scholarly journals Fukushima Mothers’ Concerns and Associated Factors After the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Disaster

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. 151S-160S ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinya Ito ◽  
Aya Goto ◽  
Kayoko Ishii ◽  
Misao Ota ◽  
Seiji Yasumura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Information Provision ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Clear Shift ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire ◽  
Pregnancy And Birth

This study aimed to clarify the frequency of and temporal changes in the content of mothers’ free written opinions obtained in the Fukushima Health Management Survey Pregnancy and Birth Survey from 2011 to 2013. A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to women who delivered babies in Fukushima Prefecture. The questionnaire asked about maternal and child health. Expression of mothers’ concerns about radiation decreased over time. Common to the top 5 codes across the 3 years were “radiation effect on fetus and infant” and “information provision including survey results.” Participants who wrote free opinions were significantly more likely to be aged ≥30 years and to have depressive symptoms. Our descriptive analysis of the qualitative data showed a clear shift in mothers’ concerns from radiation-related issues to their own physical and mental health. Mothers who expressed concerns were more likely to report negative physical and mental health.

Health management and care following the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident: overview of Fukushima Health Management Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 014664532110154
Author(s):  
Kenji Kamiya
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Ultrasound Examination ◽  
Health Management ◽  
National Average ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Fukushima Prefecture ◽  
Comprehensive Health ◽  
Pregnancy And Birth

Following the accident at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Fukushima Prefecture is conducting the Fukushima Health Management Survey, which has been contracted out to Fukushima Medical University. The purpose of this survey is to investigate the exposure doses and health conditions of the residents of Fukushima Prefecture in order to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases at an early stage, and to maintain and improve the health of residents in the future. This survey consists of a basic survey to estimate external exposure doses and detailed surveys to investigate health conditions. The detailed surveys comprise: (i) thyroid ultrasound examination; (ii) comprehensive health check; (iii) mental health and lifestyle survey; and (iv) pregnancy and birth survey. In the basic survey, the external exposure dose was estimated for >466,000 people during the first 4 months after the accident; it was estimated to be <5 mSv for 99.8% of residents. The thyroid ultrasound examination included four rounds of echo examinations covering approximately 380,000 children aged <18 years at the time of the accident in each round. The first, second, third, and fourth examinations identified 116, 71, 31, and 21 children with thyroid cancer/suspected cancer, respectively. The Fukushima Prefectural Oversight Committee analysed the results from the first and second examinations, and evaluated that ‘the detected increased rate is unlikely to be the impact of radiation’. However, the Oversight Committee is deliberating the future direction of thyroid examination, taking into consideration the advantages and disadvantages of the examination as well as ethical viewpoints. In the comprehensive health check, approximately 210,000 people in the evacuation area were examined, and increased rates of lifestyle-related diseases [e.g. obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidaemia (low high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol)] were confirmed. In the mental health and lifestyle survey, approximately 210,000 people, including residents in the evacuation area, were examined. A deterioration in general mental health was found for the period immediately after the accident across a wide range of age groups, and although recovery was seen over the years, the rate of mental health issues remains above the national average. The pregnancy and birth survey revealed that the pre-term birth rate, low-birthweight rate, and rate of congenital anomalies did not differ from the national average. The purpose of Fukushima Health Management Survey is not only to collect data on the health of the residents of Fukushima Prefecture, but to provide direct support to residents regarding the health issues clarified by the survey. Moreover, various initiatives are being implemented in cooperation with various local government authorities with the aim of maintaining and promoting the health of the residents.

The Sustainability of a Workplace Wellness Program That Incorporates Gamification Principles: Participant Engagement and Health Benefits After 2 Years

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 850-858 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilka Lowensteyn ◽  
Violette Berberian ◽  
Claudie Berger ◽  
Deborah Da Costa ◽  
Lawrence Joseph ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Workplace Wellness ◽  
Participation Rates ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Wellness Program ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Metabolic Equivalents

Purpose: To evaluate the results of a workplace wellness program that incorporates gamification principles. Design: In this prospective cohort study, the participation rate and observed health outcomes were evaluated after approximately 2 years. Setting and participants: All permanent employees (n = 775) of a national company located in Canada were eligible to participate. Intervention: The wellness program included web-based challenges (team or individual) incorporating gamification strategies to improve exercise, nutrition, weight reduction, and mental health management behaviors. Measures and analysis: The primary outcomes were employee participation rates. The secondary pre-specified outcomes were the sustained benefits of the program on physical and mental health measures. Results: Participation rates in the health screenings were 78% (baseline), 54% (year 1), and 56% (year 2). Participation in the 4 team web-based challenges ranged from 33% to 68% with 76% to 86% of participants tracking their activity on at least half of the days. After 2 years, there were significant clinical improvements in systolic blood pressure (−1.3mm Hg), total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (−0.14), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c; −0.1%), weekly physical activity (+264 Metabolic Equivalents [METs]), perceived stress score (−17%), insomnia severity index (−16%), general fatigue (−10%), and reductions in the cardiovascular age gap (−0.3 years). Greater benefits occurred among employees at higher risk. Conclusions: Workplace wellness programs that evolve over time and focus primarily on fun and competitive challenges may support long-term participation, behavior change, and sustained improvements in clinical outcomes.

scholarly journals Pregnancy and Birth Survey of the Fukushima Health Management Survey

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. 56S-62S ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayoko Ishii ◽  
Aya Goto ◽  
Misao Ota ◽  
Seiji Yasumura ◽  
Keiya Fujimori
Keyword(s):  
Health Management ◽  
Telephone Counseling ◽  
First Year ◽  
National Surveillance ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Low Birth Weight Infants ◽  
Parenting Support ◽  
Support Telephone ◽  
Medical University ◽  
Pregnancy And Birth

The Pregnancy and Birth Survey was started by Fukushima Medical University as part of the Fukushima Health Management Survey in 2011 in order to assess the physical and mental health of mothers and provide parenting support (telephone counseling) for those in need. The present study reviewed the major findings from 4 annual surveys conducted from 2011 to 2014. Overall proportions of preterm deliveries, low birth weight infants, and congenital anomalies in the first year were almost the same as those in national surveillance data. The prevalence of depressive symptoms among the mothers held steady at about 25% over the 4 years. Regarding the content of parenting counseling, the proportion of mothers who voiced concerns about radiation decreased each year. This survey should be continued to provide support to mothers in Fukushima.

scholarly journals Mental Health among Government School Teachers

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chanderkant Gorsy ◽  
Neeraj Panwar ◽  
Sandeep Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
Secondary School Teachers ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
School Teachers ◽  
Government School ◽  
Health Domains

Teaching is being considered as one of the noblest profession since ancient times. With the changing socio-economic scenario and increasing unemployment, the values of teachers’ and their professional concern with the job have forcibly undergone a drastic change which adversely affects their mental health. The level of mental health of a teacher has been found affected with numerous personal as well as professional demands. Health of teachers, on social, physical and mental health domains adds to the efficiency not only to their professional growth and development but also to their personality. Moreover, they have also been considered as the constructors of the future of a country. Keeping these facts into the consideration, present study aimed to access the level of personal mental health of school teachers, particularly those who work in the public sector schools. Survey method has been employed and Mental Health Index (MHI) was used for collecting the data. 100 secondary and higher secondary school teachers were included in the study. The data was analyzed using descriptive analysis and to find the differences for gender and locations t- test was applied. The t-values reveals that significant gender differences exist among government school teachers and male school teachers were found better on mental health than their female counterparts. Additionally, teachers posted at schools located under urban area were found higher on mental health as compared to teaches posted at schools located under rural areas.

Health Literacy, Physical and Mental Health, and Activities of Daily Living Among Older Chinese Adults in Nursing Homes

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 592-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong-Bing Liu ◽  
Ling-Ling Xue ◽  
Hui-Ping Xue ◽  
Ping Hou
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Physical And Mental Health

It is very important to estimate the prevalence of inadequate health literacy and determine whether or not health literacy level differences predict the physical and mental health status of older adults. A cluster sampling method was selected. A total of 1396 older adults were interviewed. Three instruments were included: the Chinese Citizen Health Literacy Questionnaire, Short Form 36, and Activity of Daily Living (ADL) Scale. The health literacy scores were very low (71.74 ± 28.35). The physical and mental health scores were all moderate. The ADLs was ⩾22, which suggests that the ADLs of older adults were poor. The major influencing factors of physical health include health literacy, ADL, alcohol consumption, household income, marital status, and former occupation. The major factors influencing mental health included ADL, former occupation, age, and smoking. Health literacy was associated with physical health, but was not associated with mental health. Improving health literacy could increase health management and health status of older adults.

Suicidal Ideation and Familicidal-Suicidal Ideation Among Individuals Presenting to Problem Gambling Services

Crisis ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 219-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul W. C. Wong ◽  
Noel C. F. Kwok ◽  
Joe Y. C. Tang ◽  
Alexander Blaszczynski ◽  
Samson Tse
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Ordinal Regression ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
South Oaks Gambling Screen ◽  
Ordinal Regression Model

Background: Studies have consistently reported high rates of suicidal ideation (SI) among individuals with disordered gambling. None have explored gambling-related familicidal-suicidal ideation (FSI). Aims: This study examined the (1) prevalence of SI and FSI among treatment-seeking gamblers in Hong Kong, (2) characteristic profile of factors associated with SI and FSI, and (3) factors that predict SI and FSI. Method: This is a retrospective analysis of data collected at initial clinical assessments from a specialized gambling counseling centre in Hong Kong. Participants were gamblers (N = 3,686) who sought treatment at the centre between 2003 and 2012. Information about socio-gambling demographics, physical and mental health status, current presenting problems, self-rated South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS, Chinese version), and occurrence of SI or FSI were examined. Descriptive analysis and ordinal regression analysis were used to investigate the characteristics of the gamblers and the association of variables. Results: In our sample, 720 (20.0%) individuals reported SI, and 22 (0.6%) individuals reported FSI at the initial assessment. Individuals with SI and FSI differed from the nonsuicidal individuals in terms of their demographics, gambling experiences and severity, mental and physical wellbeing, and types of gambling-related problems. The adjusted ordinal regression model shows that participating in table games in casinos and having familial and financial problems seem to enhance the likelihood of having SI and FSI. Conclusion: While mental health issues are significantly related to SI and FSI among gambling treatment seekers, the impacts of physical, family, and financial strains should not be underestimated.

A proposed psychological model for understanding and supporting individuals living with tokophobia

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (11) ◽  
pp. 609-613
Author(s):  
Sarah-Jane Archibald
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Postnatal Period ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Model ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Trauma Model ◽  
Pregnancy And Birth

Tokophobia is an overwhelming fear of pregnancy and birth that can lead to severe mental health difficulties in the perinatal period. The condition can be experienced by men as well as women and has implications for physical and mental health wellbeing in pregnancy and the postnatal period. Individuals with tokophobia are likely to have experienced previous traumatic events, which can trigger the condition and are also vulnerable to experiencing traumatic stress. This article proposes an adapted psychologically informed trauma model to help health professionals to understand and support pregnant women (and men) living with this condition. The aim of this is to raise awareness of the condition, as well as offer a guide for professionals to support and validate those living with this condition, as well as help them to feel safe and secure with the professional supporting them. It is hoped that this will lead those with tokophobia to experience a sense of safety, calmness, self-efficacy, connectedness and hope in working with professionals supporting them. This may, in turn, lead to them feeling more empowered and connected to becoming a parent and in planning their birth journey for those that are pregnant and living with this condition.

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