Effects of socioeconomic factors on cardiovascular-related symptoms among residents in Fukushima after the Great East Japan Earthquake: a cross-sectional study using data from the Fukushima Health Management Survey

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between socioeconomic factors and the exacerbation of cardiovascular symptoms among evacuees after the Great East Japan Earthquake.MethodsA sample of 73 433 individuals was included in the Fukushima Health Management Survey. Self-report questionnaires were used to determine the influence of socioeconomic factors including living arrangements, loss of employment and decreased income on the exacerbation of headache, dizziness, palpitations and shortness of breath. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs of the effect of socioeconomic factors were estimated for each symptom using multiple logistic regression analyses.ResultsExacerbation of headaches was reported by 1893 individuals, dizziness by 1229, palpitations by 1085 and shortness of breath by 626 individuals. Evacuation accommodation was associated with all of these symptoms. Compared with participants living in their own home (OR=1.00), individuals living in relatives’ homes had increased probability of experiencing exacerbation of headache (1.58; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.09) and dizziness (1.42; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.98); those living in rental housing or apartments experienced exacerbation of headache (1.54; 95% CI 1.32 to 1.80), dizziness (1.45; 95% CI 1.20 to 1.75), palpitations (1.25; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.51) and shortness of breath (1.76; 95% CI 1.35 to 2.28); participants living in evacuation shelters experienced exacerbation of headache (1.80; 95% CI 1.09 to 2.96); and refugees living in temporary housing also experienced exacerbation of headache (1.42; 95% CI 1.15 to 1.72), dizziness (1.40; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.79) and shortness of breath (1.49; 95% CI 1.07 to 2.08). Compared with the evacuees who retained their jobs, unemployed individuals showed increased probability of exacerbation of headache (1.28, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.46), dizziness (1.26, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.48) and palpitations (1.21, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.45). Decreased income was associated with exacerbation of headache (1.39, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.60).ConclusionAfter the earthquake, living in non-home conditions was more likely to result in exacerbated cardiovascular symptoms among evacuees. Loss of employment was another risk factor related to exacerbated headache and dizziness.

Lifestyle factors associated with prevalent and exacerbated musculoskeletal pain after the Great East Japan Earthquake: a cross-sectional study from the Fukushima Health Management Survey

“…The evacuees experienced not only the earthquake itself but also a tsunami and/or the indirect effects of a nuclear power plant accident. These disasters and experiences affected their living environment, relatives and friends, and socioeconomic status [15,16]. There were also some changes seen between the pre-and post-disaster phases in lifestyle status among evacuees; for example, smoking, drinking, and physical activities [17] as well as psychological distress [18].…”

Evaluation of the effect of an "Internet plus medical"-based health management service model in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

“…By promoting health management to change people's lifestyles, it has been shown that the mortality rate of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus in China has been reduced [21][22]. Moreover, the cost of healthcare can be effectively controlled by investing in health management.…”

Association between Psychological Factors and Evacuation Status and the Incidence of Cardiovascular Diseases after the Great East Japan Earthquake: A Prospective Study of the Fukushima Health Management Survey

“…A number of studies have reported that the disaster was followed by cases of serious posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which in turn induced CVD in certain individuals affected by the disaster [13,14]. According to evidence from a few studies, various modifiable risk factors for CVD in addition to psychological factors have been identified, one of which is evacuation status [15][16][17]. After a disaster, the resulting traumatic events and evacuation status affect individuals' lifestyle and psychological state [18,19].…”