Communication for self-care and the role of a logbook on health risk during a flood disaster

Abstract

Aim: The self-care can be the most reliable way to rebuild community life and maintain health, and so that nurses can provide seamless nursing support for survivors. The aim of this study is to: (1) identify the issues related to health communication chronologically during the rebuilding of livelihoods; and also to (2) determine how logbooks can play a role in these situations.

Methods: Interview of users of ad-hoc self-care logbooks affected by the July 2018 torrential rain event in western Japan were conducted. Qualitative content chronological analysis was conducted by analyzing the issues from the perspective of self-care, primary health care, and community health, and the role of the logbook, categorized into subcategories and categories, as also analyzed.

Results: The study participants included seven women, and their average age at the time of the disaster was 70 (65–75) years. At the beginning of the disaster, people were occupied with coping with the events in front of them. Subsequently, the 2-month period following the disaster was a turning point that allowed people to have time to reflect on things. Sharing information about the issues faced was identified to be important. The role of the logbook for: <Helping reflect on the experience>, <Peace of my heart>, <Helpful in contacting people> and <Reminding us of seasonal events>, etc. was analyzed.

Conclusions: The study suggested that even in times of disaster when external support is challenging to obtain, self-care and connections with the local community cultivated during normal times are essential.