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Sugiura S, Sawano T, Nonaka S, Zhao T, Yoshida M, Ozaki A, Oikawa T, Tsubokura M. Trend of locally produced food avoidance among the guardians with school children in Minamisoma City after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant disaster. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2022; 42:024504. [PMID: 35699370 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ac6af3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sota Sugiura
- Medical Governance Research Institute, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toyoaki Sawano
- Department of Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan
- Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Saori Nonaka
- Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tianchen Zhao
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Makoto Yoshida
- Medical Governance Research Institute, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Ozaki
- Department of Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan
- Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Oikawa
- Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
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Nomura S, Murakami M, Ozaki A, Sawano T, Leppold C, Nishikawa Y, Saito H, Oikawa T, Tsubokura M. Comparative risk assessment of non-communicable diseases by evacuation scenario- a retrospective study in the 7 years following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. Glob Health Action 2021; 14:1918886. [PMID: 34058969 PMCID: PMC8172221 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2021.1918886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: As a result of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident, many residents evacuated and were exposed to changes in their living environment and socioeconomic status, and to persistent stressors. Past studies have suggested the potential for these circumstances to contribute to long-term changes to population health.Objective: The objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of long-term health effects of evacuation, by evaluating the risk of non-communicable diseases among evacuees from Minamisoma City (one of the closest municipalities to the power plant) until 2017.Methods: The study evaluated data from annual health check-ups for residents aged 40-74 years covered by National Health Insurance (who are largely self-employed) from 2010 to 2017 administered by Minamisoma City. Diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension were defined from the results of blood sampling. Annual changes in age-adjusted prevalence were estimated by evacuation scenario. We also performed an inverse-probability weighting (IPW) analysis to adjust for baseline covariates in 2010 and estimated the differences in the risk of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension by evacuation scenario as of the 2017 health check-up in reference to the no-evacuation group.Results: A total of 1,837 individuals were considered in this study. Regardless of evacuation scenario, there was statistical evidence suggesting an upward and a downward trend in diabetes and hypertension from 2010 to 2017, respectively, while hyperlipidemia showed no remarkable change. IPW analyses demonstrated that disease risks in 2017 did not differ significantly among people with different evacuation scenarios.Conclusions: Region-specific factors played an important role in the health effects of the evacuation. Our findings have important implications for the need of an assessment of the health effects of evacuations in more localized manner. Further research in this area will strengthen the communities' preparedness for future disasters that require mass evacuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Nomura
- Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Global Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michio Murakami
- Department of Health Risk Communication, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Akihiko Ozaki
- Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Breast Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Toyoaki Sawano
- Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Claire Leppold
- Child and Community Wellbeing Unit, Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yoshitaka Nishikawa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soma Central Hospital, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Health Informatics, School of Public Health, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Saito
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology, Sendai Kousei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Oikawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
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TSUBOKURA M, NABESHIMA Y, MURAKAMI M, NEMOTO T, KAMBE T, NONAKA S, SHIMADA Y, KOBASHI Y, OZAKI A, OIKAWA T. Usefulness of the whole-body counter for infants and small children (BABYSCAN) as a risk communication tool after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant incident. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2020; 96:70-78. [PMID: 32037370 PMCID: PMC7030972 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.96.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Responding to the radiation-related concerns of parents/guardians with infants/small children is an important public health issue for regional recovery after radioactive contamination. This study summarizes the results of a systematic internal contamination screening of infants/small children, aged 0-6 years, using BABYSCAN and individual counselling sessions with physicians about radiation concerns from 2014 to 2018 in Minamisoma City. Of 3,114 participants, no one was found to have internal contamination with radioactive caesium with a detection limit of 50 Bq/body. The questionnaire survey showed a decreasing trend of concerns about food contamination and playing outside as possible causes of internal contamination over time. Because people's concerns were diverse in counselling sessions, individual responses are required. This study showed that examinations using BABYSCAN provide an opportunity for direct dialogue between the parents/guardians of infants/small children and experts. This can be considered a model case for risk communication conducted by the local government after a radioactive contamination incident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaharu TSUBOKURA
- Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Ionizing Radiation Epidemiology Laboratory, Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Correspondence should be addressed: M. Tsubokura, Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, 2-54-6 Takami-cho, Haramachi-ku, Minamisoma, Fukushima 975-0033, Japan (e-mail: )
| | - Yuko NABESHIMA
- Kawauchi Village National Health Insurance Clinic, Kawauchi, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Michio MURAKAMI
- Department of Health Risk Communication, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi NEMOTO
- Department of Surgery, Kashima Kosei Hospital, Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki KAMBE
- Department of Internal Medicine, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Saori NONAKA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yuki SHIMADA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yurie KOBASHI
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Akihiko OZAKI
- Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Breast Surgery, Jyoban Hospital, Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi OIKAWA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan
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Sawano T, Kambe T, Seno Y, Konoe R, Nishikawa Y, Ozaki A, Shimada Y, Morita T, Saito H, Tsubokura M. High internal radiation exposure associated with low socio-economic status six years after the Fukushima nuclear disaster: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e17989. [PMID: 31764810 PMCID: PMC6882598 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000017989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Managing the health of vulnerable groups is an important component of health care. Given the long-term burden of radiation-release incidents among those exposed, managing the health of vulnerable groups following a nuclear disaster is very important. However, there is limited information available concerning the long-term management of the health effects of radiation exposure in vulnerable groups following nuclear disasters. After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident, Minamisoma City launched internal radiation exposure monitoring program for local residents, using whole body counter (WBC) units. In 2017, a man of low socio-economic status (SES), was found to have the highest level of internal contamination detected in a person living in the Soma District in recent years. This report describes the case so that the lessons learned can be applied in future nuclear disaster settings. PATIENT CONCERNS A 77-year-old Japanese man, who had been homeless for 2 months and had been staying in the exclusion zone of Minamisoma City, was brought to our hospital. He had become homeless because a lack of communication between social support services had led to his eviction from leased housing after free housing support for evacuees was terminated. DIAGNOSES He was admitted with a diagnosis of dehydration and malnutrition. A WBC unit was used to assess his body burden of radioactive cesium. This revealed levels of Cs-134 and Cs-137 of 538 Bq/body and 4,993 Bq/body, respectively. INTERVENTION He received intravenous fluid therapy and health monitoring. The paperwork required for him to receive public income support was processed during hospitalization. OUTCOME He was discharged to public housing after 9 days, and municipal workers started visiting him regularly after his discharge. LESSONS A high level of internal radiation contamination may occur after a nuclear disaster. This may be associated with a decline in social support, poverty, and social isolation, and may have more impact on people in poor health than on the general population. It would be useful to strengthen linkages between local government and welfare service providers to increase social support for vulnerable groups requiring health care, not only following disasters, but also under normal circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toyoaki Sawano
- Department of Surgery, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Toshiyuki Kambe
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yuki Seno
- Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ran Konoe
- Department of Surgery, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital
| | - Yoshitaka Nishikawa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soma Central Hospital, Fukushima
- Department of Health Informatics, School of Public Health, Kyoto University, Kyoto
| | - Akihiko Ozaki
- Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma
- Department of Breast Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation
| | - Yuki Shimada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Fukushima
| | - Tomohiro Morita
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soma Central Hospital, Fukushima
| | - Hiroaki Saito
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sendai Kousei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
- Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma
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Child and adult thyroid monitoring after a reactor accident (CAThyMARA): Technical recommendations and remaining gaps. RADIAT MEAS 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Yamamoto K, Nomura S, Tsubokura M, Murakami M, Ozaki A, Leppold C, Sawano T, Takita M, Kato S, Kanazawa Y, Anbe H. Internal exposure risk due to radiocesium and the consuming behaviour of local foodstuffs among pregnant women in Minamisoma City near the Fukushima nuclear power plant: a retrospective observational study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e023654. [PMID: 31289047 PMCID: PMC6615778 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the internal cesium (Cs) level among pregnant women in Minamisoma City (the area straddling the evacuation zones) over a 5-year period after Japan's 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident and assess the status and transition of their food-acquiring preferences during this period. DESIGN A retrospective observational study of a screening along with a questionnaire survey. SETTING This study was conducted in an obstetrics and gynaecology service in Minamisoma City in Fukushima, Japan. PARTICIPANTS Participants included pregnant women who applied for the voluntary internal radiation exposure screening programme. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Internal radiation exposure was evaluated using the whole-body counter (WBC) in the screening programme. Data from a food acquisition preference questionnaire administered to the participants were analysed and compared across the 5-year period after adjusting for covariates. RESULTS Overall, 804 screening programmes were conducted with 579 participants during the study period. All participants had internal contamination levels below the detection limit of the WBC unit (220 and 250 Bq/body for Cs-134 and Cs-137, respectively). Based on the most conservative assumption, their maximum annual effective doses by Cs-134 and Cs-137 together were estimated at 16 µSv/year. Contrary to limited internal contamination risks and counter-dose initiatives by the government, a considerable number of pregnant women were still concerned about consuming potentially contaminated local food products when purchasing them at supermarkets between 2012 (78.4%) and 2015 (75.0%). CONCLUSIONS Health effects from post-accident internal radiation exposure were likely to be insignificant in pregnant women. National/local action is urgently needed to promote scientific understanding in pregnant women regarding limited internal exposure risks from local food products in the market. However, few mothers chose to participate in the internal radiation exposure screening programme, and thus, caution is required in interpreting the results of analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kana Yamamoto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shuhei Nomura
- Department of Global Health Policy, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Research, Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Michio Murakami
- Department of Health Risk Communication, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima City, Japan
| | - Akihiko Ozaki
- Department of Research, Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Claire Leppold
- Department of Research, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Toyoaki Sawano
- Department of Surgery, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Morihito Takita
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shigeaki Kato
- Research Institute of Innovative Medicine, Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yukio Kanazawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Anbe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan
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The Great East Japan Earthquake, Tsunamis, and Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Disaster: Lessons for Evidence Integration from a WADEM 2017 Presentation and Panel Discussion. Prehosp Disaster Med 2018; 33:424-427. [PMID: 29962369 DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x18000481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In April 2017, some of the health impacts of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunamis, and resultant Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant disaster (Okuma, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan) were presented at the 19th Congress of the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine (WADEM; Madison, Wisconsin USA) in Toronto, Canada. A panel discussion was then opened by asking audience members about their experiences in their own countries, and how they would suggest taking steps to reach the goals of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. This paper summarizes the presentation and panel discussion, with a particular focus on the common problems identified in understanding and reducing health risks from disasters in multiple countries, such as the ethical and practical difficulties in decision making on evacuating vulnerable populations that arose similarly during the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011 and Hurricane Ike's approach to Galveston (Texas USA) in 2008. This paper also highlights the need for greater integration of research, for example through increased review and collation of evidence from different disaster settings to identify common problems and possible solutions, which was identified in this panel session as a precursor to fulfilling the goals of the Sendai Framework.Leppold C, Ochi S, Nomura S, Murray V. The Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunamis, and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant disaster: lessons for evidence integration from a WADEM 2017 presentation and panel discussion. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(4):424-427.
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Sawano T, Nishikawa Y, Ozaki A, Leppold C, Tsubokura M. The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident and school bullying of affected children and adolescents: the need for continuous radiation education. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2018; 59:381-384. [PMID: 29635385 PMCID: PMC5967459 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rry025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The health threats of radiation-release incidents are diverse and long term. In addition to direct radiation effects, it is imperative to manage the indirect effects of radiation such as stigma, prejudice and broader mental health impacts. Six years after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident of March 2011, bullying caused by stigma and prejudice toward evacuees, including children, has become a social problem in Japan. This phenomenon may be associated with the fact that knowledge about radiation has still not reached the general public, and to a potential lack of motivation among Japanese citizens to learn about radiation and bullying. Continuous and sustained education regarding radiation is warranted in order to enhance the general knowledge level about the effects of radiation in Japan after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, and this education will become an important reference for education after future nuclear disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toyoaki Sawano
- Department of Surgery, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Fukushima 975-0033, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Nishikawa
- Department of Health Informatics, School of Public Health, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Akihiko Ozaki
- Department of Surgery, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Fukushima 975-0033, Japan
- Graduate School of Public Health, Teikyo University, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan
| | - Claire Leppold
- Global Public Health Unit, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9LD, UK
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Radiation Protection, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Fukushima 975-0033, Japan
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Hasegawa M, Murakami M, Takebayashi Y, Suzuki S, Ohto H. Social Capital Enhanced Disaster Preparedness and Health Consultations after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Power Station Accident. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018. [PMID: 29538320 PMCID: PMC5877061 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15030516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
After the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident in 2011, there was a strong demand to promote disaster preparedness approaches and health checkups for the prevention of lifestyle diseases. This study examined the yearly change in the percentage of those who prepared for disasters and who utilized health checkups in Fukushima Prefecture, and identified the factors governing disaster preparedness and utilization of health checkups. We used the public opinion survey from 2011 to 2015 (n = 677–779 each year) on prefectural policies that is conducted every year by the Fukushima Prefecture government Public Consultation Unit. We found that the percentage of those who prepare for disasters decreased, while that for health checkups did not significantly change. With regard to disaster preparedness, experiences of disaster enhance disaster preparedness, while bonds with other local people help to maintain preparedness. For health checkups, familiarity with the welfare service was the most important factor governing such consultations. The findings suggest that social capital should be promoted in order to improve disaster preparedness. The findings also suggest that residents’ accessibility to medical and welfare services is also important in promoting the utilization of health checkups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Hasegawa
- Department of Health Risk Communication, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Michio Murakami
- Department of Health Risk Communication, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Yoshitake Takebayashi
- Department of Health Risk Communication, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Suzuki
- Fukushima Prefectural Centre for Environmental Creation, 2-10 Fukasaku, Miharu-machi, Tamura-gun, Fukushima 963-7700, Japan.
| | - Hitoshi Ohto
- Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
- Department of Advanced Cancer Immunotherapy, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
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Murakami M, Nomura S, Tsubokura M. Call for a new epidemiological approach to disaster response. J Epidemiol Community Health 2018; 72:267-268. [DOI: 10.1136/jech-2017-210397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Nomura S, Tsubokura M, Murakami M, Ono K, Nishikawa Y, Oikawa T. Towards a Long-Term Strategy for Voluntary-Based Internal Radiation Contamination Monitoring: Representativeness of the Monitoring Results in Fukushima, Japan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E656. [PMID: 28632195 PMCID: PMC5486342 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14060656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Following Japan's 2011 Fukushima nuclear incident, voluntary participation, rather than mandatory, was adopted as the default scenario for individual radiation monitoring. We evaluated the representativeness of the internal monitoring results from voluntary participants in Minamisoma City, which is located 10-40 km from the Fukushima nuclear plant. Of approximately 70,000 individuals who were residing in Minamisoma City before the incident, a total of 19,263 residents (aged ≥21 years) participated in the monitoring from 1 October 2011 to 31 March 2015. Based on regression projection techniques with the available data obtained from the voluntary participants, the modeled probabilities of radiocesium (Cs) detection in October 2011 for Cs-137 and Cs-134 were 66.9% and 52.9%, respectively, which declined dramatically within a year following the incident. The rate of decline had stagnated since mid-2012, and the probability was close to zero after mid-2014. Sufficient agreement between the modeled probabilities of Cs detection (for the whole population) versus the measured Cs levels (for voluntary participants) was observed, except for Cs-134 in October 2011, indicating that the voluntary monitoring participant group was a good representative sample. Our findings affirmed the clinical importance of voluntary-based monitoring as a screening and dose-assessment tool in a post-nuclear incident. Our study informs societal decision-making regarding the long-term maintenance of the monitoring program under the current low exposure levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Nomura
- Department of Global Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK.
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Radiation Protection, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, 2-54-6 Takami-cho, Haramachi-ku, Minamisoma, Fukushima 975-0033, Japan.
| | - Michio Murakami
- Department of Health Risk Communication, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Kyoko Ono
- Research Institute of Science for Safety & Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan.
| | - Yoshitaka Nishikawa
- Department of Health Informatics, School of Public Health, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Tomoyoshi Oikawa
- Department of Radiation Protection, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, 2-54-6 Takami-cho, Haramachi-ku, Minamisoma, Fukushima 975-0033, Japan.
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