Medical Needs in Minamisanriku Town after the Great East Japan Earthquake

Abstract

The medical records of service in disaster provided at a place other than a medical facility are defined as disaster medical records (DMRs). In this epidemiological study, to clarify medical need characteristics and trends after disaster, we analyzed the all anonymized DMRs of Minamisanriku Town that lost medical facilities in 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and its consequent tsunami. After screening of duplicated or irrelevant documents, there were 10,464 DMRs with 18,532 diagnoses from March 11 through May 13. From 34 diagnostic groups according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10, we integrated diagnostic groups into five modules that might require treatment concepts of different types: non-communicable disease (NCD), infectious disease, mental health issue, trauma, and maternal and child health (MCH). Age and sex distributions of the patients were similar to those of population before the disaster. The largest diagnostic module was NCD (68%), followed by infectious disease (21%), mental health issues (6%), trauma (4%), and MCH (0.2%). The age-specific rate of NCD exhibited a similar or suppressed level from that of nationwide survey, with higher rate of pollinosis among young population. Infectious disease increased in most age groups but there was no apparent outbreak because of early interventions. Sleep deprivation was twice as frequent in middle-aged women, compared with men. Trauma and MCH were less frequent, but each exhibited a unique time trend. Trauma onset was continuously recorded, while MCH visits were concentrated on a specific day. The medical need after disaster dynamically changes, and appropriate anticipatory countermeasures are necessary.

Impact of the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) on Treatment Adherence and Sleep Duration in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients Treated with Positive Airway Pressure

“…However, it stands in contrast to a prior study which reported evidence of sleep deprivation after an earthquake. 5 We also did not find a significant difference in the recorded hours of PAP usage before and after the lockdown. This is in contrast to the findings of a recent study that reported an increase in PAP usage in France after their lockdown.…”

“…Global crises including pandemics, natural disasters and wars are a known source of psychological stress and may exacerbate anxiety and insomnia, and adversely impact sleep quality in vulnerable populations. [4][5][6] Furthermore, sleep deficiency is common among American adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 35% report less than the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night (https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/data_statistics.html).…”

“…However, it stands in contrast to a prior study which reported evidence of sleep deprivation after an earthquake. 5…”

“…3 During reports of previous natural disasters and other crises where the general population was under severe psychological stress, sleep disturbances, particularly insomnia, increased. [4][5][6] Moreover, during the 2003 SARS outbreak, sleep difficulties were common among family members of patients. 7 Similarly, initial reports from China during the current COVID-19 pandemic have documented increased rates of insomnia and anxiety.…”

“…A review of disaster medical records after the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake noted an increase in sleep deprivation especially among women, but hours of sleep were not reported. 5…”