonia before and after heavy rainfall events. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the causative pathogens and clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia before and after the heavy rainfall event using prospective cohort data. METHODS The study was divided into two periods: July to November 2013-2017 (before heavy rainfall) and July to November 2018 (after heavy rainfall). The patients' clinical characteristics and causative pathogens before and after the heavy rainfall were investigated. Regarding the causative pathogens, adjustments were made for precipitation and seasonal patterns. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the number and clinical characteristics of patients before and after heavy rainfall. However, the frequency of Legionella pneumonia was significantly higher after than before the heavy rainfall event (8.9% vs 3.0%, P = 0.02) and remained significant after adjusting for precipitation and season. Three of 7 Legionella pneumonia patients engaged in reconstruction work and 2 Legionella pneumonia patients had soil exposure. CONCLUSIONS An increased risk of Legionella pneumonia after not only rainfall and serious flooding, but also following recovery work or soil exposure should be considered.
Collapse
|
8
|
Mavrouli M, Mavroulis S, Lekkas E, Tsakris A. Respiratory Infections Following Earthquake-Induced Tsunamis: Transmission Risk Factors and Lessons Learned for Disaster Risk Management. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094952. [PMID: 34066563 PMCID: PMC8125353 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Earthquake-induced tsunamis have the potential to cause extensive damage to natural and built environments and are often associated with fatalities, injuries, and infectious disease outbreaks. This review aims to examine the occurrence of respiratory infections (RIs) and to elucidate the risk factors of RI transmission following tsunamis which were induced by earthquakes in the last 20 years. Forty-seven articles were included in this review and referred to the RIs emergence following the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman, the 2009 Samoa, and the 2011 Japan earthquakes. Polymicrobial RIs were commonly detected among near-drowned tsunami survivors. Influenza outbreaks were commonly detected during the influenza transmission period. Overcrowded conditions in evacuation centers contributed to increased acute RI incidence rate, measles transmission, and tuberculosis detection. Destruction of health care infrastructures, overcrowded evacuation shelters, exposure to high pathogen densities, aggravating weather conditions, regional disease endemicity, and low vaccination coverage were the major triggering factors of RI occurrence in post-tsunami disaster settings. Knowledge of risk factors underlying RIs emergence following earthquake-induced tsunami can contribute to the implementation of appropriate disaster prevention and preparedness plans characterized by sufficient environmental planning, resistant infrastructures, resilient health care facilities, and well-established evacuation centers. Global and local disease surveillance is a key prerequisite for early warning and protection against RIs’ emergence and transmission in tsunami-prone areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Mavrouli
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
- Correspondence:
| | - Spyridon Mavroulis
- Department of Dynamic Tectonic Applied Geology, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, School of Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece; (S.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Efthymios Lekkas
- Department of Dynamic Tectonic Applied Geology, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, School of Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece; (S.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Athanassios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Omama S, Komoribayashi N, Inoue Y, Mase T, Ogasawara K, Ishibashi Y, Ohsawa M, Onoda T, Itai K, Tanno K, Sakata K. Occurrence of Cerebrovascular Diseases Decreased after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011. Cerebrovasc Dis Extra 2020; 10:105-115. [PMID: 33032285 PMCID: PMC7588685 DOI: 10.1159/000509869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A temporary increase in the occurrence of cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011 was reported; however, no studies have been conducted to investigate long-term effects. We assessed the long-term impact of the disaster on the incidence of CVDs. Methods Incidence data for CVDs from 2008 to 2017 were acquired from the population-based Stroke Registry with an inventory survey of Iwate Prefecture, Japan. Part of the coastal area in Iwate Prefecture was mildly flooded and the other part was severely flooded. Age-adjusted incidence rates of CVDs (according to the Japanese standard population) were calculated for each area. The relative risk (RR) of incidence based on the years before the disaster (2008–2010), adjusted by stratified age groups, was calculated for the year of the disaster (2011), and the years after the disaster (2012–2017) in each area. Results The age-adjusted incidence rates gradually decreased in all areas, with the exception of a temporary increase among men who lived on the coast the year the disaster occurred. The adjusted RR in the disaster year were not significant in any area and those of the postdisaster years were 0.91 (95% CI 0.87–0.96) for all inland men, 0.93 (0.89–0.97) for all inland women, 0.85 (0.78–0.93) for all coastal men, 0.87 (0.81–0.94) for all coastal women, 0.88 (0.80–0.98) for men at mildly flooded coast, 0.82 (0.75–0.89) for women at mildly flooded coast, 0.79 (0.68–0.91) for men at severely flooded coast, and 0.98 (0.86–1.11) for women at severely flooded coast. Conclusions The occurrence of CVDs in the flooded coastal areas did not increase in the year of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami; furthermore, it decreased for men according to the severity of flood damage in the subsequent years; this can be attributed to supportive activities for the tsunami victims and the migration of the population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Omama
- Iwate Prefectural Advanced Critical Care and Emergency Center, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba, Japan,
| | - Nobukazu Komoribayashi
- Iwate Prefectural Advanced Critical Care and Emergency Center, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Inoue
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care, Disaster, and General Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Mase
- Division of Disaster Medicine, Department of Critical Care, Disaster, and General Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba, Japan
| | | | | | - Masaki Ohsawa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morioka Tsunagi Onsen Hospital, Morioka, Japan
| | | | - Kazuyoshi Itai
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Morioka University, Takizawa, Japan
| | - Kozo Tanno
- Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba, Japan
| | - Kiyomi Sakata
- Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
The pandemic viral illness COVID-19 is especially life-threatening in the elderly and in those with any of a variety of chronic medical conditions. This essay explores the possibility that the heightened risk may involve activation of the "extended autonomic system" (EAS). Traditionally, the autonomic nervous system has been viewed as consisting of the sympathetic nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system, and the enteric nervous system. Over the past century, however, neuroendocrine and neuroimmune systems have come to the fore, justifying expansion of the meaning of "autonomic." Additional facets include the sympathetic adrenergic system, for which adrenaline is the key effector; the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis; arginine vasopressin (synonymous with anti-diuretic hormone); the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, with angiotensin II and aldosterone the main effectors; and cholinergic anti-inflammatory and sympathetic inflammasomal pathways. A hierarchical brain network-the "central autonomic network"-regulates these systems; embedded within it are components of the Chrousos/Gold "stress system." Acute, coordinated alterations in homeostatic settings (allostasis) can be crucial for surviving stressors such as traumatic hemorrhage, asphyxiation, and sepsis, which throughout human evolution have threatened homeostasis; however, intense or long-term EAS activation may cause harm. While required for appropriate responses in emergencies, EAS activation in the setting of chronically decreased homeostatic efficiencies (dyshomeostasis) may reduce thresholds for induction of destabilizing, lethal vicious cycles. Testable hypotheses derived from these concepts are that biomarkers of EAS activation correlate with clinical and pathophysiologic data and predict outcome in COVID-19 and that treatments targeting specific abnormalities identified in individual patients may be beneficial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David S Goldstein
- Autonomic Medicine Section, Clinical Neurosciences Program, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike MSC-1620, Building 10 Room 8N260, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1620, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nawfal Dagher T, Al-Bayssari C, Diene SM, Azar E, Rolain JM. Bacterial infection during wars, conflicts and post-natural disasters in Asia and the Middle East: a narrative review. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 18:511-529. [PMID: 32267179 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1750952] [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: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Bacterial infections resulting from wars and natural disasters represent a major public health problem. Over the past 50 years, Asia and the Middle East have suffered several wars. Moreover, East-Asian countries are considered the most natural disaster-prone countries in the world.Areas covered: This review focuses on bacterial infection occurring during wars and after natural disasters, among refugees, wounded citizens and soldiers as well as the prevention and control measures that must be taken.Expert opinion: During wars, refugees and soldiers represent the two main sources of bacterial infections. Refugees coming from countries with a high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance can spread these pathogens to their final destination. In addition, these refugees living in inadequate shelters can contribute to the spread of bacterial infections. Moreover, some factors including the presence of fixed imported fragments; environmental contamination and nosocomial transmissions, play a key role in the dissemination of bacteria among soldiers. As for natural disasters, several factors are associated with increased bacterial transmissions such as the displacement of large numbers of people into over-crowded shelters, high exposure to disease vectors, lack of water and sanitation. Here, we carry out a systematic review of the bacterial infections that follow these two phenomena.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Nawfal Dagher
- Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Charbel Al-Bayssari
- Faculty of Sciences 3, Lebanese University, Michel Slayman Tripoli Campus, Ras Maska, Lebanon
| | - Seydina M Diene
- Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Eid Azar
- Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jean-Marc Rolain
- Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
We herein report the case of a 62-year-old man diagnosed with Legionella pneumonia while engaged in recovery work in a flooded area after the Heavy Rain Event of July 2018 in Japan. The patient was intubated and maintained on mechanical ventilation and continuous hemodiafiltration. He was also administered antimicrobial therapy with ciprofloxacin and azithromycin. After 53 days in the hospital, he was discharged. It is important to recognize the risk of Legionella infection and to take measures to prevent it during recovery work that involves exposure to water and soil after a flood disaster.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naohiro Oda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital, Japan
| | | | - Yusuke Fujioka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital, Japan
| | - Reo Mitani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital, Japan
| | - Ichiro Takata
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nagashima H, Fujimura I, Nakamura Y, Utsumi Y, Yamauchi K, Takikawa Y, Yokoyama Y, Sakata K, Kobayashi S, Ogawa A. Changes in pulmonary function of residents in Sanriku Seacoast following the tsunami disaster from the Great East Japan Earthquake. Respir Investig 2018; 56:184-188. [PMID: 29548658 DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Residents in the district struck by the Great East Japan Earthquake Tsunami (GEJET) suffered from adverse living conditions and various pulmonary diseases. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the influence of GEJET, we performed serial assessment of pulmonary function of approximately 10,000 residents in the district struck by GEJET. METHODS Using a spirometer, we assessed the pulmonary function of approximately 10,000 residents older than 18 years in the Sanriku seacoast, which was struck by the tsunami. Measurements were performed in 2011 and 2012. RESULTS We compared FVC (forced vital capacity) % pred. and FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1second) % pred. of subjects between 2011 and 2012, by serial spirometry. Of the 7053 subjects studied, including 2611 men and 4442 women, FVC% pred. and FEV1% pred. were significantly higher in 2012 than in 2011. Physical indices including height, body weight and the body mass index (BMI) did not change significantly during this period. Smoking prevalence changed significantly between 2010, 2011, and 2012. Both FVC% pred. and FEV1% pred. of subjects who had quit smoking increased significantly on spirometry carried out in 2012, compared with those in 2011. CONCLUSIONS The pulmonary function expressed as FVC% pred. and FEV1% pred. were significantly higher in 2012 than in 2011 among the subjects studied. The changes in the smoking status may be one of the reasons for the increase in values observed. However, other undetermined factors during recovery from a disaster might have resulted in improved pulmonary function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiromi Nagashima
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Itaru Fujimura
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Yutaka Nakamura
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Yu Utsumi
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kohei Yamauchi
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Japan.
| | - Yasuhiro Takikawa
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Yukari Yokoyama
- Faculty of Social Welfare, Department of Social Welfare, Nihon Fukushi University, Mihama-cho, Japan
| | - Kiyomi Sakata
- Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | | | - Akira Ogawa
- Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Morioka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Impact of Nepal Earthquake on Patients Presenting for Emergency Care at Patan Hospital. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2018; 13:211-216. [DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2018.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveNatural disasters have a significant impact on the health sector. On April 25, 2015, Nepal was struck by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake. The aim of the study was to compare patient volumes and clinical conditions presenting to the emergency department pre- and post-earthquake.MethodsA retrospective study was done at Patan Hospital Emergency Department in Kathmandu, Nepal. Volume, demographics, and patient diagnoses were collected for 4 months post-disaster and compared with cases seen the same months the year before the disaster to control for seasonal variations.ResultsAfter the 2015 Nepal earthquake, 12,180 patients were seen in the emergency department. This was a significant decrease in patient volume compared with the 14,971 patients seen during the same months in 2014 (P=0.04). Of those, 5496 patients (4093 pre-disaster and 1433 post-disaster) had a chief complaint or diagnosis recorded for analysis. An increase in cardiovascular and respiratory cases was seen as well as an increase in psychiatric cases (mostly alcohol related) and cases of anemia. There was a decrease in the number of obstetrics/gynecology, infectious disease, and poisoning cases post-earthquake.ConclusionsUnderstanding emergency department utilization after the earthquake has the potential to give further insight into improving disaster preparedness plans for post-disaster health needs. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:211–216).
Collapse
|
15
|
van Loenhout JAF, Gil Cuesta J, Abello JE, Isiderio JM, de Lara-Banquesio ML, Guha-Sapir D. The impact of Typhoon Haiyan on admissions in two hospitals in Eastern Visayas, Philippines. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191516. [PMID: 29381720 PMCID: PMC5790240 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the short-term impact of Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest typhoons ever to make landfall, on the pattern of admissions in two hospitals in Eastern Visayas, the Philippines. METHODS This study took place at Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) in Tacloban, and Ormoc District Hospital (ODH) in Ormoc. We determined whether there were differences in the pattern of admissions between the week before and the three weeks after Haiyan by using information on sex, age, diagnosis, ward and outcome at discharge from patient records. RESULTS There was a drop in admissions in both hospitals after Haiyan as compared to before. Admissions climbed back to the baseline after ten days in EVRMC and after two weeks in ODH. When comparing the period after Haiyan to the period before, there was a relative increase in male versus female admissions in ODH (OR 2.8, 95%CI 1.7-4.3), but not in EVRMC. Patients aged ≥50 years and 0-14 years had the highest relative increase in admissions. There was a relative decrease in admissions for the ICD10 group 'Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium' (OR 0.4, 95%CI 0.3-0.6), and an increase in 'Certain infectious and parasitic diseases' (OR 2.1, 95%CI 1.2-3.5), mainly gastroenteritis, and 'Diseases of the respiratory system' (OR 1.8, 95%CI 1.0-3.0), mainly pneumonia, compared to all other diagnosis groups in ODH. Out of all reasons for admission within the study period, 66% belong to these three ICD-10 groups. Data on reasons for admission were not available for EVRMC. CONCLUSIONS The observed reduction in patients after the Typhoon calls for ensuring that hospital accessibility should be protected and reinforced, especially for pregnant women, by trying to remove debris in the direct hospital vicinity. Hospitals in areas prone to tropical cyclones should be prepared to treat large numbers of patients with gastroenteritis and pneumonia, as part of their disaster plans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joris Adriaan Frank van Loenhout
- Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), Institute of Health and Society, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julita Gil Cuesta
- Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), Institute of Health and Society, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jason Echavez Abello
- Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), Institute of Health and Society, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - Debarati Guha-Sapir
- Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), Institute of Health and Society, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
|
17
|
Lam RPK, Leung LP, Balsari S, Hsiao KH, Newnham E, Patrick K, Pham P, Leaning J. Urban disaster preparedness of Hong Kong residents: A territory-wide survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION : IJDRR 2017; 23:62-69. [PMID: 32289012 PMCID: PMC7103946 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the state of community disaster preparedness of Hong Kong residents and to identify factors associated with adequate preparedness behaviors. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey using random Global Positioning System (GPS) spatial sampling conducted from the 8 August 2015 to 6 September 2015. PARTICIPANTS Hong Kong residents aged 18 years or more. METHOD A 19-item questionnaire was developed to assess respondents' preparedness information acquisition, communication plan, evacuation strategies, first-aid and disaster knowledge, financial resilience, and preparedness behaviors. In total, 1023 residents were interviewed at 516 GPS locations. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with preparedness behaviors, defined as having an evacuation kit in our study. RESULTS Television remains the key information source, both before and during disaster, with young respondents also favoring social media and the internet and elder residents preferring television and radio. Many respondents did not have adequate first-aid knowledge and few showed correct responses to a typhoon warning signal. Only 39.4% had an evacuation kit. In logistic regression, correct responses to first aid questions and a typhoon warning signal were significantly associated with kit preparation (OR 2.023, 95% CI 1.233-3.318, p=0.005). Residents with elderly household member(s) were significantly less likely to do so (OR 0.554, 95% CI 0.333-0.922, p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS Community resilience-building programs should tailor information provision to different age groups with a focus on the family caregivers of elderly residents. There is a need to promulgate first-aid training and disaster education in the community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rex Pui Kin Lam
- Emergency Medicine Unit, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Ling Pong Leung
- Emergency Medicine Unit, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Satchit Balsari
- François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, MA, USA
- Weill Cornell Global Emergency Medicine Division, USA
| | - Kai-hsun Hsiao
- François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Newnham
- François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, MA, USA
- School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Kaylie Patrick
- François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Phuong Pham
- François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer Leaning
- François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Okinaga S, Furukawa K, Ishiki A, Tomita N, Arai H. Disaster medicine for the elderlies -chronological aspects of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami and future issues. Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi 2017; 54:136-142. [PMID: 28592733 DOI: 10.3143/geriatrics.54.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
19
|
Shibata Y, Ojima T, Tomata Y, Okada E, Nakamura M, Kawado M, Hashimoto S. Characteristics of pneumonia deaths after an earthquake and tsunami: an ecological study of 5.7 million participants in 131 municipalities, Japan. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e009190. [PMID: 26908515 PMCID: PMC4769420 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE On 11 March 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake struck off Japan. Although some studies showed that the earthquake increased the risk of pneumonia death, no study reported whether and how much a tsunami increased the risk. We examined the risk for pneumonia death after the earthquake/tsunami. DESIGN This is an ecological study. SETTING Data on population and pneumonia deaths obtained from the Vital Statistics 2010 and 2012, National Census 2010 and Basic Resident Register 2010 and 2012 in Japan. PARTICIPANTS About 5.7 million participants residing in Miyagi, Iwate and Fukushima Prefectures during 1 year after the disaster were targeted. All municipalities (n=131) were categorised into inland (n=93), that is, the earthquake-impacted area, and coastal types (n=38), that is, the earthquake-impacted and tsunami-impacted area. OUTCOME MEASURES The number of pneumonia deaths per week was totalled from 12 March 2010 to 9 March 2012. The number of observed pneumonia deaths (O) and the sum of the sex and age classes in the observed population multiplied by the sex and age classes of expected pneumonia mortality (E) were calculated. Expected pneumonia mortality was the pneumonia mortality during the year before. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated for pneumonia deaths (O/E), adjusting for sex and age using the indirect method. SMRs were then calculated by coastal and inland municipalities. RESULTS 6603 participants died of pneumonia during 1 year after the earthquake. SMRs increased significantly during the 1st-12th weeks. In the 2nd week, SMRs in coastal and inland municipalities were 2.49 (95% CI 2.02 to 7.64) and 1.48 (95% CI 1.24 to 2.61), respectively. SMRs of coastal municipalities were higher than those of inland municipalities. CONCLUSIONS An earthquake increased the risk of pneumonia death and tsunamis additionally increased the risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Shibata
- Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Ojima
- Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yasutake Tomata
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Eisaku Okada
- Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Mieko Nakamura
- Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Miyuki Kawado
- Department of Hygiene, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shuji Hashimoto
- Department of Hygiene, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yoshikawa MJ, Surjan A. Human Health as Precondition for Achieving Sustainable Development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-4-431-55078-5_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
|
21
|
Yamamoto T, Hashimoto Y, Yoshida M, Ohno K, Ohto H, Abe M. INVESTIGATIVE RESEARCH PROJECTS RELATED TO THE TOHOKU EARTHQUAKE (THE GREAT EAST JAPAN EARTHQUAKE) CONDUCTED IN FUKUSHIMA. Fukushima J Med Sci 2015; 61:155-9. [PMID: 26632193 DOI: 10.5387/fms.2015-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS On March 11(th) 2011, the Tohoku region of Japan was struck by catastrophic disasters. Thousands of people were killed due to a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and its subsequent tsunami. Furthermore, a serious nuclear crisis occurred in Fukushima Prefecture as a result of the disasters, and an emergency evacuation was ordered to people living near the nuclear power plants. There was a lot of anxiety regarding lost families as well as the influences of radioactivity on the health of people and their children. Based on these urgent and uncertain situations, a number of research projects were developed at many institutes both inside and outside Fukushima. METHODS We herein report the investigative research projects related to the Tohoku Earthquake (The Great East Japan Earthquake) conducted after the disasters. The research projects were reviewed by the Institutional Review Board in Fukushima Medical University during the two years following the disasters. The research projects conducted in universities other than Fukushima Medical University were also examined using questionnaire analysis. RESULTS Among the research projects conducted in Fukushima Medical University (n=424), 7% (n=32) were disaster-related investigative research. The mean duration planned to pursue the projects was 25.5 months. Among these projects, those focusing on the health of Fukushima citizens were most common (n=9), followed by the influence of chronic exposure of radiation on chronic inflammatory disorders (n=6), and the mental health of Fukushima citizens (n=5). They were carefully reviewed for the purpose, suitability, and necessity from ethical as well as scientific viewpoints. The majority of the research projects focused on the effects of the Tohoku Earthquake and/or chronic exposure to low-dose radioactivity on the health of children and pregnant women, as well as on various disorders, such as mental health and chronic inflammatory diseases. On the other hand, among 58 projects we collected from 22 institutes in prefectures other than Fukushima, mental health-related projects were the most common (n=18), followed by radiation exposure-related projects (n=10). CONCLUSIONS Many of these projects are ongoing, and in particular, long term follow-up regarding the health of the residents of Fukushima Prefecture, especially children and pregnant women, is necessary.
Collapse
|
22
|
Wiwanitkit S, Wiwanitkit V. Tropical disease after earthquake: 2015 Nepal earthquake. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL DISEASE 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s2222-1808(15)60842-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
23
|
Chau PH, Gusmano MK, Cheng JOY, Cheung SH, Woo J. Social vulnerability index for the older people-Hong Kong and New York City as examples. J Urban Health 2014; 91:1048-64. [PMID: 25216790 PMCID: PMC4242856 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-014-9901-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Many world cities have suffered large-scale disasters, causing a significant loss of lives, property damage, and adverse social and economic impact. Those who are most vulnerable during and in the immediate aftermath of disaster crises are the elderly. Therefore, it is imperative to identify them and determine their specific needs in order to support them. Although several Social Vulnerability Indexes (SVIs) have been developed to assess different types of disaster vulnerability across geographic and population levels, few have been tailored to the older population. Building on the research of Gusmano et al., this study modifies and uses an SVI specifically designed to assess the vulnerability of older populations to emergencies and disasters across seven domains, namely, population size, institutionalization, poverty, living alone, disability, communication obstacles, and access to primary care. Moreover, it is acknowledged that availability of data largely depends on the local context and is always a barrier to production of indices across countries. The present study offers suggestions on how modifications can be made for local adaptation such that the SVI can be applied in different cities and localities. The SVI used in this study provides information to stakeholders in emergency preparedness, not only about natural disasters but also about health hazards and emergencies, which few existing SVI address.
Collapse
|
24
|
Naito T, Matsuda N, Tanei M, Watanabe Y, Watanabe A. Relationship between public subsidies and vaccination rates with the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine in elderly persons, including the influence of the free vaccination campaign after the Great East Japan Earthquake. J Infect Chemother 2014; 20:450-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2014.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Revised: 03/01/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
25
|
Uchimura M, Kizuki M, Takano T, Morita A, Seino K. Impact of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake on community health: ecological time series on transient increase in indirect mortality and recovery of health and long-term-care system. J Epidemiol Community Health 2014; 68:874-82. [PMID: 24847089 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2014-204063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objectives were to clarify the trend in the cause-specific mortality rate and changes in health and long-term-care use after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. METHODS We obtained the following data from national sources: the number of deaths by cause, age and month; the amount of healthcare insurance expenditures by type of services, age and month; the amount of long-term-care insurance expenditures by type of services, age, care need and month. We estimated increase in standardised mortality rate postearthquake compared with pre-earthquake, and change in the standardised amount of health and long-term-care insurance expenditures post-earthquake compared with pre-earthquake in three severely affected prefectures, Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima, by the adjustment for trends in the other prefectures. RESULTS The risk of indirect mortality increased in the month of the earthquake (relative risk (RR) with 95% CI 1.20 (1.13 to 1.28) for those 60-69 years of age, 1.25 (1.17 to 1.32) for 70-79 years, and 1.33 (1.27 to 1.38) for 80 years and older). The amount of health and long-term-care insurance expenditures decreased among elderly persons in the month of the earthquake, and recovered to 95% of usual level within 1-5 months. Among cities and towns hit by tsunami, higher percentage of households flooded was associated with higher risk of indirect mortality (p<0.001), lower expenditures for outpatient medical care (p<0.001), and lower expenditures for home-care services (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study showed transient increase in indirect mortality and recovery of health and long-term-care system after the earthquake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mari Uchimura
- Department of Health Promotion, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masashi Kizuki
- Department of Health Promotion, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehito Takano
- Department of Health Promotion, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayako Morita
- Department of Health Promotion, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoruko Seino
- Department of International Health and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Arai H. [The 41st Scientific Meeting: perspectives of internal medicine; lessons from the disaster of the Great East Japan earthquake: 4. Proposal of an effective internal medical care against disaster; 3) An appropriate management of geriatric disorders following Japan catastrophic disaster and tsunami 2011]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 103:598-604. [PMID: 24796122 DOI: 10.2169/naika.103.598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
27
|
Giarratano G, Savage J, Barcelona-deMendoza V, Harville EW. Disaster research: a nursing opportunity. Nurs Inq 2013; 21:259-68. [PMID: 23899191 DOI: 10.1111/nin.12049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Nurses working or living near a community disaster have the opportunity to study health-related consequences to disaster or disaster recovery. In such a situation, the researchers need to deal with the conceptual and methodological issues unique to postdisaster research and know what resources are available to guide them, even if they have no specialized training or previous experience in disaster research. The purpose of this article is to review issues and challenges associated with conducting postdisaster research and encourage nurses to seek resources and seize opportunities to conduct research should the situation arise. Current disaster studies and the authors' personal experiences conducting maternal-child research in post-Katrina New Orleans (2005-2013) provide real-life examples of how health professionals and nurses faced the challenges of doing postdisaster research. After catastrophic events, nurses need to step forward to conduct disaster research that informs and improves future disaster planning and healthcare responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Giarratano
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, School of Nursing, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
|
29
|
Ishigaki A, Higashi H, Sakamoto T, Shibahara S. The Great East-Japan Earthquake and Devastating Tsunami: An Update and Lessons from the Past Great Earthquakes in Japan since 1923. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2013; 229:287-99. [DOI: 10.1620/tjem.229.287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Akemi Ishigaki
- The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine, Tohoku University Medical Press
| | - Hikari Higashi
- The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine, Tohoku University Medical Press
| | - Takako Sakamoto
- The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine, Tohoku University Medical Press
- Department of Molecular Biology and Applied Physiology, Tohoku University School of Medicine
| | - Shigeki Shibahara
- The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine, Tohoku University Medical Press
- Department of Molecular Biology and Applied Physiology, Tohoku University School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|