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Public Health Preparedness for and Response to Nuclear Disasters

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2018) | Viewed by 79470

Special Issue Editors

Associate Professor, Department of Health Risk Communication, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, 960-1295, Japan
Interests: environmental risk; radiation risk; regulatory science; risk assessment; risk communication; risk comparison; risk perception; subjective well-being
Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
Interests: disease burden; global health policy; public health; biostatistics; radiation risk; risk assessment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A nuclear disaster is not a simple matter of radiation-induced health risks. Past and ongoing experiences from the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the 1979 Three Mile Island accident, the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, and the 2011 Fukushima disaster teach us that nuclear disasters cause complex harms to public health, including non-radiological physical and psychological effects. Societal effects include decline of wellbeing, trauma, and stigma. Both science and society need to understand the multiple health risks in order to inform both current measures and future emergency preparedness. This Special Issue, “Public Health Preparedness for, and Response to, Nuclear Disasters” that we are organizing will cover both specific and interdisciplinary sciences, including radiological protection, public health, psychology, social science, environmental science, safety engineering, and economics. Field, clinical, epidemiological, and experimental studies related to any risk issue (e.g., risk assessment, management, or communication) are welcome. Considering lessons learned from past experiences, we welcome papers on risk communication narratives and education on nuclear disaster. We expect that the body of knowledge collected in this special issue will advance understanding of and preparedness for the multiple public health risks posed by a nuclear disaster and consequently save and support disaster victims.

Dr. Michio Murakami
Mr. Shuhei Nomura
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Radiological protection and safety
  • Disease, injury, and risk to health
  • Health system resilience and sustainability
  • Health emergency preparedness and response
  • Socio-economic analysis
  • Policy situation analysis
  • Risk perception
  • Risk communication and narrative
  • Education

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 221 KiB  
Editorial
Public Health Preparedness for and Response to Nuclear Disasters: An Editorial
by Shuhei Nomura and Michio Murakami
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(11), 2489; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15112489 - 08 Nov 2018
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2860
Abstract
In 2011, resilience to nuclear disasters emerged as a core public health challenge. [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Preparedness for and Response to Nuclear Disasters)

Research

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11 pages, 844 KiB  
Article
Depressive Symptoms and Associated Factors in Female Students in Fukushima Four Years after the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Disaster
by Shinya Ito, Mie Sasaki, Satoko Okabe, Nobuhiro Konno and Aya Goto
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(11), 2411; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15112411 - 30 Oct 2018
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3266
Abstract
Young women in their late teens and early 20s are at the highest risk for depression onset. The present study aimed to assess depressive symptoms among female college students in Fukushima. More specifically, it aimed to clarify factors predicting possible symptom profiles, with [...] Read more.
Young women in their late teens and early 20s are at the highest risk for depression onset. The present study aimed to assess depressive symptoms among female college students in Fukushima. More specifically, it aimed to clarify factors predicting possible symptom profiles, with an emphasis on determining how nuclear radiation risks affect the reporting of depression symptoms. A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 310 female students at a college in the Fukushima prefecture, Japan, in December 2015, and 288 participants submitted valid questionnaires. In total, 222 (77.1%) participants lived in Fukushima at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The measures included the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index, the Fukushima Future Parents Attitude Measure, and risk perception of radiation health effects. A total of 46.5% of participants reported depressive symptoms. Path analysis revealed that higher radiation risk perceptions and reduced efficacy with reproduction related to a decline in self-esteem and self-efficacy, which was subsequently associated with increased depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of radiation education among children and young adults, both after a nuclear accident and during disaster preparation, particularly in the context of reproductive and mental health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Preparedness for and Response to Nuclear Disasters)
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11 pages, 968 KiB  
Article
Estimation of Dietary Intake of Radionuclides and Effectiveness of Regulation after the Fukushima Accident and in Virtual Nuclear Power Plant Accident Scenarios
by Michio Murakami, Takao Nirasawa, Takao Yoshikane, Keisuke Sueki, Kimikazu Sasa and Kei Yoshimura
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(8), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15081589 - 26 Jul 2018
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3470
Abstract
Evaluation of radiation exposure from diet is necessary under the assumption of a virtual accident as a part of emergency preparedness. Here, we developed a model with complete consideration of the regional food trade using deposition data simulated by a transport model, and [...] Read more.
Evaluation of radiation exposure from diet is necessary under the assumption of a virtual accident as a part of emergency preparedness. Here, we developed a model with complete consideration of the regional food trade using deposition data simulated by a transport model, and estimated the dietary intake of radionuclides and the effectiveness of regulation (e.g., restrictions on the distribution of foods) after the Fukushima accident and in virtual accident scenarios. We also evaluated the dilution factors (i.e., ratios of contaminated foods to consumed foods) and cost-effectiveness of regulation as basic information for setting regulatory values. The doses estimated under actual emission conditions were generally consistent with those observed in food-duplicate and market-basket surveys within a factor of three. Regulation of restricted food distribution resulted in reductions in the doses of 54–65% in the nearest large city to the nuclear power plant. The dilution factors under actual emission conditions were 4.4% for radioiodine and 2.7% for radiocesium, which are ~20 times lower than those used in the Japanese provisional regulation values after the Fukushima accident. Strict regulation worsened the cost-effectiveness for both radionuclides. This study highlights the significance and utility of the developed model for a risk analysis of emergency preparedness and regulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Preparedness for and Response to Nuclear Disasters)
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12 pages, 298 KiB  
Article
Association between Health Literacy and Radiation Anxiety among Residents after a Nuclear Accident: Comparison between Evacuated and Non-Evacuated Areas
by Yujiro Kuroda, Hajime Iwasa, Masatsugu Orui, Nobuaki Moriyama, Chihiro Nakayama and Seiji Yasumura
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(7), 1463; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15071463 - 11 Jul 2018
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4004
Abstract
Following the accident at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in March 2011, both experts and the national government provided insufficient information on radiation, leading to widespread distrust in the community. This study aimed at clarifying the association between anxiety about radiation and health [...] Read more.
Following the accident at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in March 2011, both experts and the national government provided insufficient information on radiation, leading to widespread distrust in the community. This study aimed at clarifying the association between anxiety about radiation and health literacy among residents in evacuation and non-evacuation areas in Fukushima. A questionnaire survey was sent to randomly sampled residents between August and October 2016, and data from 777 responses (38.9% valid response) were analyzed. The questionnaire assessed current radiation anxiety and discrimination and prejudice based on radiation exposure through seven items and communicative and critical health literacy through five items. Multiple regression analysis of the association between radiation anxiety and health literacy showed that the level of health literacy was significantly negatively associated with radiation anxiety in the evacuation areas (marginally in the non-evacuation areas) and marginally negatively associated with discrimination and prejudice in the evacuation areas but not in the non-evacuation areas. Therefore, improving health literacy could alleviate radiation anxiety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Preparedness for and Response to Nuclear Disasters)
13 pages, 1907 KiB  
Article
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
by Yujiro Kuroda, Hajime Iwasa, Masatsugu Orui, Nobuaki Moriyama, Claudia Kimie Suemoto, Chikako Yashiro, Kumiko Matsuda and Seiji Yasumura
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(7), 1430; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15071430 - 06 Jul 2018
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4239
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 [...] Read more.
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. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Preparedness for and Response to Nuclear Disasters)
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11 pages, 371 KiB  
Article
Changes in Risk Perception of the Health Effects of Radiation and Mental Health Status: The Fukushima Health Management Survey
by Yuriko Suzuki, Yoshitake Takebayashi, Seiji Yasumura, Michio Murakami, Mayumi Harigane, Hirooki Yabe, Tetsuya Ohira, Akira Ohtsuru, Satomi Nakajima and Masaharu Maeda
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(6), 1219; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15061219 - 10 Jun 2018
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 6497
Abstract
After the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, numerous evacuees reported poor mental health status and high-risk perceptions of the health effects of radiation. However, the temporal associations between these variables have not yet been examined. Using data from the Fukushima Health Survey, we [...] Read more.
After the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, numerous evacuees reported poor mental health status and high-risk perceptions of the health effects of radiation. However, the temporal associations between these variables have not yet been examined. Using data from the Fukushima Health Survey, we examined changes in risk perception of the health effects of radiation over time and assessed the effects of mental health on such changes using logistic regression analysis. Risk perception for delayed effect pertains a brief on health effect in later life (delayed effect), whereas that of genetic effect pertains a brief on health effect of future children and grandchildren (genetic effect). We found that many participants showed consistently high or low-risk perceptions over all three study years (2011–2013) (for delayed effect: 59% and 41% of participants were in the low and high-risk perception groups, respectively; for genetic effect: 47% and 53%, respectively). Stronger traumatic reactions (≥50 on the PTSD Checklist–Specific) significantly affected the odds of being in the high-risk perception group for the delayed and genetic effects, with the associations being strongest soon after the disaster: The adjusted ORs (95%CIs) were 2.05 (1.82–2.31), 1.86 (1.61–2.15), and 1.88 (1.62–2.17) for the delayed effect in 2011, 2012, and 2013, respectively, and 2.18 (1.92–2.48), 2.05 (1.75–2.40), and 1.82 (1.55–2.15) for the genetic effect. As initial mental health status had the strongest impact on later risk perceptions of radiation, it should be considered in early response and communication efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Preparedness for and Response to Nuclear Disasters)
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9 pages, 319 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between Sleep Time and Mental Health Problems According to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in Children after an Earthquake Disaster: The Fukushima Health Management Survey
by Shuntaro Itagaki, Tetsuya Ohira, Masato Nagai, Seiji Yasumura, Masaharu Maeda, Yuriko Suzuki, Hirobumi Mashiko, Tetsuya Shiga, Itaru Miura and Hirooki Yabe
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(4), 633; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15040633 - 30 Mar 2018
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4932
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was performed on the adverse effects of sleep time on the mental health of children after the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent nuclear reactor accident in March 2011. The target participants were children aged 4–15 years living inside the [...] Read more.
A cross-sectional study was performed on the adverse effects of sleep time on the mental health of children after the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent nuclear reactor accident in March 2011. The target participants were children aged 4–15 years living inside the government-designated evacuation zone as of 11 March 2011 (n = 29,585). The participants’ parents/guardians completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and sleep time data were obtained from the 2011 Fukushima Health Management Survey. A total of 18,745 valid responses were returned. We excluded questionnaires with incomplete answers leaving 13,272 responses for the final analysis. First, we divided the children into three age groups for analysis. Second, we divided each age group into four or five groups based on sleep time per day. We used SDQ scores ≥16 to indicate a high risk of mental health problems. In the 4–6-year-old group, those with a sleep time of <9 h had a higher risk. In the 7–12-year-old group, those with ≥10 h of sleep time had a higher risk. In the 13–15-year-old group, those with ≥9 h of sleep time had a higher risk. Shorter sleep time was associated with a higher risk of mental health in 4–6-year-olds. On the other hand, oversleeping was associated with a high risk of mental health in 7–15-year-olds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Preparedness for and Response to Nuclear Disasters)
17 pages, 1106 KiB  
Article
Social Capital Enhanced Disaster Preparedness and Health Consultations after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Power Station Accident
by Makoto Hasegawa, Michio Murakami, Yoshitake Takebayashi, Satoshi Suzuki and Hitoshi Ohto
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(3), 516; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15030516 - 14 Mar 2018
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5375
Abstract
After the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident in 2011, there was a strong demand to promote disaster preparedness approaches and health checkups for the prevention of lifestyle diseases. This study examined the yearly change in [...] Read more.
After the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident in 2011, there was a strong demand to promote disaster preparedness approaches and health checkups for the prevention of lifestyle diseases. This study examined the yearly change in the percentage of those who prepared for disasters and who utilized health checkups in Fukushima Prefecture, and identified the factors governing disaster preparedness and utilization of health checkups. We used the public opinion survey from 2011 to 2015 (n = 677–779 each year) on prefectural policies that is conducted every year by the Fukushima Prefecture government Public Consultation Unit. We found that the percentage of those who prepare for disasters decreased, while that for health checkups did not significantly change. With regard to disaster preparedness, experiences of disaster enhance disaster preparedness, while bonds with other local people help to maintain preparedness. For health checkups, familiarity with the welfare service was the most important factor governing such consultations. The findings suggest that social capital should be promoted in order to improve disaster preparedness. The findings also suggest that residents’ accessibility to medical and welfare services is also important in promoting the utilization of health checkups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Preparedness for and Response to Nuclear Disasters)
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15 pages, 2897 KiB  
Article
Use of Iodine-131 to Tellurium-132 Ratios for Assessing the Relationships between Human Inhaled Radioactivity and Environmental Monitoring after the Accident in Fukushima
by Koji Uchiyama, Masami Miyashita, Yoshinobu Tanishima, Shigenobu Maeda, Hitoshi Sato, Jun Yoshikawa, Shuji Watanabe, Masamichi Shibata, Shuji Ohhira and Gen Kobashi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(3), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15030483 - 09 Mar 2018
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5135
Abstract
Significant differences in findings were seen between the intake amounts of iodine-131 that were derived from direct measurements and the estimated intake from environmental monitoring data at the Fukushima accident. To clarify these discrepancies, we have investigated the iodine-131 and tellurium-132 body burdens [...] Read more.
Significant differences in findings were seen between the intake amounts of iodine-131 that were derived from direct measurements and the estimated intake from environmental monitoring data at the Fukushima accident. To clarify these discrepancies, we have investigated the iodine-131 and tellurium-132 body burdens of five human subjects, who after being exposed to a radioactive plume, underwent 21.5 h whole body counter measurements at Fukui Prefectural Hospital, so clear intake scenario and thyroid counter measurement data were available. To determine the iodine-131 and tellurium-132 body burdens, we introduced a new method of whole body counter calibration composed of a self-consistent approach with the time-dependent correction efficiency factors concept. The ratios of iodine-131 to tellurium-132, ranging from 0.96 ± 0.05 to 2.29 ± 0.38, were consistent with results of the environmental measurements. The 24 h iodine uptake values ranging from 12.1–16.0% were within euthyroid range in Japanese people. These results suggest, even if the relatively low thyroid iodine uptake in the Japanese population was taken into consideration, that there is no doubt about the consistency between direct measurements and environmental monitoring data. Adequate intake scenario is suggested to be principally important to estimate the inhaled radioactivity in areas in or around nuclear accidents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Preparedness for and Response to Nuclear Disasters)
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17 pages, 525 KiB  
Article
Effect of Radiological Countermeasures on Subjective Well-Being and Radiation Anxiety after the 2011 Disaster: The Fukushima Health Management Survey
by Michio Murakami, Yoshitake Takebayashi, Yoshihito Takeda, Akiko Sato, Yasumasa Igarashi, Kazumi Sano, Tetsuo Yasutaka, Wataru Naito, Sumire Hirota, Aya Goto, Tetsuya Ohira, Seiji Yasumura and Koichi Tanigawa
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(1), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15010124 - 12 Jan 2018
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6129
Abstract
After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident in 2011, concerns about radiation exposure and decline in subjective well-being have been reported. To tackle these problems, various countermeasures in relation to radiation have been implemented. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the effects [...] Read more.
After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident in 2011, concerns about radiation exposure and decline in subjective well-being have been reported. To tackle these problems, various countermeasures in relation to radiation have been implemented. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the effects of radiological countermeasures on subjective well-being (e.g., satisfaction with life (SWL) and emotional well-being) and radiation anxiety, through a questionnaire survey targeting Fukushima residents (N = 1023). Propensity scores matching was applied to evaluate significant effects of radiological countermeasures on subjective well-being and radiation anxiety. Among the radiological countermeasures, thyroid examination, whole body counter, and air dose monitoring showed the highest proportions of participation, utilization, and useful evaluation, suggesting a high degree of public attention focused on these countermeasures. The basic survey was associated with significant increases in SWL and self-rated health (SH). Thyroid examination was significantly associated with not only a reduction in radiation anxiety but also an increase of emotional stress, suggesting the importance of careful design of system and detailed communication. Food inspection was associated with deterioration in SH. Those who utilized explanatory meetings showed increases in sadness, worry, and radiation anxiety, indicating that additional attention is required of the experts and authorities involved in explanatory meetings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Preparedness for and Response to Nuclear Disasters)
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10 pages, 1048 KiB  
Article
Trajectories of Emotional Symptoms and Peer Relationship Problems in Children after Nuclear Disaster: Evidence from the Fukushima Health Management Survey
by Misari Oe, Masaharu Maeda, Tetsuya Ohira, Shuntaro Itagaki, Mayumi Harigane, Yuriko Suzuki, Hirooki Yabe, Seiji Yasumura, Kenji Kamiya and Hitoshi Ohto
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15010082 - 06 Jan 2018
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5092
Abstract
The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, which occurred in March 2011, is having long-term effects on children. We planned this study to describe the trajectories of emotional symptoms and peer relationship problems in children and to examine potential risks and protective factors [...] Read more.
The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, which occurred in March 2011, is having long-term effects on children. We planned this study to describe the trajectories of emotional symptoms and peer relationship problems in children and to examine potential risks and protective factors over the 35 months following the accident. The sample was 11,791 children in the first to sixth elementary grades. We identified four patterns for emotional symptoms and three patterns for peer relationship problems, using group-based trajectory modelling. For emotional symptoms, female gender, experience of tsunami and nuclear plant accident, out-of-prefecture evacuees, and insufficient physical activity were associated with the very severe trajectory. In contrast, for peer relationship problems, male gender, experience of nuclear plant accident, and insufficient physical activity were associated with the very severe trajectory. Different factors might be related to the very severe trajectories of emotional symptoms and peer relationship problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Preparedness for and Response to Nuclear Disasters)
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1264 KiB  
Article
Factors Associated with Maintaining the Mental Health of Employees after the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster: Findings from Companies Located in the Evacuation Area
by Masatsugu Orui, Yuriko Suzuki, Aya Goto and Seiji Yasumura
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15010053 - 31 Dec 2017
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4597
Abstract
After the nuclear disaster in Fukushima on 11 March 2011, some businesses were permitted to continue operating even though they were located in the evacuation area designated by the Japanese government. The aim of this study was to examine differences in the mental [...] Read more.
After the nuclear disaster in Fukushima on 11 March 2011, some businesses were permitted to continue operating even though they were located in the evacuation area designated by the Japanese government. The aim of this study was to examine differences in the mental health status, workplace, living environment, and lifestyle of employees in the evacuation and non-evacuation areas. We also investigated factors related to their mental health status. Data for this cross-sectional study were collected from the questionnaire responses of 647 employees at three medium-sized manufacturing companies in the evacuation and non-evacuation areas. Through a cross-tabulation analysis, employees who worked at companies in the evacuation areas showed an increase in the duration of overtime work, work burden, and commute time, and had experienced separation from family members due to the radiation disaster and perceived radiation risks. The results of a multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, even in a harsh workplace and living environment, being younger, participating regularly in physical activity, having a social network (Lubben Social Network Scale-6 ≤ 12), laughing frequently, and feeling satisfied with one’s workplace and domestic life were significantly associated with maintaining a healthy mental health status after the disaster. These findings are applicable for workers’ health management measures after disasters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Preparedness for and Response to Nuclear Disasters)
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306 KiB  
Article
Perception of Radiation Risk as a Predictor of Mid-Term Mental Health after a Nuclear Disaster: The Fukushima Health Management Survey
by Itaru Miura, Masato Nagai, Masaharu Maeda, Mayumi Harigane, Senta Fujii, Misari Oe, Hirooki Yabe, Yuriko Suzuki, Hideto Takahashi, Tetsuya Ohira, Seiji Yasumura and Masafumi Abe
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(9), 1067; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14091067 - 15 Sep 2017
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 5711
Abstract
Predictive factors including risk perception for mid-term mental health after a nuclear disaster remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between perceived radiation risk and other factors at baseline and mid-term mental health after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear [...] Read more.
Predictive factors including risk perception for mid-term mental health after a nuclear disaster remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between perceived radiation risk and other factors at baseline and mid-term mental health after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster of 2011 in Japan. A mail-based questionnaire survey was conducted in January 2012 and January 2013. Mental health status was assessed using the K6 scale. Psychological distress over the 2-year period was categorized into the following four groups: chronic, recovered, resistant, or worsened. Most participants (80.3%) were resistant to the disaster. A positive association was found between the radiation risk perception regarding immediate effects and the worsened group in women. Baseline post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a history of psychiatric disease predicted being in the chronic or worsened group in mid-term course. These results suggest that evacuees who believed that their health was substantially affected by the nuclear disaster were at an increased risk of having poor mid-term mental health in women. Careful assessment of risk perception after a nuclear disaster, including the presence of PTSD or a history of psychiatric disease, is needed for appropriate interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Preparedness for and Response to Nuclear Disasters)

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

20 pages, 380 KiB  
Review
Diversity of Concerns in Recovery after a Nuclear Accident: A Perspective from Fukushima
by Akiko Sato and Yuliya Lyamzina
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(2), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15020350 - 16 Feb 2018
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 7208
Abstract
Since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident, tremendous resources have been devoted to recovery, and the Japanese Government is gradually lifting evacuation orders. However, public concerns remain prevalent, affecting some people’s return to a normal life and threatening their well-being. This study reviews government [...] Read more.
Since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident, tremendous resources have been devoted to recovery, and the Japanese Government is gradually lifting evacuation orders. However, public concerns remain prevalent, affecting some people’s return to a normal life and threatening their well-being. This study reviews government reports, academic papers, newspaper articles and conference presentations with the aim of obtaining a better understanding of issues which relate to radiation concerns in the recovery process in the aftermath of the accident. It looks extensively at: (1) the current status of the post-accident operations and existing radiation issues in Fukushima, and (2) approaches taken to engage the public during recovery from five previous comparable nuclear and radiological events: Three Mile Island, Buenos Aires (RA-2 facility), Chernobyl, Goiânia and Tokai-mura. The findings indicate that the limitations and emerging challenges of the current recovery operations cause concerns about radiation exposure in various aspects of day-to-day life. Past experiences suggest that long-term management that take a holistic and cohesive approach is critical for restoration of sustainable livelihoods and for social re-integration. Not only actual risks but also public perceptions of risks should be carefully assessed and addressed in the process of environmental remediation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Preparedness for and Response to Nuclear Disasters)
1099 KiB  
Review
Risk Perception and Anxiety Regarding Radiation after the 2011 Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Accident: A Systematic Qualitative Review
by Yoshitake Takebayashi, Yuliya Lyamzina, Yuriko Suzuki and Michio Murakami
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(11), 1306; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14111306 - 27 Oct 2017
Cited by 81 | Viewed by 9806
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to provide a review of the publications of the risk perceptions or anxiety regarding radiation among people living in Japan after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant accident. Two database (MEDLINE and PsycINFO) and hand-searched the references [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to provide a review of the publications of the risk perceptions or anxiety regarding radiation among people living in Japan after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant accident. Two database (MEDLINE and PsycINFO) and hand-searched the references in identified publications were searched. For each identified publication, the measurements and time related-change of risk perception and anxiety regarding radiation were summarized. Twenty-four publications were identified. Quantitative measures of risk perception or anxiety were roughly divided into two types: single-item Likert scales that measure anxiety about radiation; and theoretical, or model-based measures. Rates of Fukushima residents with radiation-related anxiety decreased from 2012 to 2015. Factors governing risk perception or radiation-related anxiety were summarized by demographics, disaster-related stressors, trusted information, and radiation-related variables. The effects of risk perception or anxiety regarding radiation were summarized as severe distress, intention to leave employment or not to return home, or other dimensions. This review provides summary of current findings on risk perception or anxiety regarding radiation in Japan after the accident. Further researches are needed about detailed statistical analysis for time-related change and causality among variables. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Preparedness for and Response to Nuclear Disasters)
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