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Yabe Y, Hagiwara Y, Sugawara Y, Tsuji I. Association between low back pain and functional disability in the elderly people: a 4-year longitudinal study after the great East Japan earthquake. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:930. [PMID: 36460950 PMCID: PMC9716857 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03655-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional disability is a major health issue in an aging population. Low back pain (LBP) is a common health concern that can lead to functional disability in the elderly; nonetheless, their association has not yet been clarified. This study aimed to examine the association between LBP and functional disability in the elderly, with a focus on its dose-dependent effects. METHODS This study used the 4-year longitudinal data of people living in disaster-affected areas after the Great East Japan Earthquake (aged ≧65, n = 914). LBP and physical function were assessed at 2, 4, and 6 years after the disaster. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between LBP and low physical function, as well as the effect of preceding LBP on the onset of low physical function. RESULTS LBP was significantly associated with low physical function, and the association became stronger as the duration of LBP increased. Adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.27 (0.79-2.06) in "< 2 years," 1.95 (1.01-3.77) in "≥2 years and <4 years," and 2.34 (1.35-4.06) in "≥4 years" (p for trend = 0.009). Additionally, preceding LBP was significantly associated with the onset of low physical function, and the effect became prominent as the duration of LBP increased. Adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 2.28 (1.19-4.37) in "< 2 years" and 2.82 (1.35-5.90) in "≥2 years" (p for trend = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS LBP is associated with physical disability among the elderly in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, prevention and treatment of LBP are important for preventing functional disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Yabe
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.
| | - Yoshihiro Hagiwara
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574 Japan
| | - Yumi Sugawara
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Health Informatics and Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Public Health, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575 Japan
| | - Ichiro Tsuji
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Health Informatics and Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Public Health, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575 Japan
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Kunii Y, Usukura H, Otsuka K, Maeda M, Yabe H, Takahashi S, Tachikawa H, Tomita H. Lessons learned from psychosocial support and mental health surveys during the 10 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake: Establishing evidence-based disaster psychiatry. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 76:212-221. [PMID: 35137504 PMCID: PMC9314661 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Post-disaster mental health and psychosocial support have drawn attention in Japan after the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, with mental health care centers for the affected communities being organized. After the catastrophe, a reconstruction budget was allocated to organize mental health care centers to provide psychosocial support for communities affected by the 2007 Chūetsu offshore earthquake, the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, and the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. There were several major improvements in post-disaster mental health measures after the Great East Japan Earthquake. The Disaster Psychiatric Assistance Team system was organized after the earthquake to orchestrate disaster response related to the psychiatric health system and mental health of the affected communities. Special mental health care efforts were drawn to the communities affected by the nuclear power plant accident through Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high yield Explosives, being succeeded by measures against the coronavirus pandemic. As another new movement after the Great East Japan Earthquake, the number of surveys involving communities affected by disasters has soared. More than 10 times the number of scientific publications were made in English during the decade following the Great East Japan Earthquake, compared with the previous decades. In this review, we examined the results and issues acquired in the 10 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake, proposing evidence-based disaster psychiatry as the direction of future mental health measures related to emergency preparedness and response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuto Kunii
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hitomi Usukura
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kotaro Otsuka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan.,Department of Disaster and Community Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Masaharu Maeda
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan.,Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hirooki Yabe
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Sho Takahashi
- Department of Disaster and Community Psychiatry, Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Tachikawa
- Department of Disaster and Community Psychiatry, Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Tomita
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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Sun Z, Imano H, Eguchi E, Hayashi F, Ohira T, Cui R, Yasumura S, Sakai A, Shimabukuro M, Ohto H, Kamiya K, Iso H. The Associations between Evacuation Status and Lifestyle-Related Diseases in Fukushima after the Great East Japan Earthquake: The Fukushima Health Management Survey. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19095661. [PMID: 35565055 PMCID: PMC9105675 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to investigate the association between evacuation status and lifestyle-related disease risks among Fukushima residents following the Great East Japan earthquake. Methods: Fukushima health management survey respondents were classified into non-evacuees, returnees, evacuees in lifted areas, and evacuees in banned areas. During a seven-year follow-up, 22,234 men and 31,158 women were included. Those with a history of diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia at baseline were excluded. The odds ratios of risk factors (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were calculated using a logistic regression model. Spatial autocorrelation of the prevalence of these diseases in the Fukushima area in 2017, was calculated to detect the disease prevalence status. Results: The risks of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were higher in evacuees in banned areas than in non-evacuees; the multivariable ORs were 1.32 (95% CI: 1.19–1.46), 1.15 (1.06–1.25), and 1.20 (1.11–1.30) for diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, respectively. Returnees and evacuees in lifted areas had no increased risk of diseases. The area analyzed had a non-uniform spatial distribution of diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, with clusters around Fukushima and Koriyama. Conclusion: Our findings imply the need for continuous support for evacuees in banned areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Sun
- Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (Z.S.); (H.I.)
- Health Town Development Science Center, Yao City Health Center, Osaka 581-0006, Japan
| | - Hironori Imano
- Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (Z.S.); (H.I.)
- Department of Public Health, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama 589-8511, Japan
| | - Eri Eguchi
- Department of Epidemiology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (E.E.); (F.H.); (T.O.)
| | - Fumikazu Hayashi
- Department of Epidemiology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (E.E.); (F.H.); (T.O.)
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (S.Y.); (A.S.); (M.S.); (H.O.); (K.K.)
| | - Tetsuya Ohira
- Department of Epidemiology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (E.E.); (F.H.); (T.O.)
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (S.Y.); (A.S.); (M.S.); (H.O.); (K.K.)
| | - Renzhe Cui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Okanami General Hospital, Iga 518-0842, Japan;
| | - Seiji Yasumura
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (S.Y.); (A.S.); (M.S.); (H.O.); (K.K.)
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Akira Sakai
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (S.Y.); (A.S.); (M.S.); (H.O.); (K.K.)
- Department of Radiation Life Sciences, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Michio Shimabukuro
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (S.Y.); (A.S.); (M.S.); (H.O.); (K.K.)
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ohto
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (S.Y.); (A.S.); (M.S.); (H.O.); (K.K.)
| | - Kenji Kamiya
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (S.Y.); (A.S.); (M.S.); (H.O.); (K.K.)
- Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Iso
- Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (Z.S.); (H.I.)
- Institute for Global Health Policy Research, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-6-6879-3911
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Itoh T, Toda N, Yoshizawa M, Osaki T, Maegawa Y, Yoshizawa R, Ishikawa Y, Nishiyama O, Nakajima S, Nakamura M, Morino Y. Impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami on the Incidence of Takotsubo Syndrome Using a Multicenter, Long-Term Regional Registry. Circ J 2021; 85:1834-1839. [PMID: 34121053 DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-20-1044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to clarify the incidence of takotsubo syndrome (TTS) after the Great East Japan earthquake (GEJ-E) between inland and coastal areas.Methods and Results:Consecutive hospitalized patients with TTS were registered between 2009 and 2016 in Iwate Prefecture. Patients were divided into 2 groups, by whether they lived inland or in the coastal area (both max. seismic intensity, 6-). The incidence of TTS was calculated using the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) before and after the earthquake. The long-term prognosis of the 2 groups was compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis. A total of 112 patients with TTS were registered from the acute coronary syndrome records of each hospital (n=4,163); 9 patients with TTS were registered within 2 months of the earthquake. A significant monthly variation was observed in March and April 2011 compared with the other months (P=0.029). At 2 years after the earthquake, the SIR was significantly increased in the coastal area (P<0.01), but decreased after ≥3 years. There were no significant differences in the long-term prognosis between the 2 groups (P=0.20). CONCLUSIONS The incidence of TTS was increased in the acute phase after the GEJ-E, particularly in the coastal area. The magnitude of the tsunami damage is presumed to be a factor in the increased incidence of TTS, even though the seismic intensity in both areas was comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomonori Itoh
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University
| | - Nozomu Toda
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University
| | - Michiko Yoshizawa
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Satoshi Nakajima
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University
| | - Motoyuki Nakamura
- Division of Cardioangiology, Nephrology and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University
| | - Yoshihiro Morino
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University
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Kotozaki Y, Tanno K, Sakata K, Takusari E, Otsuka K, Tomita H, Sasaki R, Takanashi N, Mikami T, Hozawa A, Nakaya N, Tsuchiya N, Nakamura T, Narita A, Taki Y, Shimizu A, Hitomi J, Satoh M, Sasaki M. Association between the social isolation and depressive symptoms after the great East Japan earthquake: findings from the baseline survey of the TMM CommCohort study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:925. [PMID: 33992096 PMCID: PMC8122535 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10896-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social isolation and mental health issues have become a severe problem in disaster areas in the Great East Japan Earthquake. This study examined whether the combination of the house damage and social isolation or the combination of the death of family members and social isolation is associated with depressive symptoms among survivors using the baseline study data of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Community-Based Cohort Study (TMM CommCohort Study). METHODS We used cross-sectional data from a baseline survey of 48,958 participants (18,423 males, 30,535 females; aged 60.1 ± 11.2 years) to examine the association between social isolation measured by the Lubben social network scale 6 (LSNS-6) and depressive symptoms measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depressive Scale (CES-D). The presence of social isolation and depressive symptoms was defined by an LSNS-6 score of < 12 and a CES-D score of ≥16, respectively. We performed a logistic regression analysis to determine the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) [AOR (95% CI)] for depressive symptoms according to sex in the social isolation in comparison to without social isolation, and the associations of the combination of the house damage or the death of family members and social isolation and depressive symptoms. RESULTS Social isolation was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (males: OR = 1.87; 95% CI = 1.72-2.04, females: OR = 2.13; 95% CI = 2.00-2.26). Both males and females respondents with severe house damage and social isolation had a greater risk of depressive symptoms in comparison to those with an undamaged house and without social isolation (males: OR = 3.40; 95% CI = 2.73-4.24, females: OR = 2.92; 95% CI = 2.46-3.46). The risk of depressive symptoms was also higher in both males and females respondents with the death of family members and social isolation in comparison to those without the death of family members and without social isolation (males: OR = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.90-2.50, females: OR = 2.60; 95% CI = 2.35-2.88). CONCLUSION The findings suggested that a combination of social isolation and severe house damage and the death of family members caused by a large-scale natural disaster was associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms although the interaction was not statistically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Kotozaki
- Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Iwate Medical University, 1-1-1 Idaidori, Yahaba, Shiwa, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan.
| | - Kozo Tanno
- Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Iwate Medical University, 1-1-1 Idaidori, Yahaba, Shiwa, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan
- Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Kiyomi Sakata
- Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Iwate Medical University, 1-1-1 Idaidori, Yahaba, Shiwa, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan
- Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Eri Takusari
- Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Kotaro Otsuka
- Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Iwate Medical University, 1-1-1 Idaidori, Yahaba, Shiwa, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Tomita
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Division of Disaster Medical Science, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ryohei Sasaki
- Division of Physical Education, Department of Human Sciences, Iwate Medical University Center for Liberal Arts and Sciences, Iwate, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Takanashi
- Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Iwate Medical University, 1-1-1 Idaidori, Yahaba, Shiwa, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan
- Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Takahiro Mikami
- Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Iwate Medical University, 1-1-1 Idaidori, Yahaba, Shiwa, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hozawa
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Naoki Nakaya
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Health Science, Saitama Prefectural University, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Naho Tsuchiya
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Nakamura
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Akira Narita
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Taki
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Atsushi Shimizu
- Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Iwate Medical University, 1-1-1 Idaidori, Yahaba, Shiwa, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan
- Division of Biomedical Information Analysis, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Jiro Hitomi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Mamoru Satoh
- Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Iwate Medical University, 1-1-1 Idaidori, Yahaba, Shiwa, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan
- Division of Biomedical Information Analysis, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Makoto Sasaki
- Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Iwate Medical University, 1-1-1 Idaidori, Yahaba, Shiwa, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan
- Division of Ultrahigh Field MRI, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
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Sugawara Y, Tomata Y, Sekiguchi T, Yabe Y, Hagiwara Y, Tsuji I. Social trust predicts sleep disorder at 6 years after the Great East Japan earthquake: data from a prospective cohort study. BMC Psychol 2020; 8:69. [PMID: 32611365 PMCID: PMC7329408 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-020-00436-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The physical and psychological health impacts on victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) have lasted for a long time. Some cross-sectional studies have reported a relationship between social networks and/or social support and mental health among victims. Previous studies were cross-sectional observations at one time point after a disaster, it remains unclear whether the lack of social trust soon after the GEJE predicts long-term mental health outcomes among the victims. The objective of the present study was to examine prospectively the association between social trust soon after the GEJE and trends in sleep disorders up to 6 years after the GEJE. Methods We conducted a health survey on residents living in two areas affected by the GEJE. We analyzed data from 1293 adults (aged ≥18 years) who had participated in an initial health survey. The participants responded to a self-administrated questionnaire composed of items on health condition, mental health, including sleep disorders (based on the Athens Insomnia Scale [AIS]), and social trust. We classified the participants into two categories (high or low) based on the level of social trust at the first health survey. A linear mixed model was used to estimate trends in AIS scores in relation to social trust at the first health survey. Results The AIS scores of participants in the low social trust group were significantly higher than those in the high social trust group throughout the 6 years after the GEJE (P < 0.01). After adjusting for some covariates, the AIS score estimate for the participants who had low social trust was 1.30 point higher than those for the participants who had high social trust. Conclusion Social trust at 3 to 5 months after the GEJE predicted AIS scores at 6 years after the GEJE among victims. This finding suggests that it may be possible to identify people who have a lower potential for mental resilience from disaster damage over the long term. Further, health interventions for this high-risk group could help promote resilience after a disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Sugawara
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Informatics and Public Health, Tohoku University School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Yasutake Tomata
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Informatics and Public Health, Tohoku University School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Takuya Sekiguchi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aobaku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Yutaka Yabe
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aobaku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Hagiwara
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aobaku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Ichiro Tsuji
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Informatics and Public Health, Tohoku University School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
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7
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Osaki Y, Maesato H, Minobe R, Kinjo A, Kuwabara Y, Imamoto A, Myoga Y, Matsushita S, Higuchi S. Changes in smoking behavior among victims after the great East Japan earthquake and tsunami. Environ Health Prev Med 2020; 25:19. [PMID: 32527213 PMCID: PMC7291441 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-020-00858-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In areas affected by the tsunami of the great East Japan Earthquake, smoking behavior may have deteriorated due to high stress and drastic changes in living environment. Surveys were conducted to reveal changes in smoking behaviors among victims. Methods A population-based random-sample home-visit interview survey of victims in Iwate and Miyagi Prefectures affected by the tsunami disaster was conducted in 2012 (n = 1978), while a population-based nationwide survey was conducted in 2013 (n = 1082). A panel survey in 2014 was conducted with respondents of the 2012 survey (n = 930). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to reveal factors related to smoking status after the disaster. Results There was high smoking prevalence of both sexes in the tsunami disaster area (current smoking rate in coastal area, 50.0% for male, 21.4% for female; inland area, 34.7% for male, 7.6% for female). Low prevalence of male quitters was observed (quitter rate in coastal area, 20.8% for male, 8.0% for female; inland area, 23.4% for male, 5.5% for female). The prevalence of nicotine-dependent people assessed by FTND (Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence) in the coastal area was also higher than in the inland area or other areas of Japan. Smoking behavior among victims worsened after the disaster and did not improve 3 years from the disaster. Post-disaster factors related to smoking were living in coastal area, complete destruction of house, and living in temporary housing. Conclusions Smoking prevalence and the level of nicotine dependence of tsunami victims were still high even 3 years after the disaster. It is important to emphasize measures for smoking control in the disaster areas for an extended time period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoneatsu Osaki
- Division of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan.
| | - Hitoshi Maesato
- National Hospital Organization Kurihama Medical and Addiction Center, 5-3-1 Nobi, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 239-0841, Japan
| | - Ruriko Minobe
- National Hospital Organization Kurihama Medical and Addiction Center, 5-3-1 Nobi, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 239-0841, Japan
| | - Aya Kinjo
- Division of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Yuki Kuwabara
- Division of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Aya Imamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Tottori University Hospital, 36-1 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Myoga
- Division of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Sachio Matsushita
- National Hospital Organization Kurihama Medical and Addiction Center, 5-3-1 Nobi, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 239-0841, Japan
| | - Susumu Higuchi
- National Hospital Organization Kurihama Medical and Addiction Center, 5-3-1 Nobi, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 239-0841, Japan
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Hirohara M, Ozaki A, Tsubokura M. Determinants and supporting factors for rebuilding nursing workforce in a post-disaster setting. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:917. [PMID: 31783755 PMCID: PMC6884864 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4765-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The workforce shortage is one of the major issues associated with the recovery of Minamisoma City in Fukushima Prefecture, after the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent accidents at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plants in March 2011. While the radiation risks are often discussed as a major factor of evacuation, little is known about the actual reasons why the residents chose to evacuate, and what enables them to return. This study aims to find the essential factors for rebuilding the workforce in a post-disaster setting by analysing the residents' decisions about evacuation and the return to Minamisoma. In particular, we focus on the experiences of nurses as an example of healthcare workers, who play an important role in the disaster recovery. METHODS The data were obtained through qualitative interviews in a semi-structured form with 25 nurses from four hospitals in Minamisoma City. The interview questions focused on the reasons of their decisions on evacuation and return. The data were analysed by a thematic approach to investigate the major factors which led them to evacuate and enabled them to return afterwards, as well as the support they needed to resettle. RESULTS Nearly two-thirds of the interviewees chose to evacuate from Minamisoma with their family. Family conditions seem to be the predominant factor that influenced their decisions. In particular, having small children was a strong cause for evacuation. After a certain period of time, the nurses that evacuated were then faced with another decision about returning to the area; once again, having children, as well as other life factors, such as livelihoods, job opportunities and emotional attachment to the work, influenced this decision. On the other hand, radiation risk was a minor factor. Therefore, we analyse that improved support considering their life situations would contribute to the better retention of the nurses. CONCLUSIONS We suggest measures such as parenting supports, ensuring job opportunities after return, and psychological support in the workplace as possible solutions for higher job retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moe Hirohara
- The Institute of Medical Care and Societal Health, 2-12-13-201 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Akihiko Ozaki
- The Institute of Medical Care and Societal Health, 2-12-13-201 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, 2-54-6 Takami-cho, Minamisoma City, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- The Institute of Medical Care and Societal Health, 2-12-13-201 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, 2-54-6 Takami-cho, Minamisoma City, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, Fukushima, Japan
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Yabe Y, Hagiwara Y, Sekiguchi T, Sugawara Y, Tsuchiya M, Itaya N, Yoshida S, Sogi Y, Yano T, Onoki T, Tsuji I, Itoi E. Musculoskeletal pain and new-onset poor physical function in elderly survivors of a natural disaster: a longitudinal study after the great East Japan earthquake. BMC Geriatr 2019; 19:274. [PMID: 31623559 PMCID: PMC6798362 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-019-1283-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Functional disability is a significant problem after natural disasters. Musculoskeletal pain is reported to increase after disasters, which can cause functional disability among survivors. However, the effects of musculoskeletal pain on functional decline after natural disasters are unclear. The present study aimed to examine the association between musculoskeletal pain and new-onset poor physical function among elderly survivors after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Methods A longitudinal study was conducted on survivors aged ≥65 years at three and 4 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake. A total of 747 persons were included in this study. Physical function was assessed using the Kihon Checklist. New-onset poor physical function was defined as low physical function not present at 3 years but present at 4 years after the disaster. Knee, hand or foot, low back, shoulder, and neck pain was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire and was defined as musculoskeletal pain. Musculoskeletal pain at 3 years after the disaster was categorized according to the number of pain regions (0, 1, ≥ 2). Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for new-onset poor physical function due to musculoskeletal pain. Results The incidence of new-onset poor physical function was 14.9%. New-onset poor physical function was significantly associated with musculoskeletal pain. Compared with “0” musculoskeletal pain region, the adjusted ORs (95% CI) were 1.39 (0.75–2.58) and 2.69 (1.52–4.77) in “1” and “≥ 2” musculoskeletal pain regions, respectively (p for trend = 0.003). Conclusions Musculoskeletal pain is associated with new-onset poor physical function among elderly survivors after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Monitoring musculoskeletal pain is important to prevent physical function decline after natural disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Yabe
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Hagiwara
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.
| | - Takuya Sekiguchi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Yumi Sugawara
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Informatics and Public Health, Tohoku University Graduate School of Public Health, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Masahiro Tsuchiya
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Tohoku Fukushi University, 1-8-1 Kunimi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 981-8522, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Itaya
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Shinichirou Yoshida
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Sogi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Toshihisa Yano
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Takahiro Onoki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Ichiro Tsuji
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Informatics and Public Health, Tohoku University Graduate School of Public Health, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Eiji Itoi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
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10
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Matsuo Y, Miyawaki T, Kadokami K, Nakai K, Tatsuta N, Nakata H, Matsumura T, Nagasaka H, Nakamura M, Sato K, Tobo KI, Kakimoto R, Someya T, Ueno D. Development of a novel scheme for rapid screening for environmental micropollutants in emergency situations (REPE) and its application for comprehensive analysis of tsunami sediments deposited by the great east Japan earthquake. Chemosphere 2019; 224:39-47. [PMID: 30807912 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.02.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The tsunami triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011, the strongest quake ever recorded in Japan, deposited tsunami sediments along the coastline of the affected area. Because the sediments contained a wide variety of hazardous chemicals, including organic micropollutants, a method for rapidly evaluating the environmental and human health risks of such chemicals is necessary. For this purpose, we propose a novel three-step scheme designated "rapid screening for environmental micropollutants in emergency situations (REPE)". In the first step, samples are subjected to target screening analysis using an automated identification and quantification system (TSA-AIQS) involving gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In the second step, the chemicals detected by TSA-AIQS analysis are quantified precisely by conventional target analysis. The third step is risk assessment of the target chemicals. TSA-AIQS analysis of the tsunami sediments detected 63 substances, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (both native and alkylated PAHs) at high concentrations. These PAHs were precisely quantified by target analysis, and the concentrations were used to assess the health risks posed by oral intake, which were found to be negligible. Our results suggest that the REPE scheme will be useful for rapid, comprehensive screening and risk assessment in emergency situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Matsuo
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Saga University, Japan
| | | | - Kiwao Kadokami
- Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, The University of Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Nakai
- Department of Development and Environmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Japan
| | - Nozomi Tatsuta
- Department of Development and Environmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Nakata
- Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Japan
| | - Toru Matsumura
- Institute of Environmental Ecology, IDEA Consultants, Inc., Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Risa Kakimoto
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Saga University, Japan
| | | | - Daisuke Ueno
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Saga University, Japan.
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Kuroda Y, Iwasa H, Orui M, Moriyama N, Suemoto CK, Yashiro C, Matsuda K, Yasumura S. Risk Factor for Incident Functional Disability and the Effect of a Preventive Exercise Program: A 4-Year Prospective Cohort Study of Older Survivors from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018; 15:E1430. [PMID: 29986471 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15071430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the risk factors for incident functional disability among long-term evacuees of Iitate village after Great East Japan Earthquake and nuclear disaster (GEJE). We also investigated the effectiveness of exercise classes as an intervention measure in this situation. Methods: 1159 subjects (75.2 ± 5.8 years, 57.5% female) were included at baseline, and followed-up for four years. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of incident functional disability according to the presence of risk factors evaluated by the municipality’s self-assessment Basic Checklist (BCL). Evacuees from Iitate who participated in the exercise classes and those who did not were matched using the propensity scores, which were then used to obtain the HR of incident functional disability. Results: New functional disability occurred in 280 (24.2%) participants during the follow-up. Participants who scored negative for the “Physical function” domain in the BCL had a HR of 2.04 (95% CI: 1.54–2.69) for incident functional disability when compared to those who scored positive for this domain. Similarly, the HR for “Cognitive function” was 1.37 (CI: 1.06–1.77), and 1.60 (CI: 1.24–2.08) for “Depression”. Using a Cox proportional hazard regression model, both the group with low-participation in the exercise program and the group with high-participation in the exercise program had a significantly lower rate of incident functional disability compared to those who did not participate at all (HR = 0.27, CI: 0.16–0.46; HR = 0.30, CI: 0.12–0.74, respectively). Conclusions: Pre-disaster BCL domains were useful to identify individuals at risk of functional disability after a major socio-technical disaster. Therefore, this instrument can be used to identify at-risk older adults who would benefit from early exercise programs to prevent incident functional disability.
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12
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Orui M, Ueda Y, Suzuki Y, Maeda M, Ohira T, Yabe H, Yasumura S. The Relationship between Starting to Drink and Psychological Distress, Sleep Disturbance after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster: The Fukushima Health Management Survey. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2017; 14:ijerph14101281. [PMID: 29064443 PMCID: PMC5664781 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14101281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the prevalence of newly-started drinkers and their continuing drinking behaviors after the Great East Japan earthquake. Moreover, the relationships between newly-started drinking and psychological factor, disaster-related experience, and perceived radiation risk were examined. We used data from 37,687 pre-disaster non-drinkers who participated in the 2012 and 2013 surveys conducted in Fukushima. We defined newly-started drinkers as those who did not drink before the disaster but who began drinking after the disaster, based on information collected retrospectively. In 2012, 9.6% of non-drinkers began drinking, of which the prevalence of heavy drinkers was 18.4%. The prevalence of continued drinking among newly-started drinkers in 2013 was 53.8%. Logistic regression analyses revealed post-disaster newly-started drinking was significantly associated with being male, less than 65 years old, sleep dissatisfaction and psychological distress (Kessler 6 ≤ 13) when this model was adjusted for disaster-related experience and perceived radiation risk. Moreover, psychological distress and heavy drinking were significant risk factors for continued drinking among newly-started drinkers. Newly-started drinkers might use alcohol to cope with disaster-related stress. Thus, they may be targeted for disaster-related health services. Moreover, early intervention should encourage responsible drinking, since post-disaster heavy drinkers were likely to continue heavy drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatsugu Orui
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Yuka Ueda
- Department of Epidemiology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Yuriko Suzuki
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
- Department of Adult Mental Health, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8553, Japan.
| | - Masaharu Maeda
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Tetsuya Ohira
- Department of Epidemiology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Hirooki Yabe
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Seiji Yasumura
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
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13
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Murakami A, Sugawara Y, Tomata Y, Sugiyama K, Kaiho Y, Tanji F, Tsuji I. Association between housing type and γ-GTP increase after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Soc Sci Med 2017; 189:76-85. [PMID: 28787629 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been reported that alcohol consumption increases after natural disasters, with an impact on health. However, the impact of relocation upon drinking behavior has been unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the association between housing type and the impact of alcohol consumption on health after the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) of 2011. METHODS We analyzed 569 residents living in devastated areas of Ishinomaki city, who had undergone assessment of their γ-GTP levels at health check-ups in both 2010 and 2013, and had given details of the type of housing they occupied in 2013. The housing types were categorized into five groups: "same housing as that before the GEJE", "prefabricated temporary housing", "privately rented temporary housing/rental housing", "homes of relatives", and "reconstructed housing". We used fixed-effect regression analysis to examine the association between housing type after the GEJE and changes in γ-GTP after adjustment for age, BMI, housing damage, number of people in household, smoking status, presence of illness, psychological distress, and social network. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 71.5 years and 46.2% of them were men. The proportion of individuals who drank heavily, and suffered from psychological distress and insomnia, was highest among those living in privately rented temporary housing/rental housing. Compared with individuals who continued to occupy the same housing as those before the GEJE, the effect of change in γ-GTP was significantly higher in individuals who had moved to privately rented temporary housing/rental housing (b = 9.5, SE = 4.4, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our present findings reveal that disaster victims who have moved to privately rented temporary housing/rental housing are at highest risk of negative health effects due to alcohol drinking.
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Nukui H, Murakami M, Midorikawa S, Suenaga M, Rokkaku Y, Yabe H, Ohtsuru A. Mental Health and Related Factors of Hospital Nurses. Asia Pac J Public Health 2017; 29:161S-170S. [PMID: 28330404 DOI: 10.1177/1010539516682589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The mental health of hospital nurses is a key health issue in public health promotion during the recovery phase following the Fukushima disaster. In this study, conducted 4 years after the disaster, we analyzed the overall mental health, knowledge, risk perception of radiation, and work and daily life burdens of nurses working at medical institutions in the Fukushima Prefecture (collection rate = 89.6%; response number = 730). Overall mental health status was estimated using the 12-item version of the General Health Questionnaire, and 333 respondents (45.6%) scored above the 12-item General Health Questionnaire threshold point (≥4), indicating probable emotional distress compared with the general population under normal circumstances. Multivariate logistic analysis suggested that the ability to cope with daily life and work-related stressors were more important than risk perception and acquisition of knowledge regarding radiation and its control methods for supporting the mental health of nurses following the Fukushima disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Nukui
- 1 Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Michio Murakami
- 2 Department of Health Risk Communication, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Sanae Midorikawa
- 1 Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Minako Suenaga
- 3 Fukushima Medical University Hospital, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yuichi Rokkaku
- 4 Japan Community Health Care Organization Nihonmatsu Hospital, Nihonmatsu, Japan
| | - Hirooki Yabe
- 5 Department of Neuropsychiatry, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Akira Ohtsuru
- 1 Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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15
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Zhang W, Ohira T, Abe M, Kamiya K, Yamashita S, Yasumura S, Ohtsuru A, Masaharu M, Harigane M, Horikoshi N, Suzuki Y, Yabe H, Yuuki M, Nagai M, Takahashi H, Nakano H. Evacuation after the Great East Japan Earthquake was associated with poor dietary intake: The Fukushima Health Management Survey. J Epidemiol 2016; 27:14-23. [PMID: 28135192 PMCID: PMC5328735 DOI: 10.1016/j.je.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Few studies have investigated the relationship between living arrangements and dietary intake among evacuees after disasters. Objectives To examine the relationship between living arrangements and dietary intake using the data of a large-scale cohort survey of evacuees after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Methods 73,433 residents in evacuation zones responded to the Fukushima Health Management Survey questionnaire. Subjects were excluded if they did not report their living conditions or were missing more than three pieces of information about dietary intake. The data of 52,314 subjects (23,149 men and 29,165 women ≥15 years old) were used for the analyses. Evacuees' living arrangements were characterized into three categories: evacuation shelters or temporary housing, rental houses or apartments, or a relative's home or their own home. Dietary intake was characterized in terms of grains, fruits and vegetables, meat, soybean products, dairy products, and fish. Daily consumption of the third quartile (Q3) or higher for each food group was defined as ‘high consumption’. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using modified Poisson regression analyses. Results Modified Poisson regression analyses showed that, compared with respondents living in a relative's home or their own home, the PRs and 95% CIs for the people living in rental apartments of high consumption of fruits and vegetables (non-juice), meat, soybean products, and dairy products were 0.69 (95% CI, 0.61–0.77), 0.82 (95% CI, 0.73–0.91), 0.89 (95% CI, 0.83–0.94), and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.74–0.93) respectively. The corresponding PRs and 95% CIs for people living in evacuation shelters or temporary housing were 0.83 (95% CI, 0.78–0.88), 0.90 (95% CI, 0.86–0.95), 0.94 (95% CI, 0.91–0.97), and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.86–0.96) for high consumption of fruits and vegetables (non-juice), meat, soybean products, and dairy products, respectively. Conclusion The present study suggests that, after the earthquake, living in non-home conditions was associated with poor dietary intake of fruits and vegetables (non-juice), meat, soybean products, and dairy products, suggesting the need for early improvements in the provision of balanced meals among evacuees living in non-home conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan.
| | - Tetsuya Ohira
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan; Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masafumi Abe
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kenji Kamiya
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima, Japan; Department of Experimental Oncology, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shunichi Yamashita
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima, Japan; Japan and Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Seiji Yasumura
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima, Japan; Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Akira Ohtsuru
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima, Japan; Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Maeda Masaharu
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima, Japan; Department of Disaster Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Mayumi Harigane
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Naoko Horikoshi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan; Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yuriko Suzuki
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirooki Yabe
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima, Japan; Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Michiko Yuuki
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masato Nagai
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan; Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hideto Takahashi
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hironori Nakano
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan; Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima, Japan
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Abe H, Kobayashi G, Sato-Okoshi W. Impacts of the 2011 tsunami on the subtidal polychaete assemblage and the following recolonization in Onagawa Bay, northeastern Japan. Mar Environ Res 2015; 112:86-95. [PMID: 26454517 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The ecological impacts of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami and the following recolonization of the subtidal benthic polychaete community were examined by monthly pre- and post-quake field surveys that were conducted in Onagawa Bay from 2007 to 2013. Before the tsunami, the species composition in this benthic community was constant and was dominated by cirratulid and magelonid polychaetes. The density and biomass of benthic polychaetes drastically decreased after the tsunami, and the polychaete community fluctuated during the 2 years after the natural disaster. Spionid and capitellid polychaetes were dominant at this period. In June 2013, the community entered a new constant stage dominated by maldanids, which is different from the pre-quake community. Ecological impacts due to chemical pollution were suggested in addition to the tsunami disturbance. These overlapping effects and physical, chemical and biological factors affected the recovery and recolonization of the polychaete community after the natural disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Abe
- Tohoku National Fisheries Research Institute, Fisheries Research Agency, 3-27-5 Shinhama-cho, Shiogama, Miyagi 985-0001, Japan.
| | - Genki Kobayashi
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba 277-8564, Japan.
| | - Waka Sato-Okoshi
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 981-8555, Japan.
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Okumura T, Tokuno S. Case study of medical evacuation before and after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident in the great east Japan earthquake. Disaster Mil Med 2015; 1:19. [PMID: 28265434 PMCID: PMC5330112 DOI: 10.1186/s40696-015-0009-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction In Japan, participants in the disaster-specific medical transportation system have received ongoing training since 2002, incorporating lessons learned from the Great Hanshin Earthquake. The Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011, and the very first disaster-specific medical transport was performed. This article reviews in detail the central government’s control and coordination of the disaster medical transportation process following the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident. Case description In total, 124 patients were air transported under the coordination of the C5 team in the emergency response headquarter of the Japanese Government. C5 includes experts from the Cabinet Office, Cabinet Secretariat, Fire Defense Agency, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and Ministry of Defense. In the 20–30 km evacuation zone around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, 509 bedridden patients were successfully evacuated without any fatalities during transportation. Discussion and evaluation Many lessons have been learned in disaster-specific medical transportation. The national government, local government, police, and fire agencies have made significant progress in their mutual communication and collaboration. Results Fortunately, hospital evacuation from the 20–30 km area was successfully performed with the aid of local emergency physicians and Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMATs) who have vast experience in patient transport in the course of day-to-day activities. The emergency procedures that are required during crises are an extension of basic daily procedures that are performed by emergency medical staff and first responders, such as fire fighters, emergency medical technicians, or police officers. Medical facilities including nursing homes should have a plan for long-distance (over 100 km) evacuation, and the plan should be routinely reevaluated with full-scale exercises. In addition, hospital evacuation in disaster settings should be supervised by emergency physicians and be handled by disaster specialists who are accustomed to patient transportation on a daily basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsu Okumura
- Countermeasures against NBC (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical) Threats, Office of Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary for National Security and Crisis Management, Cabinet Secretariat, Government of Japan, Nagatacho 2-4-12, Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-0014 Japan
| | - Shinichi Tokuno
- Verbal Analysis of Pathophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Increases in blood pressure were reported in overworked public workers following the Mid-Niigata earthquake. This study aimed to compare blood pressure changes between public employees and the general population after the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011. METHODS We analyzed 1,776 individuals from the general population and 240 public employees of the town of Watari who received medical check-ups in 2010 and from July 2011 through November 2011. Anthropometric parameters and sitting blood pressure were compared, and fasting blood samples were taken from all participants. In post-disaster measurements, the degrees of insomnia, depression, fatigue, and life disruption due to the disaster were assessed using a questionnaire. Information on the working hours of public employees was obtained from authorized sources. RESULTS After age-sex adjustments, the public employees showed greater increases in systolic (11.3 vs. -1.9mm Hg, P < 0.001) and diastolic (7.8 vs. 1.1mm Hg, P < 0.001) blood pressure than the general population when compared with measurements taken during the previous year. In contrast, the degrees of fatigue, depression, and life disruption were equivalent in the 2 groups. The average monthly overtime hours worked by public employees in March 2011 was 10-fold higher compared with the previous March. CONCLUSION Public employees showed greater and more prolonged increases in blood pressure than the general population after the Great East Japan earthquake. Thus blood pressure should be monitored after a great earthquake among public employees, and treatment should be considered if necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Konno
- Preventive Medical Center and Division of Hypertension, Tohoku Rosai Hospital, Sendai, Japan
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