International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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18 pages, 4161 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Responsiveness and Adaptability of Healthcare Facilities in Emergency Scenarios: COVID-19 Experience

by Marta Łukasik and Anna Porębska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 675; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020675 - 7 Jan 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3500

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed many vulnerabilities of the contemporary built environment along with limited preparedness and low efficiency in mitigating unexpected and unprecedented challenges. This article discusses the efficiency and responsiveness of basic hospital spatial layouts in three different scenarios: normal operation; the [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed many vulnerabilities of the contemporary built environment along with limited preparedness and low efficiency in mitigating unexpected and unprecedented challenges. This article discusses the efficiency and responsiveness of basic hospital spatial layouts in three different scenarios: normal operation; the segregation of a large number of patients and still providing them with access to emergency healthcare, typical for a pandemic; and a sudden, extremely high number of admissions typical for compound disasters and terrorist attacks. A set of parameters and a method for general adaptability assessment (GAAT) that can be used as a tool in decision-making processes as well as evaluation of both existing facilities and the new models for resilient hospitals resulting from the experience of the pandemic are proposed. The paper emphasizes why factors among which adaptability, convertibility, and scalability should be at the very core of hospital development and management strategies. It also discusses new models of adaptable healthcare facilities that enable day-to-day operations to continue alongside a pandemic, and other emergency scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Challenges in Emergency Response and Public Health in Compound Disasters)

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11 pages, 496 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Residents’ Timing of Return to or New Settlement in Kawauchi Village, at 10 Years after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident

by Hitomi Matsunaga, Makiko Orita, Mengjie Liu, Yuya Kashiwazaki, Yasuyuki Taira and Noboru Takamura

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 543; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010543 - 4 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2044

Abstract

Kawauchi village in Fukushima prefecture was affected by the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident, and residents had to evacuate from their hometown in 2011. This study clarified the timing and related factors with regard to residents returning to or newly settling [...] Read more.

Kawauchi village in Fukushima prefecture was affected by the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident, and residents had to evacuate from their hometown in 2011. This study clarified the timing and related factors with regard to residents returning to or newly settling in Kawauchi. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire, from February to March 2021, with assistance from the Kawauchi village office and post office. Of the 374 residents, 170 (45.5%) had returned to or newly settled in Kawauchi within the past 2 years (group 1), 84 (22.5%) in the past 2–5 years (group 2), and 99 (26.5%) after more than 5 years (group 3) following the evacuation order. An additional 21 residents (5.5%) who had lived in Kawauchi at the time of the FDNPP had not yet returned (group 4). Compared with the other groups, residents in group 1 were more satisfied with their current lives and were coping better with stress. Even though they had experienced a serious nuclear disaster, residents of Kawauchi village who returned to their hometown in the early phase had a high sense of satisfaction with their current life one decade after the FDNPP accident. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Challenges in Emergency Response and Public Health in Compound Disasters)

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15 pages, 599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Association between Parenting Confidence and Later Child Mental Health in the Area Affected by the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster: The Fukushima Health Management Survey

by Rie Mizuki, Masaharu Maeda, Tomoyuki Kobayashi, Naoko Horikoshi, Mayumi Harigane, Shuntaro Itagaki, Hironori Nakano, Tetsuya Ohira, Hirooki Yabe, Seiji Yasumura and Kenji Kamiya

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010476 - 2 Jan 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2471

Abstract

After the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident, the Fukushima Health Management Survey was conducted to assess children’s lifestyle and mental health conditions. The participants in this study were 1126 children, aged 0 to 3 years, living in the evacuation zone at [...] Read more.

After the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident, the Fukushima Health Management Survey was conducted to assess children’s lifestyle and mental health conditions. The participants in this study were 1126 children, aged 0 to 3 years, living in the evacuation zone at the time of the disaster. The parenting confidence of their mothers was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire as a baseline in 2013. We examined the association of parenting confidence level at baseline, using a total difficulty score of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and reluctance to attend school among children in a follow-up study in 2016 and 2017. As a result, no confidence was reported by 178 (15.8%) mothers, while 477 (42.4%) responded with “not sure” and 471 (41.8%) were confident. In the multiple logistic analysis, after adjusting for covariates such as the child’s sex, age, and current health condition, the group lacking parenting confidence demonstrated a significantly higher risk level for SDQ total difficulties (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.59–4.93) and reluctance to attend school (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.24–3.18) than the confident mothers. After a major disaster, which can have long-term effects on communities, intensive psychological care for mothers with young children is needed to prevent various mental health problems in their children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Challenges in Emergency Response and Public Health in Compound Disasters)

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13 pages, 4834 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health and Medical Issues in the Area Affected by Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident

by Akemi Miyagawa and Koichi Tanigawa

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010144 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2927

Abstract

Futaba County was the area most affected by the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. To understand issues around the re-development of the medical system, we investigated the post-accident changes in medical needs and the system’s transition. We analyzed reports from Fukushima [...] Read more.

Futaba County was the area most affected by the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. To understand issues around the re-development of the medical system, we investigated the post-accident changes in medical needs and the system’s transition. We analyzed reports from Fukushima Prefecture and local municipalities, ambulance transport data from the Futaba Fire Department, and patient data from Futaba Medical Center (FMC). After the accident, all medical institutions were closed, and the number of ambulance use dropped sharply. With the lifting of evacuation orders beginning in 2014, the amount of ambulance use increased at an annual rate of about 10%. Early on, the proportion of trauma caused by occupational and traffic accidents increased rapidly to more than 30%. As residents returned, the proportion related to endogenous diseases (most commonly respiratory) increased. Soon after the FMC opened in 2018, the majority of the patients were in their 60s, and by 2019 the proportion of patients in their 80s markedly increased. The return of the residents as well as ongoing decontamination and reconstruction projects were related to changes in the demographics of patients and the types of injuries and illnesses observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Challenges in Emergency Response and Public Health in Compound Disasters)

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18 pages, 9924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influencing Factors of Public Satisfaction with COVID-19 Prevention Services Based on Structural Equation Modeling (SEM): A Study of Nanjing, China

by Wei Chen, Yijun Shi, Liwen Fan, Lijun Huang and Jingyi Gao

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13281; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413281 - 16 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3425

Abstract

Service satisfaction with public policies is an important component of public service quality management, which is of great significance to the improvement of public service quality. Based on an online questionnaire survey and in combination with the characteristics of public policies and services, [...] Read more.

Service satisfaction with public policies is an important component of public service quality management, which is of great significance to the improvement of public service quality. Based on an online questionnaire survey and in combination with the characteristics of public policies and services, in this study the influencing factors of residents’ satisfaction with COVID-19 pandemic prevention services were analyzed with structural equation modeling. The results reveal that the data fit the model well, and all the hypotheses formulated in this study were supported. Among the factors that were found to directly affect residents’ satisfaction with pandemic prevention services, perceived quality (PQ) has the greatest impact on satisfaction, followed by the disaster situation (DS) and policy expectation (PE). The observed variables that have significant impacts on the latent variables were also explored. Regarding the main findings, the residents who were seriously affected by the pandemic tended to have lower satisfaction with the policies and services provided by the government. Moreover, the improvement of PQ was found to significantly increase pandemic prevention service satisfaction (SS). Finally, the residents with a good psychological status during the pandemic were found to have higher satisfaction. According to the results, implications for the prevention and control practices of similar public health emergencies are proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Challenges in Emergency Response and Public Health in Compound Disasters)

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8 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Perception of Health Risks Associated with Radiation Exposure among Residents of Okuma, Fukushima Prefecture

by Keiko Oishi, Makiko Orita, Yasuyuki Taira, Yuya Kashiwazaki, Hitomi Matsunaga and Noboru Takamura

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13208; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413208 - 15 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2169

Abstract

Ten years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident on 11 March 2011. Okuma is a town hosting the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The evacuation order for Okuma was partially lifted in [...] Read more.

Ten years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident on 11 March 2011. Okuma is a town hosting the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The evacuation order for Okuma was partially lifted in April 2019. To clarify factors associated with risk perceptions of radiation among the residents of Okuma, we conducted a questionnaire survey in January 2021. Our results revealed that resident anxieties regarding the health effects of radiation exposure from living in Okuma were independently associated with positive PCL-Specific score, recognition of the consultation services with radiation experts in the municipal government of Okuma, and planned request for consultation service regarding radiation exposure by radiation experts, along with being female and living with a child. It is important for radiation experts to promote periodic communication of risks with individuals on a small scale to provide accurate information about the health effects of radiation and to provide maternal and child healthcare services and support regarding child-rearing and radiation exposure, to reduce concerns about radiation exposure and facilitate healthy living and wellbeing in Okuma. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Challenges in Emergency Response and Public Health in Compound Disasters)

13 pages, 1653 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tailoring Digital Tools to Address the Radiation and Health Information Needs of Returnees after a Nuclear Accident

by Takashi Ohba, Aya Goto, Yui Yumiya, Michio Murakami, Hironori Nakano, Kaori Honda, Kenneth E. Nollet, Thierry Schneider and Koichi Tanigawa

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12704; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312704 - 2 Dec 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2439

Abstract

Digital tools are increasingly used for health promotion, but their utility during recovery from a nuclear disaster has yet to be established. This study analysed differences in knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward digital tools for radiation protection and health promotion, and preferences [...] Read more.

Digital tools are increasingly used for health promotion, but their utility during recovery from a nuclear disaster has yet to be established. This study analysed differences in knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward digital tools for radiation protection and health promotion, and preferences for specific application functions, among cohorts living within and outside areas affected by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station (FDNPS) accident. A needs assessment was conducted by internet survey, and responses from those affected (N = 86) and not affected (N = 253) were compared and quantified by an adjusted odds ratio (aOR), using logistic regression analyses. KAP toward the radiation-related application in the affected group had an aOR of 1.95 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.12–3.38) for knowledge, and 5.71 (CI = 2.55–12.8) for practice. Conversely, toward the health-related application, the aOR of the affected group was 0.50 (CI = 0.29–0.86). The preference in the affected group was significantly lower for two application functions related to radiation measurement and two health-related functions (one about the effects of radiation in general and another about personal health advice in general): aOR range 0.43–0.50. Development of specific applications incorporating the findings from this survey was intended to foster a locally appropriate eHealth environment during recovery from the FDNPS accident. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Challenges in Emergency Response and Public Health in Compound Disasters)

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12 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

User-Guided Design of a Digital Tool for Health Promotion and Radiation Protection: Results from an Internet Needs Survey

by Yui Yumiya, Takashi Ohba, Michio Murakami, Hironori Nakano, Kenneth E. Nollet and Aya Goto

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 12007; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182212007 - 16 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2066

Abstract

Background: Digital tools can be powerful and effective in connecting people with life-saving and health-promoting support when facing a health crisis. To develop a digital application for radiation protection and health promotion for evacuees returning home after the Fukushima nuclear accident, we conducted [...] Read more.

Background: Digital tools can be powerful and effective in connecting people with life-saving and health-promoting support when facing a health crisis. To develop a digital application for radiation protection and health promotion for evacuees returning home after the Fukushima nuclear accident, we conducted a needs assessment survey and explored the association of people’s eHealth literacy (eHL) level with their digital tool knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP). Methods: From 339 responses to an online survey, data from 264 lay persons were analyzed. The KAP items were those used in a prior EU project, and eHL levels were assessed with a Japanese version of the eHealth Literacy Scale. Results: Multivariable analyses showed significant associations between eHL and the digital tool KAP for radiation protection (knowledge: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.10; attitude: 1.06; practice: 1.10) and for health promotion (knowledge: aOR = 1.13; attitude: 1.06; practice: 1.16). Conclusions: People with a higher eHL had a more positive KAP. For those with a lower eHL, we are formulating easy-to-understand explanations to promote the utilization of the digital tool and enthusiasm for future community-oriented digital tools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Challenges in Emergency Response and Public Health in Compound Disasters)

10 pages, 873 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Physical Function, and Mental Health among Older Returnees after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Accident

by Nobuaki Moriyama, Yoshitaka Nishikawa, Wataru Hoshi, Tomomi Kuga, Hajime Iwasa, Tomoo Murayama, Tatsuya Itagaki, Yuta Saito and Seiji Yasumura

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11639; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111639 - 5 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2377

Abstract

The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and consequent Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident caused a large-scale evacuation, generating various health issues. Although residents gradually returned, their independence of daily living and associated factors remain unknown. This study examines the hypothesis that physical [...] Read more.

The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and consequent Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident caused a large-scale evacuation, generating various health issues. Although residents gradually returned, their independence of daily living and associated factors remain unknown. This study examines the hypothesis that physical and mental status are associated with the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) of older returnees (65 years and above) after the disaster. Older returnees to Kawauchi Village, Fukushima Prefecture, located 20–30 km southwest of the power plants, were recruited. IADL was assessed using the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence, physical function via the 30-s chair stand test, and mental health via the Japanese version of the World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index. To examine the association of IADL and possible factors, a t-test or Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient was used, stratified by sex. The data of 29 participants (75.5 ± 7.4 years, 19 female) were analyzed. Physical function was associated with IADL in females. Mental health was associated with IADL in males and females. Taking measures to strengthen physical function in females, as well as to improve mental health in both sexes, for enhancing IADL ability could be beneficial. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Challenges in Emergency Response and Public Health in Compound Disasters)

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10 pages, 654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increasing Disaster Medical Assistance Teams’ Intent to Engage with Specific Hazards

by Keita Iyama, Takeyasu Kakamu, Kazunori Yamashita, Yoshinobu Sato, Jiro Shimada, Osamu Tasaki and Arifumi Hasegawa

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11630; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111630 - 5 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2318

Abstract

To ensure human resource availability for a smooth response during various types of disasters, there is a need to improve the intent of those involved in responding to each hazard type. However, Disaster Medical Assistance Team personnel’s intent to engage with specific hazards [...] Read more.

To ensure human resource availability for a smooth response during various types of disasters, there is a need to improve the intent of those involved in responding to each hazard type. However, Disaster Medical Assistance Team personnel’s intent to engage with specific hazards has yet to be clarified. This study therefore aimed to clarify the factors affecting Disaster Medical Assistance Team members’ (n = 178) intent to engage with each type of hazard through an anonymous web questionnaire survey containing 20 questions. Our results show that the intent to engage in disaster response activities was significantly lower for chemical (50), biological (47), radiological/nuclear (58), and explosive (52) incidents compared with natural (82) and man-made hazards (82) (p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that incentives were the most common factor affecting responders’ intent to engage with all hazard types, followed by self-confidence. Thus, creating a system that provides generous incentives could effectively improve disaster responders’ intent to engage with specific hazards. Another approach could be education and training to increase disaster responders’ confidence. We believe that the successful implementation of these measures would improve the intent of responders to engage with hazards and promote the recruitment of sufficient human resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Challenges in Emergency Response and Public Health in Compound Disasters)

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12 pages, 3957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevention and Control of COVID-19 in Imperfect Condition: Practical Guidelines for Nursing Homes by Japan Environment and Health Safety Organization (JEHSO)

by Sae Ochi, Michio Murakami, Toshihiko Hasegawa and Yoshinori Komagata

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10188; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910188 - 28 Sep 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2735

Abstract

Infection control at nursing homes is a top priority to address the COVID-19 pandemic because people who are the most vulnerable to the pathogen live in close contact. Currently, control measures specifically for nursing homes often ignore under-resourced condition of the facilities. To [...] Read more.

Infection control at nursing homes is a top priority to address the COVID-19 pandemic because people who are the most vulnerable to the pathogen live in close contact. Currently, control measures specifically for nursing homes often ignore under-resourced condition of the facilities. To make guidelines assuming realistic conditions, an expert meeting with 16 members established the key challenges in nursing homes, the basics of infection control, and the major transmission routes. A list of existing guidance was compiled and each item in the list was peer-reviewed by eight experts considering three aspects: significance, scientific validity, and feasibility. Factors related to the nursing home environment, the nature of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and patient characteristics were identified as the causes of difficulties in infection control at nursing homes. To develop realistic prevention measures in under-resourced condition such as nursing homes, we may need to accept there are no perfect control measures that can achieve zero risk. Instead, the guidelines are based on the concept of deep defense, and practical checklists with 75 items were established. The evaluation of nursing homes by independent organizations using the checklists would be helpful to achieve sustainable infection control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Challenges in Emergency Response and Public Health in Compound Disasters)

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19 pages, 1913 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Traditional Gender Differences Create Gaps in the Effect of COVID-19 on Psychological Distress of Japanese Workers

by Tomoyuki Kobayashi, Masaharu Maeda, Yui Takebayashi and Hideki Sato

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8656; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168656 - 16 Aug 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3671

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused Japanese workers psychological distress through crises of health, economics, and social relationships. To assess whether these effects are amplified by the gender bias that exists in Japan, we examined male and female worker’s psychological distress and difficulties during [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused Japanese workers psychological distress through crises of health, economics, and social relationships. To assess whether these effects are amplified by the gender bias that exists in Japan, we examined male and female worker’s psychological distress and difficulties during the pandemic. An online “COVID-19-related difficulties” questionnaire, based on item response theory, gathered responses from 3464 workers in October and November 2020. The workers’ psychological distress was found concerned to be significantly worse than before the pandemic. Basic stressors related to infection anxiety, economic anxiety, and restrictions on social interactions and outings. Men’s and women’s experiences of difficulties were consistent with traditional gender roles in Japan: men were more likely to face job-related stressors, such as economic insecurity and work-style changes; women were more likely to face non-job-related stressors, such as increased living costs and reduced social interactions. Policymakers and employers should consider the association between gender differences and industry types, and implement measures to strengthen the acceptability of mental health care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Challenges in Emergency Response and Public Health in Compound Disasters)

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Review

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16 pages, 1076 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mental Health Consequences of the Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima Nuclear Disasters: A Scoping Review

by Misari Oe, Yui Takebayashi, Hideki Sato and Masaharu Maeda

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7478; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147478 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6922

Abstract

Many individuals who were affected by the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami and the subsequent Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident continue to face a challenging recovery. We reviewed the long-term mental health consequences of three major nuclear power plant accidents: the [...] Read more.

Many individuals who were affected by the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami and the subsequent Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident continue to face a challenging recovery. We reviewed the long-term mental health consequences of three major nuclear power plant accidents: the Three Mile Island (TMI, 1979), Chernobyl (1986), and Fukushima (2011) nuclear disasters. We examined the relevant prospective cohort studies and before-and-after studies that covered more than two timepoints, searching four databases (PubMed, Ichushi, PsyArticles, and PTSDPub). We identified a total of 35 studies: TMI, n = 11; Chernobyl, n = 6; and Fukushima, n = 18. The smaller numbers of early-phase studies (within 6 months) of the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters may also indicate the chaotic situation at those timepoints, as large-scale interviews were conducted in the early phase after the TMI disaster. Although the patterns of effects on mental health outcomes were diverse, more than half of the participants in the studies we evaluated were categorized into low or under-threshold symptom groups in all three disasters. Across the three disasters, the radiation exposure level estimated by the proximity and stigma were the common risk factors for mental health outcomes. Our findings will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the worst nuclear accidents in history on the affected individuals’ mental health, and our results illustrate the longitudinal consequences of such disasters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Challenges in Emergency Response and Public Health in Compound Disasters)

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