Impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on feeding methods and newborn growth at 1 month postpartum: results from the Fukushima Health Management Survey

Abstract

This study examined the effects of three disasters (the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, followed by a tsunami and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident) on feeding methods and growth in infants born after the disasters. Using results from the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Soso District (the affected area where the damaged nuclear power plant is located) and Aizu District (a less-affected area located farthest from the plant) were compared. In this study, newborn and maternal background characteristics were examined, as well as feeding methods, and other factors for newborn growth at the first postpartum examination for 1706 newborns born after the disaster in the affected (n = 836) and less-affected (n = 870) areas. Postpartum examinations took place 1 month after birth. Feeding method trends were examined, and multivariate regression analyses were used to investigate effects on newborn mass gain. There were no significant differences in background characteristics among newborns in these areas. When birth dates were divided into four periods to assess trends, no significant change in the exclusive breastfeeding rate was found, while the exclusive formula-feeding rate was significantly different across time periods in the affected area (p = 0.02). Multivariate analyses revealed no significant independent associations of maternal depression and change in medical facilities (possible disaster effects) with other newborn growth factors in either area. No area differences in newborn growth at the first postpartum examination or in exclusive breastfeeding rates were found during any period. Exclusive formula-feeding rates varied across time periods in the affected, but not in the less-affected area. It is concluded that effective guidance to promote breast-feeding and prevent exclusive use of formula is important for women in post-disaster circumstances.

The Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) in Fukushima Prefecture: Pregnancy Outcome after the Great East Japan Earthquake

“…Obstetrics outcomes of JECS were retrieved from medical records of each institution, while outcomes of FMFS relied entirely on selfreported questionnaires that needed to be returned. Therefore, overestimation of the actual incidence of negative outcomes may exist if there was an overrepresentation of women who were affected by the disaster (Kyozuka et al 2016).…”

“…To our knowledge, a few birth cohort studies, which covered all the area within a single prefecture, have been performed in Japan (Fujimori et al 2014;Kyozuka et al 2016;Yasuda et al 2017). The aim of this study is to provide maternal background and adverse obstetric outcome in a single prefecture using largest Japanese cohort study.…”

Impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on Body Mass Index, Weight, and Height of Infants and Toddlers: An Infant Survey

“… 30 Despite these efforts, there were shortages of milk formula in the face of increasing needs. 31 Damaged water pipes and gas and electric lines 32 made it difficult for mothers to wash and boil milk bottles and to dissolve milk formula in boiling water. Collectively, conditions in the wake of the earthquake may have disrupted the breast- and formula-feeding that infants require for normal growth.…”

Data Collection Tools for Maternal and Child Health in Humanitarian Emergencies: An Updated Systematic Review

“…[62][63][64][65] Four of the 5 new tools were identified through a search of organization websites; the fifth tool was used in 1 of the studies included in the review. One of the tools, which aimed to collect data on children's well-being, 13 Number of deliveries at health facilities, caesarean section rate, induction of labor, obstetric complications managed, place of delivery, maternal deaths, and prehospital childbirths No description of specific tools used Newborn health [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] Apgar score, birthweight, birth length, mean gestational age at birth, preterm labor, congenital malformations, maternal mortality, thoracic circumference, and head circumference at birth No description of specific tools used General maternal and newborn health 49,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, reception of ANC and TT vaccination, use of postnatal care, perinatal maternal depression and well-being, miscarriage, transport of pregnant women, antenatal services, antenatal care quality, prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus, malaria, anemia and screening for hepatitis B in pregnant women, delivery characteristics, indications for referral of pregnant, spontaneous vaginal deliveries, postpartum hemorrhage, hemoglobin, iron status, zinc, retinol, β-carotene, tryptophan, delivery history, maternal vital signs, labor pattern, fetal response, complications during pregnancy and labor, perinatal and neonatal mortality, intestinal parasitic infection in pregnant women…”

“…Operative indication, procedure performed, perioperative death, injury, disease, surgery performed, epidemiology, and impact of injuries in children No description of specific tools used Miscellaneous 4,10,11,16,18,19,[36][37][38]44,48,[50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61] Immunization coverage for diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, hepatitis B, neonatal tetanus protection, skilled attendant at delivery, child mental health symptoms, infant mortality, child mortality, access to health services, psychosocial situation, appropriate treatment setting for mental health care, posttraumatic stress symptoms, abuse and resilience, and receipt of essential public health services Surveys were conducted using standardized monitoring and assessment of relief and transitions (SMART) methodology; United Nations Children's Fund's (UNICEF) Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 4 (MICS4) questionnaire were adapted for assessment ANC = antenatal care; TT = tetanus toxoid.…”