Association between the deaths indirectly caused by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident (disaster-related deaths) and pre-disaster long-term care certificate level: A retrospective observational analysis

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2023.103989
• Publication Date: 2023-09-09T05:55:22Z
• Authors: Moe Kawashima; Toyoaki Sawano; Michio Murakami; Nobuaki Moriyama; Kenmei Kitazawa; Yuna Uchi; Saori Nonaka; Naomi Ito; Hiroaki Saito; Toshiki Abe; Mamoru Sakakibara; Kazuko Yagiuchi; Mako Otsuki; Arinobu Hori; Akihiko Ozaki; Chika Yamamoto; Tianchen Zhao; Taiga Uchiyama; Tomoyoshi Oikawa; Shinichi Niwa; Masaharu Tsubokura
• Keywords: Fukushima Nuclear Accident; Death certificate

The health of the vulnerable populations receiving Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance Programs was threatened by direct and indirect effects disasters. 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake Tsunami explosion at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (FDNPP) forced 164,865 people's evacuation caused many disaster-related deaths. We examined relationship between these deaths LTC certification. Data were collected from 520 people who living in Minamisoma City during earthquake whose certified as Committee for Certification Disaster-Related Deaths September to February 2021; 467 (90.0%) responded item on survey form, which 200 (38.5%) not 266 (51.3%) LTC. People with high levels certification needs acute phase found be more likely die circulatory respiratory diseases. mean time disaster death shorter those higher LTC; it significantly long-term care level 3 above. This study points out importance timely response regard care. Further studies are needed examine how medical resources can deployed a manner.