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Vulnerability of Evacuees Having No One to Consult after the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster: The Fukushima Health Management Survey

Author

Listed:
  • Naoko Horikoshi

    (Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
    Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan)

  • Masaharu Maeda

    (Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
    Department of Disaster Psychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan)

  • Mayumi Harigane

    (Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
    Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan)

  • Hajime Iwasa

    (Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
    Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan)

  • Michio Murakami

    (Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
    Department of Health Risk Communication, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan)

  • Maho Momoi

    (Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
    Department of Disaster Psychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan)

  • Saori Goto

    (Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
    Department of Disaster Psychiatry, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan)

  • Seiji Yasumura

    (Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
    Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Naoko Horikoshi & Masaharu Maeda & Mayumi Harigane & Hajime Iwasa & Michio Murakami & Maho Momoi & Saori Goto & Seiji Yasumura, 2021. "Vulnerability of Evacuees Having No One to Consult after the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster: The Fukushima Health Management Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-10, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:19:p:10075-:d:642897
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sone, Toshimasa & Nakaya, Naoki & Sugawara, Yumi & Tomata, Yasutake & Watanabe, Takashi & Tsuji, Ichiro, 2016. "Longitudinal association between time-varying social isolation and psychological distress after the Great East Japan Earthquake," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 96-101.
    2. James Raymo, 2015. "Living alone in Japan: Relationships with happiness and health," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 32(46), pages 1267-1298.
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    Cited by:

    1. Keiko Oishi & Makiko Orita & Yasuyuki Taira & Yuya Kashiwazaki & Hitomi Matsunaga & Noboru Takamura, 2021. "Risk Perception of Health Risks Associated with Radiation Exposure among Residents of Okuma, Fukushima Prefecture," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-8, December.

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