Abstract
After the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in 2011, caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake, some evacuees had no one to consult despite many local care providers offering assistance. This study identified the characteristics of individuals who did not receive consultations and the relevant determinants, and proposed the available measures to address this issue. Altogether, 32,699 participants aged 16 years or older and residing in the disaster area at Fukushima were surveyed. Those with no one to consult showed a significantly higher prevalence of psychological distress (16.2%, p < 0.001) and drinking problems (21.5%, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that these behaviors were associated with the middle age group (i.e., 40–64 years old) (odds ratio [OR]: 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–1.46), men (OR = 2.46; 95% CI, 2.27–2.66), bad financial circumstances (OR = 2.11; 95% CI, 1.96–2.27), and living alone (OR = 1.53; 95% CI, 1.39–1.68). This research verifies that people with such characteristics were more likely to be isolated and vulnerable to psychiatric problems, such as depression. We suggest that it is integral for local care providers to recognize those who have no one to consult and provide targeted support.
Highlights
After the nuclear accident following the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, evacuees in the Fukushima Prefecture were forced into long-term and widespread evacuation
Thereafter, we studied factors associated with the having no one to consult (HNC) group using and lifestyle-related diseases), and disaster-related variables
These variables were compared in theand, presence absence of the proportion of HNC was higher among males than females in theand
Summary
After the nuclear accident following the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, evacuees in the Fukushima Prefecture were forced into long-term and widespread evacuation. Many evacuees were separated from their communities and families, which affected them both physically and psychologically. The target population is approximately 210,000 people residing in the municipalities, including areas designated as evacuation order areas after the incident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. We evaluated the mental and physical health of the affected people and their lifestyles based on their responses and provided telephonic support to those at high risk [4,5]. We worked with different stakeholders and local health care workers, including public health nurses in the affected municipalities, Int. J.
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