Citation

Yamanouchi T, Hiroshima M, Takeuchi Y, Sawada Y, Takahashi M, Amagai M. Arch. Psychiatr. Nurs. 2018; 32(1): 103-111.

Affiliation

Kyoto University, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apnu.2017.10.005

PMID

29413059

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify factors contributing to the worsening or improved mental health of long-term evacuees over three years following the Great East Japan Earthquake.

METHOD: The Japanese version of the K6 questionnaire was used as a measure of mental health. The first- and third-year survey results were compared and differences in mental health status calculated. Respondents were then divided into two groups according to worsening or improved mental health status. Differences in stress factors, stress relief methods, and demographics were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: Factors associated with exacerbation of poor mental health were the stress factors "Uncertainty about future" (p=0.048) and "Loss of purpose in life" (p=0.023). Multivariable analysis identified two factors associated with improved mental health, the stress relief methods "Accepting myself" (odds ratio (OR): 2.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-4.51) and "Interactions with others" (OR: 3.34, 95% CI: 1.43-7.79).

CONCLUSION: While motivation and hope of livelihood reconstruction have gradually risen in the three years since the disaster, anxieties about an uncertain future, loss of purpose in life, and disruption of social networks continue adversely to affect the mental health of survivors.

Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Disaster victims; Disasters; Earthquakes; Mental health; Population surveys