Relationship between the Mental Health and Living Conditions of Evacuees Post the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Disaster : Based on Shinsai Shien Network Saitama’s (SSN) 2018 Survey

Abstract

This study clarified the life problems and mental health of evacuees of the Fukushima prefecture nuclear accident. A total of 4,905 households evacuated to the Tokyo metropolitan area due to the nuclear accident were surveyed from October 2017 to January 2018. The collected 362 copies (recovery rate, 7.4%) were included in the analysis.

The results of the survey indicated that the percentage of K6 scores of 13 points or higher was 20.2% and the ratio of 17 points or higher was 10.8%. As a result of logistic regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratio for psychological distress in the “yes” group was 3.906, which had a significant positive association with the adjusted odd ratio for financial difficulties in the “no” group. Free-form analysis revealed issues such as financial anxiety/anxiety, work anxiety/anxiety, and aging anxiety/anxiety.

These results indicate the need to strengthen individual and concrete support activities, establish a one-stop counseling organization to solve complicated and intertwined living problems, and foster a new community through exchanges with private support groups.