Relationship between Psychological Factors and Social Support after Lifting of Evacuation Order in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.

Yujiro Kuroda,Yohei Koyama

doi:10.3390/bs10100149

Abstract

We examined the relationships among social support and psychological variables and investigated the status of social support among villagers whose evacuation order had been lifted. A written questionnaire was posted to 4828 registered residents of Iitate Village; 1405 valid responses were received. The main finding (in joint assessment by local and external experts) was the “need for professional support” (191 respondents, 13.6%). A multivariate analysis found that among those living in permanent housing outside the village, the need for support was significantly more likely for those without emotional support or instrumental support than for those not providing support. The associations between perceived social support and living environment suggest the need to strengthen social support measures in areas where evacuation orders are yet to be lifted, and provide useful information for examining the effects of future support efforts.

Highlights

After the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in March 2011, as one of protective measures against exposure to radiation, the Japanese government issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents living in the areas affected by radioactive fallout [1]
We focus on the social impact of the nuclear accident on residents of Iitate Village and discuss potential roles of social supports for their psychological states
We investigated the relationship between the need for professional support and the perceived social support (PSS) status of long-term evacuees from the Fukushima nuclear disaster in relation to their living environment following the lifting of the evacuation order

Summary

Introduction

After the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in March 2011, as one of protective measures against exposure to radiation, the Japanese government issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents living in the areas affected by radioactive fallout [1]. As of 2020, the evacuation orders in most areas have been lifted, and some residents have returned to their hometowns. Problems arose from evacuation and relocation, due mainly to shortages of human and material resources and infrastructure (e.g., hospital ward closures) [3,4]. Radiation was no doubt a critical risk factor in the nuclear accident aftermath, the affected population has suffered secondary health problems and living difficulties due to the evacuation and lifestyle changes. We focus on the social impact of the nuclear accident on residents of Iitate Village and discuss potential roles of social supports for their psychological states

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Discussion

Conclusion