Current Psychological Distress, Post-traumatic Stress, and Radiation Health Anxiety Remain High for Those Who Have Rebuilt Permanent Homes Following the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster

Abstract

Objective: The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011 produced psychological reactions among evacuees. Despite the harsh situation, subsequently, there has been gradual progress in reconstruction, with more than half of the evacuees returning after the evacuation. Our hypothesis is that evacuee mental health will now be better due to new stable living conditions. This study aims to clarify the statuses of psychological distress, post-traumatic stress, and radiation health anxiety among evacuees who have rebuilt permanent homes after evacuation. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of 1600 residents was conducted in 2020. As primary outcomes, the survey measured psychological distress (Kessler 6), post-traumatic stress (post-traumatic stress four-item checklist), and radiation health anxiety. The data are compared for residents who have rebuilt permanent home and those who did not evacuate. Results: In the co-variant analysis, the statuses of psychological distress (p < 0.001), post-traumatic stress (p < 0.001), and radiation health anxiety (p < 0.001) are found to still be high, with significant differences when compared to those who did not evacuate. These results are still at an equivalent level for the continuing evacuation. Conclusion: Our findings may indicate a necessity for continuing disaster-related mental health activities even though the living conditions have improved.

Loss of participation among young adults in the prospective disaster cohort study of the Comprehensive Health Check in the Fukushima Health Management Survey after the Great East Japan Earthquake

“…The internal exposure dose of 99.986% of approximately 184,000 residents was less than one mSv [30]. A study showed that radiation-related health concerns among evacuees were still high in 2020 compared to those who were not evacuated [31]. Another study found that radiation-related anxiety among Fukushima residents was resolved over time between 2012 and 2015.…”

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

“…F also increased, which can reflect the mental health status of returnees [ 14 ]. According to Orui et al, many evacuees still have high levels of psychological distress, post-traumatic stress, and health anxiety due to radiation, similar to those who remain evacuated even if their living environment improves [ 15 ]. Maeda and Oe also reported serious mental health problems in evacuees, including an increase in disaster-related suicides, despite a gradual decline in anxiety and depressive symptoms [ 16 ].…”

Those Who Have Continuing Radiation Anxiety Show High Psychological Distress in Cases of High Post-Traumatic Stress: The Fukushima Nuclear Disaster

“…[35]. Furthermore, our previous study reported that the levels of psychological distress, post-traumatic stress, and radiation health anxiety were found to still be high among residents who had rebuilt permanent homes after the evacuation, with significant differences compared with those who did not evacuate [3]. Moreover, higher risk perceptions of radiation exposure after the nuclear accident were associated with later post-traumatic stress symptoms [36].…”

“…The nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant caused multiple public health problems, one of which was increased anxiety and mental health issues 2 of 16 due to perceived risk among the evacuees and residents of Fukushima. Our previous study reported that the current status of psychological distress, post-traumatic stress, and radiation health anxiety remained high for those rebuilding their permanent homes after evacuation orders had been lifted [3]. However, it is necessary to indicate a clear interaction among high psychological distress, continuing strong radiation anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.…”