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Ito N, Moriyama N, Furuyama A, Saito H, Sawano T, Amir I, Sato M, Kobashi Y, Zhao T, Yamamoto C, Abe T, Tsubokura M. Why Do They Not Come Home? Three Cases of Fukushima Nuclear Accident Evacuees. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4027. [PMID: 36901038 PMCID: PMC10002345 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Many people wish to return to where they used to live after evacuation due to disaster. After the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, many residents were forced to evacuate due to concerns about radiation. Subsequently, the evacuation order was lifted, and the government promoted a return policy. However, it has been reported that a considerable number of residents living in evacuation sites or other areas wish to return but are unable to do so. Here, we report three cases of Japanese men and one woman who evacuated after the 2011 nuclear accident in Fukushima. These cases reveal the rapid aging of residents and their health issues. These issues suggest that enhancing medical supply systems and access to medical care can aid in post-disaster reconstruction and residents' returning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Ito
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Moriyama
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Ayako Furuyama
- Health Promotion Center, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Saito
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soma Central Hospital, Okinouchi, Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan
| | - Toyoaki Sawano
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, Fukushima 972-8322, Japan
| | - Isamu Amir
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Mika Sato
- Department of Health Nursing of International Radiation Exposure, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Yurie Kobashi
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hirata Central Hospital, Hirata, Ishikawa District, Fukushima 963-8202, Japan
| | - Tianchen Zhao
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Chika Yamamoto
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Toshiki Abe
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
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Zhao T, Moriyama N, Ito N, Abe T, Morita T, Nishikawa Y, Tsubokura M. Long‐term care issues in a municipality affected by the great East Japan earthquake: A case of Katsurao Village, Fukushima prefecture. Clin Case Rep 2022; 10:e6268. [PMID: 35999990 PMCID: PMC9388844 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.6268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Information regarding the proposed measures addressing long‐term care problems during disasters at a municipal level is scarce. Thus, this study reviewed the long‐term care insurance measures taken in the Katsurao Village after the Fukushima nuclear accident and summarized the measures that municipalities can take against such issues in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianchen Zhao
- Department of Radiation Health Management Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine Fukushima Japan
| | - Nobuaki Moriyama
- Department of Public Health Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine Fukushima Japan
| | - Naomi Ito
- Department of Radiation Health Management Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine Fukushima Japan
| | - Toshiki Abe
- Department of Radiation Health Management Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine Fukushima Japan
| | - Tomohiro Morita
- Department of Internal Medicine Soma Central Hospital Soma Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Nishikawa
- Department of Health Informatics Kyoto University School of Public Health Kyoto Japan
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Radiation Health Management Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine Fukushima Japan
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Otaki N, Yokoro M, Yano M, Imamura T, Akita M, Tanino N, Fukuo K. Social contact impacts physical activity and sedentary behavior among older adults in Japan due to COVID-19. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:491. [PMID: 35676622 PMCID: PMC9174618 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03188-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has adversely affected social contact and physical activity. This study investigated the correlation between physical activity, social contact, and sedentary time among adults aged 65 years and above during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This study was conducted in N City, H Prefecture, Japan. The authors randomly selected 4,996 adults, aged 65 years and above (mean age 74.1 ± 6.1 years), living in N City, and survey forms were distributed by mail in mid-August 2020. Altogether, 1,925 participants were included in this study. The survey comprised questions concerning the participants’ sex, height, weight, age, smoking and drinking habits, living arrangements, social contact assessments, physical activity levels, and sedentary time. Moreover, linear regression analysis was utilized to investigate the associations between the variables. Results The reported median physical activity was 1272 metabolic equivalent of task-min/week (interquartile range 528–2628), and the reported median sedentary time was 360 min/week (interquartile range 240–600). COVID-19 “somewhat,” “quite a lot,” or “completely” hindered the frequency of in-person contact with friends among 75.5% of the respondents and hampered the frequency of virtual contact with friends among 38.8% of the respondents. Physical activity was associated significantly with in-person contact indicators: “interaction with friends” (B = -0.111; 95%CI: -0.187, -0.035; p = 0.004) and “social participation” (B = -0.163; 95%CI: -0.248, -0.079; p < 0.001). These associations remained significant for both multivariate analysis Models 1 (sex and age) and 2 (addition of body mass index [BMI], alcohol use, smoking, living alone, and the number of illnesses to Model 1). Additionally, sedentary time was significantly associated with the social contact variable of “interaction with friends” (B = 0.04; 95%CI: 0.016, 0.064; p = 0.001). This association remained significant in both multivariate analysis models. Conclusions Significant associations were confirmed between reduced social contact, decreased physical activity, and more sedentary behavior among older adults due to COVID-19. Hence, continuous monitoring and support for social activities among susceptible older adults in extraordinary circumstances are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Otaki
- Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, School of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Mukogawa Women's University, 6-46 Ikebiraki-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8558, Japan. .,Research Institute for Nutrition Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan.
| | - Miyuki Yokoro
- Research Institute for Nutrition Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan.,Department of Dietary Life and Food Sciences, Junior College Division, Mukogawa Women's University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Megumu Yano
- Research Institute for Nutrition Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Tomomi Imamura
- Department of Innovative Food Sciences, School of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Mukogawa Women's University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Michiko Akita
- Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, School of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Mukogawa Women's University, 6-46 Ikebiraki-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8558, Japan
| | - Norikazu Tanino
- Research Institute for Nutrition Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Fukuo
- Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, School of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Mukogawa Women's University, 6-46 Ikebiraki-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8558, Japan.,Research Institute for Nutrition Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
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Yoshida S, Kashima S, Ishii S, Koike S, Matsumoto M. Effects of the 2018 Japan Floods on long-term care insurance costs in Japan: retrospective cohort study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:341. [PMID: 35177009 PMCID: PMC8855556 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12492-7] [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] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change has increased the frequency and severity of torrential rains and floods around the world. Estimating the costs of these disasters is one of the five global research priorities identified by WHO. The 2018 Japan Floods hit western Japan causing extensive destruction and many deaths, especially among vulnerable elderly. Such affected elderly would need long-term care due to the various health problems caused by the disaster. A Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) system provides care services in Japan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the 2018 Japan Floods on LTCI costs and service utilization. METHODS The participants of this retrospective cohort study were all verified persons utilizing LTCI services in Hiroshima, Okayama and Ehime prefectures. The observation period was from 2 months before to 6 months after the disaster. We used Generalized Estimating Equations (GEEs) to examine the association between disaster status (victims or non-victims) and the monthly total costs of LTCI service (with gamma-distribution/log-link) by residential environment (home or facility). Among home residents, we also examined each service utilization (home-based service, short-stay service and facility service), using the GEEs. After the GEEs, we estimated Average Marginal Effects (AME) over all observation periods by months as the attributable disaster effect. RESULTS The total number of participants was 279,578. There were 3024 flood victims. The disaster was associated with significantly higher total costs. The AME for home residents at 2 months after was $214 (Standard Error (SE): 12, p < 0.001), which was the highest through the observation period. Among facility residents, the AME immediately after the disaster increased by up to $850 (SE: 29, p < 0.001). The service utilization among home residents showed a different trend for each service. The AME of home-based services decreased by up to - 15.2% (SE:1.3, p < 0.001). The AME for short-stay service increased by up to 8.2% (SE: 0.9, p < 0.001) and the AME for facility service increased by up to 7.4% (SE: 0.7, p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The 2018 Japan Floods caused an increase in LTCI costs and the utilization of short-stay and facility services, and a decrease in utilization of home-based services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Yoshida
- Department of Community-Based Medical System, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima-ken, Hiroshima-shi, 734-8551, Japan.
| | - Saori Kashima
- Environmental Health Sciences Laboratory, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-3-2 Kagamiyama, Hiroshima-ken, Higashi-Hiroshima-shi, Japan
| | - Shinya Ishii
- Department of Medicine for Integrated Approach to Social Inclusion, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Soichi Koike
- Division of Health Policy and Management, Center for Community Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Tochigi-ken, Shimotsuke-shi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Matsumoto
- Department of Community-Based Medical System, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima-ken, Hiroshima-shi, 734-8551, Japan
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Moriyama N, Nishikawa Y, Hoshi W, Kuga T, Iwasa H, Murayama T, Itagaki T, Saito Y, Yasumura S. Association of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Physical Function, and Mental Health among Older Returnees after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Accident. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111639. [PMID: 34770151 PMCID: PMC8583483 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and consequent Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident caused a large-scale evacuation, generating various health issues. Although residents gradually returned, their independence of daily living and associated factors remain unknown. This study examines the hypothesis that physical and mental status are associated with the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) of older returnees (65 years and above) after the disaster. Older returnees to Kawauchi Village, Fukushima Prefecture, located 20–30 km southwest of the power plants, were recruited. IADL was assessed using the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence, physical function via the 30-s chair stand test, and mental health via the Japanese version of the World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index. To examine the association of IADL and possible factors, a t-test or Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient was used, stratified by sex. The data of 29 participants (75.5 ± 7.4 years, 19 female) were analyzed. Physical function was associated with IADL in females. Mental health was associated with IADL in males and females. Taking measures to strengthen physical function in females, as well as to improve mental health in both sexes, for enhancing IADL ability could be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuaki Moriyama
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (T.K.); (H.I.); (S.Y.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Yoshitaka Nishikawa
- Kawauchi Village National Health Insurance Clinic, Kawauchi 979-1202, Japan; (Y.N.); (T.M.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hirata Central Hospital, Hirata 963-8202, Japan
- Department of Health Informatics, Kyoto University School of Public Health, Kyoto 606-8315, Japan
| | - Wataru Hoshi
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hirata Central Hospital, Hirata 963-8202, Japan; (W.H.); (T.I.); (Y.S.)
| | - Tomomi Kuga
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (T.K.); (H.I.); (S.Y.)
| | - Hajime Iwasa
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (T.K.); (H.I.); (S.Y.)
| | - Tomoo Murayama
- Kawauchi Village National Health Insurance Clinic, Kawauchi 979-1202, Japan; (Y.N.); (T.M.)
| | - Tatsuya Itagaki
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hirata Central Hospital, Hirata 963-8202, Japan; (W.H.); (T.I.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yuta Saito
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hirata Central Hospital, Hirata 963-8202, Japan; (W.H.); (T.I.); (Y.S.)
| | - Seiji Yasumura
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (T.K.); (H.I.); (S.Y.)
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