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Flannery RB, Flannery GJ. Public Works Employees and Posttruamatic Stress Disorder: an At-Risk Population. Psychiatr Q 2023; 94:531-540. [PMID: 36808046 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-023-10014-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Although not widely known, public works employees in the United States were designated as emergency providers during critical incidents in 2003 and have provided these public works services, when activated. These public works employees may be either employees of a specific government entity or, more recently, privately contracted employees who provide similar services for a government entity. First responders working critical incidents are at risk for psychological trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is less clear, however, whether government/contracted public works employees working the same critical incidents are subject to the same risk of onset. This paper reviewed 24 empirical studies assessing this possible association from 1980 to 2020. These studies included 94,302 government/contracted employees. Psychological trauma/PTSD was reported in all 24 manuscripts assessing PTSD. Three of these studies additionally reporting serious somatic health problems. Public works employees are at risk for onset and this is a worldwide issue. Study findings and treatment implications are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond B Flannery
- The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- , Newton, MA, USA.
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Kashiwazaki Y, Matsunaga H, Orita M, Taira Y, Oishi K, Takamura N. Occupational Difficulties of Disaster-Affected Local Government Employees in the Long-Term Recovery Phase after the Fukushima Nuclear Accident: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Modeling Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19073979. [PMID: 35409662 PMCID: PMC8997478 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Local government officials play a central role in post-disaster community reconstruction. However, few studies have reported on the actual difficulties during a complex disaster involving a nuclear accident. A self-rated questionnaire survey was administered to a total of 583 public employees in four municipalities around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The relationship between universal occupational factors and radiation disaster-specific factors on job satisfaction and intention to leave the job due to radiation anxiety was evaluated using structural equation modeling. The results showed that interpersonal problems (β = −0.246) and service years (β = −0.127) were related to job satisfaction, whereas radiation-specific factors were not related to job satisfaction, and only to the intention to leave work due to radiation anxiety. A sense of coherence was associated with job satisfaction (β = 0.373) and intention to leave work due to radiation anxiety (β = −0.182), and it served as a moderator of the universal occupational factors and the radiation disaster-specific factors. Therefore, it is suggested that outcomes could be improved through increased stress coping capacity by providing support for relationships and radiation risk communication to public employees during the disaster recovery period.
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Babaie J, Pashaei Asl Y, Naghipour B, Faridaalaee G. Cardiovascular Diseases in Natural Disasters; a Systematic Review. ARCHIVES OF ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2021; 9:e36. [PMID: 34027431 PMCID: PMC8126350 DOI: 10.22037/aaem.v9i1.1208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: As a result of destruction and lack of access to vital infrastructures and mental stress, disasters intensify cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and hence management of CVDs becomes more challenging. The aim of this study is investigating incidence and prevalence of CVDs, morbidity and mortality of CVDs, treatment and management of CVDs at the time of natural disasters. Methods: In the present systematic review, the articles published in English language until 28. 11. 2020, which studied CVDs in natural disasters were included. The inclusion criteria were CVDs such as myocardial infarction (MI), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), hypertension (HTN), pulmonary edema, and heart failure (HF) in natural disasters such as earthquake, flood, storm, hurricane, cyclone, typhoon, and tornado. Result: The search led to accessing 4426 non-duplicate records. Finally, the data of 104 articles were included in quality appraisal. We managed to find 4, 21 and 79 full text articles, which considered cardiovascular diseases at the time of flood, storm, and earthquake, respectively. Conclusion: Prevalence of CVD increases after disasters. Lack of access to medication or lack of medication adjustment, losing home blood pressure monitor as a result of destruction and physical and mental stress after disasters are of the most significant challenges of controlling and managing CVDs. By means of quick establishment of health clinics, quick access to appropriate diagnosis and treatment, providing and access to medication, self-management, and self-care incentives along with appropriate medication and non-medication measures to control stress, we can better manage and control cardiovascular diseases, particularly hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Babaie
- Department of Health Policy& Management, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Iranian Center of Excellence in Health Management, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yousef Pashaei Asl
- Department of Health Policy& Management, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahman Naghipour
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Faridaalaee
- Emergency Medicine Research Team, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran.,Disaster Research Team, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Five-year blood pressure trajectories of survivors of the tsunami following the Great East Japan Earthquake in Iwate. Hypertens Res 2021; 44:581-590. [PMID: 33473183 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-020-00607-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Whether tsunami survivors who suffered substantial damage experienced increases in blood pressure (BP) immediately after the disaster and in the medium to long term is unclear. We divided tsunami survivors into groups, those who relocated (substantial damage) and those who did not (little damage) and compared the BP trajectories between the groups over the first 5 years after the disaster. Of the 42,831 residents, 3914 were assessed from 2010 to 2015. Subgroup analysis was performed among the 2037 subjects with no information on antihypertensive medications between 2010 and 2015 (no antihypertensive medication group). The BP trajectories in the relocation and no relocation groups were compared using linear mixed models. The multivariate-adjusted mean systolic BP (SBP) values for all subjects significantly decreased after the disaster in both the group who relocated (2010: 130.6 mmHg, 2015: 124.8 mmHg) and the group who did not relocate (2010: 130.7 mmHg, 2015: 126.7 mmHg). The interaction between relocation and time points on SBP was significant (P = 0.017). In the no antihypertensive medication group, the SBP values in the subgroup who relocated were significantly lower in the second, third, and fifth years after the disaster than those in the subgroup who did not relocate. It was concluded that the SBP values of survivors of the tsunami caused by Great East Japan Earthquake decreased in the medium to long term after the disaster, and the group who relocated had a larger decrease in SBP than the group who did not relocate.
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Williams S, Williams J. Traumatic stress sufferers: work as therapy or trigger? MANAGEMENT RESEARCH REVIEW 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/mrr-01-2020-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
While a return to work following trauma exposure can be therapeutic, this is not always so. As with many topics related to traumatic stress in organizations, several contingency factors complicate the effort to draw an overarching conclusion about whether returning to work is therapeutic. The purpose of this paper is to present important determinants of whether work is therapeutic or triggering for those with traumatic stress conditions. The need for contingency approaches in the study of traumatic stress in organizations is illustrated.
Design/methodology/approach
Literature on traumatic stress in organizations is reviewed.
Findings
Three of the key determinants of whether a return to work is therapeutic or triggering for traumatic stress sufferers are trauma-type contingencies, condition-type contingencies and work-setting contingencies. For instance, human-caused and task-related traumas are more likely than natural disasters to make a return-to-work triggering. Additionally, the time since developing a traumatic stress condition is inversely related to the degree of improvement in that condition through the experience of working. Moreover, managerial actions can affect how therapeutic an employee’s return to work is.
Practical implications
These findings suggest the challenges of reintegrating a traumatized employee to the workplace can be highly situation-specific. Careful consideration of the traumatic event suffered by each traumatic stress victim, their traumatic stress condition, and the work setting to which they would return are recommended.
Social implications
Promoting mental health in organizations can contribute to employers’ social performance.
Originality/value
Examination of the factors that complicate predicting whether work is therapeutic posttrauma demonstrates how contingency approaches can advance research on trauma in organizations.
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Fath AR, Aglan A, Platt J, Yaron JR, Varkoly KS, Beladi RN, Gorgas D, Jean JT, Dasni P, Eldaly AS, Juby M, Lucas AR. Chronological Impact of Earthquakes on Blood Pressure: A Literature Review and Retrospective Study of Hypertension in Haiti Before and After the 2010 Earthquake. Front Public Health 2021; 8:600157. [PMID: 33520917 PMCID: PMC7844318 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.600157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: We review prior studies on the incidence of hypertension (HTN) after earthquakes and present a retrospective analysis of HTN after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Methods: Prior reports on HTN incidence were reviewed and a retrospective chart review for diagnosis of HTN in 4,308 patient charts was performed over a 7 year period (five clinics). A retrospective cohort study (RCS) was then performed on 11 patients with linear follow-up. Results: The Literature review revealed a significant increase in acute and subacute HTN following earthquakes. However, the chronic effects of earthquakes varied. Our chart review uncovered no significant difference in diagnosed HTN in a Fort-Liberté clinic 128 kilometers (km) distant and 4 weeks post-event. A secondary linear RCS for 11 individuals, prior to and after the earthquake, also did not detect a significant change in HTN prevalence. Conclusion: Prior studies demonstrate acute and subacute, increases in HTN after earthquakes, but late changes have varied. Retrospective studies in the Fort-Liberté clinic, 128 km distant and 4 weeks post-event, revealed no significant change in HTN, confirming prior findings that changes in HTN after earthquakes are early and local events. Further work examining HTN after earthquakes is needed to improve early health care after natural disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman R Fath
- Internal Medicine Department, Creighton University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Amro Aglan
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jeri Platt
- Glen Echo Presbyterian Church, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jordan R Yaron
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Kyle S Varkoly
- Kansas City University, Joplin, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Roxana N Beladi
- Kansas City University, Joplin, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Diane Gorgas
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Office of Global Health, Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jean Tom Jean
- Jerusalem Baptist Church, Fort-Liberté, Haiti.,Santiago Medical School, Santiago, Dominican Republic
| | | | - Abdullah S Eldaly
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Tanta University Hospitals, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Michael Juby
- Midwestern University Medical School, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Alexandra R Lucas
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States.,Internal Medicine Department, Creighton University Arizona Health Education Alliance, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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Nagata K, Tateishi S, Mori K. A literature review of the health effects of workers responding to the Great East Japan Earthquake. ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1539/eohp.2020-0005-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Nagata
- Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health
| | - Seiichiro Tateishi
- Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health
| | - Koji Mori
- Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health
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Hoshide S, Nishizawa M, Okawara Y, Harada N, Kunii O, Shimpo M, Kario K. Salt Intake and Risk of Disaster Hypertension Among Evacuees in a Shelter After the Great East Japan Earthquake. Hypertension 2019; 74:564-571. [PMID: 31280649 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.119.12943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the association between salt intake and risk of disaster hypertension. We analyzed the data of surveys evaluating the health condition of evacuees in shelters after the Great East Japan Earthquake on April 30 and May 5, 2011. Among 272 subjects who completed the basic health condition questionnaire and underwent a medical examination, 158 (58%) had disaster hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg). Average estimated sodium intake assessed by spot urine was significantly associated with disaster hypertension (odds ratio per 1 g/d, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.05-1.30). When we defined the high risk factors for salt-sensitive hypertension as older age (≥65 years), obesity (body mass index, ≥25 kg/m2), chronic kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus, estimated sodium intake was found to be a risk factor for disaster hypertension in the total group (odds ratio per 1 g/d, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.12-1.43) and even in the group without prevalent hypertension before disaster (n=146; odds ratio per 1 g/d, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.19-1.79). There was an interaction between estimated sodium intake and disaster hypertension according to the presence or absence of high risk of salt-sensitive hypertension in the group without prevalent hypertension (P=0.03). Disaster hypertension conferred a risk of microalbuminuria (odds ratio, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.71-5.26; P<0.001). We conclude that increased estimated sodium intake was associated with disaster hypertension in evacuees after disaster. This association was noted in the population with high risk of salt-sensitive hypertension and without prevalent hypertension before natural disaster. Additionally, disaster hypertension was associated with subclinical organ damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Hoshide
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan (S.H., M.N., Y.O., N.H., M.S., K.K.)
| | - Masafumi Nishizawa
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan (S.H., M.N., Y.O., N.H., M.S., K.K.).,Department of Medicine, Minamisanriku Hospital, Miyagi, Japan (M.N.)
| | - Yukie Okawara
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan (S.H., M.N., Y.O., N.H., M.S., K.K.)
| | - Noriko Harada
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan (S.H., M.N., Y.O., N.H., M.S., K.K.)
| | - Osamu Kunii
- Investment and Impact Division, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Le Grand-Saconnex, Switzerland (O.K.)
| | - Masahisa Shimpo
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan (S.H., M.N., Y.O., N.H., M.S., K.K.)
| | - Kazuomi Kario
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan (S.H., M.N., Y.O., N.H., M.S., K.K.)
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Yokomichi H, Matsubara H, Ishikuro M, Kikuya M, Isojima T, Yokoya S, Kato N, Tanaka T, Chida S, Ono A, Hosoya M, Tanaka S, Kuriyama S, Kure S, Yamagata Z. Impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on Body Mass Index, Weight, and Height of Infants and Toddlers: An Infant Survey. J Epidemiol 2018; 28:237-244. [PMID: 29332860 PMCID: PMC5911674 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20170006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The body mass index (BMI) of preschool children from 4 years of age through primary school has increased since the Great East Japan Earthquake, but that of children aged under 3 years has not been studied. This study evaluated how the anthropometrics of younger children changed following the earthquake. METHODS Height and weight data of children living in northeast Japan were collected from 3-, 6-, 18-, and 42-month child health examinations. We compared the changes in BMI, weight, and height among infants affected by the earthquake between their 3- and 6-month health examinations, toddlers affected at 21-30 months of age (affected groups), and children who experienced the earthquake after their 42-month child health examination (unaffected group). A multilevel model was used to calculate the BMI at corresponding ages and to adjust for the actual age at the 3-month health examination, health examination interval, and gestational age. RESULTS We recruited 8,479 boys and 8,218 girls living in Fukushima, Miyagi, and Iwate Prefectures. In the infants affected between their 3- and 6-month health examinations in Fukushima, the change in BMI at 42 months of age was greater than among the unaffected children. In the toddlers affected at 21-30 months of age in Fukushima, the change in BMI was greater, but changes in weight and height were less. CONCLUSIONS Affected infants and toddlers in Fukushima suggested some growth disturbances and early adiposity rebound, which can cause obesity. The future growth of children affected by disasters should be followed carefully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Yokomichi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Hiroko Matsubara
- Department of Disaster Public Health, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mami Ishikuro
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kikuya
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | | | - Susumu Yokoya
- Center for Clinical Research Data, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriko Kato
- Department of Early Childhood Care and Education, Jumonji University, Niiza, Saitama, Japan
| | | | - Shoichi Chida
- Department of Paediatrics, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ono
- Department of Paediatrics, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Mitsuaki Hosoya
- Department of Paediatrics, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | | | - Shinichi Kuriyama
- Department of Disaster Public Health, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shigeo Kure
- Department of Paediatrics, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Zentaro Yamagata
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi, Japan
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YAMAUCHI T, YOSHIKAWA T, SASAKI T, MATSUMOTO S, TAKAHASHI M, SUKA M, YANAGISAWA H. Cerebrovascular/cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders due to overwork and work-related stress among local public employees in Japan. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2018; 56:85-91. [PMID: 29021415 PMCID: PMC5800869 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2017-0131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In Japan, overwork-related disorders occur among local public employees as well as those in private businesses. However, to date, there are no studies reporting the state of compensation for cerebrovascular/cardiovascular diseases (CCVD) and mental disorders due to overwork or work-related stress among local public employees in Japan over multiple years. This report examined the recent trend of overwork-related CCVD and mental disorders, including the incidence rates of these disorders, among local public employees in Japan from the perspective of compensation for public accidents, using data from the Japanese Government and relevant organizations. Since 2000, compared to CCVD, there has been an overall increase in the number of claims and cases of compensation for mental disorders. Over half of the individuals receiving compensation for mental disorders were either in their 30s or younger. About 47% of cases of mental disorders were compensated due to work-related factors other than long working hours. The incidence rate by job type was highest among "police officials" and "fire department officials" for compensated CCVD and mental disorders cases, respectively. Changes in the trend of overwork-related disorders among local public employees in Japan under a legal foundation should be closely monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi YAMAUCHI
- Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Japan
- Research Center for Overwork-Related Disorders, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan
| | - Toru YOSHIKAWA
- Research Center for Overwork-Related Disorders, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan
| | - Takeshi SASAKI
- Research Center for Overwork-Related Disorders, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan
| | - Shun MATSUMOTO
- Research Center for Overwork-Related Disorders, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan
| | - Masaya TAKAHASHI
- Research Center for Overwork-Related Disorders, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan
| | - Machi SUKA
- Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki YANAGISAWA
- Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Japan
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Suneja A, Gakh M, Rutkow L. Burden and Management of Noncommunicable Diseases After Earthquakes and Tsunamis. Health Secur 2018; 16:30-47. [PMID: 29355393 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2017.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This integrative review examines extant literature assessing the burden and management of noncommunicable diseases 6 months or more after earthquakes and tsunamis. We conducted an integrative review to identify and characterize the strength of published studies about noncommunicable disease-specific outcomes and interventions at least 6 months after an earthquake and/or tsunami. We included disasters that occurred from 2004 to 2016. We focused primarily on the World Health Organization noncommunicable disease designations to define chronic disease, but we also included chronic renal disease, risk factors for noncommunicable diseases, and other chronic diseases or symptoms. After removing duplicates, our search yielded 6,188 articles. Twenty-five articles met our inclusion criteria, some discussing multiple noncommunicable diseases. Results demonstrate that existing medical conditions may worsen and subsequently improve, new diseases may develop, and risk factors, such as weight and cholesterol levels, may increase for several years after an earthquake and/or tsunami. We make 3 recommendations for practitioners and researchers: (1) plan for noncommunicable disease management further into the recovery period of disaster; (2) increase research on the burden of noncommunicable diseases, the treatment modalities employed, resulting population-level outcomes in the postdisaster setting, and existing models to improve stakeholder coordination and action regarding noncommunicable diseases after disasters; and (3) coordinate with preexisting provision networks, especially primary care.
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12
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Noncommunicable Diseases After the Great East Japan Earthquake: Systematic Review, 2011-2016. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2017; 12:396-407. [PMID: 29032775 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2017.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including mental disorders, have become major threats to human health worldwide. People with NCDs are particularly vulnerable to disasters. We systematically reviewed reports describing studies of NCDs at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) to clarify the circumstances of people with NCDs and to build strong measures to support them. METHODS Relevant articles published from March 2011 through December 2016 were collected by searching the PubMed database (National Library of Medicine). We specifically examined reports describing NCDs and including the key words "East Japan Earthquake." NCDs included every disease type aside from injury and infectious disease. RESULTS We collected 160 relevant articles, 41 of which described NCDs that existed in residents before the GEJE. Articles describing respiratory diseases and mental illnesses were found most frequently. Interruption of regular treatment was the most frequent problem, followed by lack of surveillance capacity. We found 101 reports describing NCDs that had developed after the GEJE, of which 60% were related to mental health issues. CONCLUSIONS NCDs pose major health issues after large-scale disasters. Establishment of strong countermeasures against interruption of treatment and surveillance systems to ascertain medical needs for NCDs are necessary to prepare for future disasters. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018; 12: 396-407).
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13
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Konno S, Munakata M. Blood Pressure Elevation Lasting Longer Than 1 Year Among Public Employees After the Great East Japan Earthquake: The Watari Study. Am J Hypertens 2017; 30:120-123. [PMID: 27784682 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpw131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have previously reported that the public employees of Watari town showed significantly greater elevations in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure than the general population 4-8 months after the Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred on 11 March 2011. To examine whether these differences persisted thereafter, we conducted a follow-up study for both the public employees and the general population of Watari town over 1 year. METHODS Among 225 public employees and 1232 individuals from the general population of the town who received consecutive annual health checkups from 2010 to 2012, 89 pairs were matched for age and sex according to a propensity score. RESULTS The baseline characteristics (predisaster) did not statistically differ between the paired groups. The public employees showed significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure in 2011 (postdisaster) compared with the general population (129.8 ± 14.0/78.0 ± 11.7 vs. 117.0 ± 14.4/71.6 ± 11.4 mm Hg, P < 0.001 for both). Furthermore, the systolic blood pressure of the public employees remained significantly higher than that of the general population in 2012 (125.3 ± 16.0 vs. 119.9 ± 15.5 mm Hg, P = 0.023). CONCLUSION Prolonged blood pressure elevation among the public employees was observed for more than 1 year after the disaster, suggesting a need for close blood pressure monitoring of public employees engaged in long-term disaster relief operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Konno
- Division of Hypertension and Research Center for Lifestyle-related Disease, Tohoku Rosai Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masanori Munakata
- Division of Hypertension and Research Center for Lifestyle-related Disease, Tohoku Rosai Hospital, Sendai, Japan.
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Li C, Luo X, Zhang W, Zhou L, Wang H, Zeng C. YaAn earthquake increases blood pressure among hospitalized patients. Clin Exp Hypertens 2016; 38:495-9. [PMID: 27398731 DOI: 10.3109/10641963.2015.1116549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND YaAn, a city in Sichuan province, China, was struck by a major earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale on April 20, 2013. This study sought to investigate the impact of YaAn earthquake on the blood pressure (BP) among hospitalized patients in the department of cardiology. METHODS We enrolled 52 hospitalized patients who were admitted to our hospital at least three days before the day of earthquake in 2013 (disaster group) as compared with 52 patients during April 20, 2014 (nondisaster group). BP was measured three times per day and the prescription of antihypertensive medicine was recorded. RESULTS The earthquake induced a 3.3 mm Hg significant increase in the mean postdisaster systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the disaster group as compared with the nondisaster group. SBP at admission was positively associated with the elevated SBP in the logistic regression model (odds ratio (OR) = 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.016-1.168, p = 0.015), but not other potential influencing factors, including antihypertensive medicine, sex, age, and body weight, excluding β-blockers. Patients with β-blockers prescription at the time of earthquake showed a blunt response to earthquake-induced SBP elevation than those who were taking other antihypertensive drugs (OR = 0.128, 95% CI: 0.019-0.876, p = 0.036). CONCLUSION The YaAn earthquake induced significant increase in SBP even at a distance from the epicenter among hospitalized patients. The findings demonstrate that pure psychological components seem to be a cause of the pressor response and β-blockers might be better in controlling disaster-induced hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanwei Li
- a Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital , The Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , PR China
| | - Xiaoli Luo
- a Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital , The Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , PR China
| | - Wen Zhang
- b Respiratory Department, Xinqiao Hospital , The Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , PR China
| | - Liang Zhou
- c Department of Health Statistics , College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , PR China
| | - Hongyong Wang
- a Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital , The Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , PR China
| | - Chunyu Zeng
- a Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital , The Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , PR China
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15
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Yokomichi H, Zheng W, Matsubara H, Ishikuro M, Kikuya M, Isojima T, Yokoya S, Tanaka T, Kato N, Chida S, Ono A, Hosoya M, Tanaka S, Kuriyama S, Kure S, Yamagata Z. Impact of the great east Japan earthquake on the body mass index of preschool children: a nationwide nursery school survey. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e010978. [PMID: 27056593 PMCID: PMC4838714 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of the 2011 great east Japan earthquake on body mass index (BMI) of preschool children. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study and ecological study. SETTING Affected prefectures (Fukushima, Miyagi and Iwate) and unaffected prefectures in northeast Japan. PARTICIPANTS The cohort study assessed 2033 and 1707 boys and 1909 and 1658 girls in 3 affected prefectures and unaffected prefectures, respectively, all aged 3-4 years at the time of the earthquake. The ecological study examined random samples of schoolchildren from the affected prefectures. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The cohort study compared postdisaster changes in BMIs and the prevalence of overweight and obese children. The ecological study evaluated postdisaster changes in the prevalence of overweight children. RESULTS 1 month after the earthquake, significantly increased BMIs were observed among girls (+0.087 kg/m(2) vs unaffected prefectures) in Fukushima and among boys and girls (+0.165 and +0.124 kg/m(2), respectively vs unaffected prefectures) in Iwate. 19 months after the earthquake, significantly increased BMIs were detected among boys and girls (+0.137 and +0.200 kg/m(2), respectively vs unaffected prefectures) in Fukushima, whereas significantly decreased BMIs were observed among boys and girls (-0.218 and -0.082 kg/m(2), respectively vs unaffected prefectures) in Miyagi. 1 month after the earthquake, Fukushima, Miyagi and Iwate had a slightly increased prevalence of overweight boys, whereas Fukushima had a slightly decreased prevalence of overweight girls, compared with the unaffected prefectures. The ecological study detected increases in the prevalence of overweight boys and girls in Fukushima who were 6-11 and 6-10 years of age, respectively. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that in the affected prefectures, preschool children gained weight immediately after the earthquake. The long-term impact of the earthquake on early childhood growth was more variable among the affected prefectures, possibly as a result of different speeds of recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Yokomichi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Wei Zheng
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hiroko Matsubara
- Department of Disaster Public Health, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Mami Ishikuro
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kikuya
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Miyagi, Japan
| | | | - Susumu Yokoya
- Center for Clinical Research Data, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Noriko Kato
- Department of Early Childhood Care and Education, Jumonji University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shoichi Chida
- Department of Pediatrics, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ono
- Department of Pediatrics, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Mitsuaki Hosoya
- Department of Pediatrics, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | | | - Shinichi Kuriyama
- Department of Disaster Public Health, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Shigeo Kure
- Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Zentaro Yamagata
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
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16
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Abstract
Various types of disasters, such as natural disasters, industrial accidents and crimes, often occur in the workplace and many workers are involved in them. They are not only directly injured but also exposed to health hazards, such as terrible experiences and chemical materials. Occupational health specialists are expected to act to minimize the adverse health effects from them speedily and appropriately. It is assumed that learning from past cases is effective for such occupational health activities. Accordingly, we conducted a literature review about the health effects on workers in disasters. Relevant literature was searched in PubMed. Twenty four studies were extracted by our criteria. In this review, subjects were limited to general workers by excluding professional workers, such as emergency services and firefighters. The health effects were examined as follows: mental health (13 articles), respiratory (5), cardiovascular (2), musculoskeletal (1), skin (1), nervous (1), and general (1). It was obvious that few studies on general workers were published when considering large number of disasters in the past. Factors that affect health outcomes were categorized into ① those related to devastation of environment of work and life due to disaster, and ② those related to health hazards due to disasters. Knowledge from the review will support the activities of occupational health specialists during disasters, but additional studies are needed.
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