2023 Volume 37 Issue 5 Pages 415-423
Providing support to patients with allergic diseases during disasters is a crucial part of disaster relief. However, dieticians who provide this support to disaster-stricken individuals often face various challenges. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the current situation of dieticians and their unmet needs to develop better tools for managing allergic diseases during disasters. We conducted an online survey of dieticians who are members of The Japan Dietetic Association; 514 responses were obtained. The results show that in non-disaster times, most respondents preferred obtaining information from electronic media and lectures. While during disasters, print media was most frequently requested as the source of obtaining information. It was found that approximately 26% of the respondents provided support to patients with food allergies during disaster relief activities, and approximately 80% of those who needed medical attention were children. Approximately 80% were able to provide the right foods to patients with allergies, and 70% were able to do so within 24 hours of the disaster. Although few dieticians have actually done so, the majority of them believed it was desirable to collaborate with doctors to work on allergic cases. Based on the needs of the dieticians identified in this survey, it is necessary to develop and disseminate information through electronic media and lectures in normal times and as print media during any disaster.
