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01-01-2016 | Brief Report

Burnout and Psychiatric Distress in Local Caregivers Two Years After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Fukushima Nuclear Radiation Disaster

Authors: Kenji Fujitani, Matt Carroll, Robert Yanagisawa, Craig Katz

Published in: Community Mental Health Journal | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake precipitated a triple disaster of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear radiation disaster. To quantify the prevalence of burnout and psychiatric distress in local healthcare providers (caregivers) more than 2 years after the disaster, this study surveyed caregivers from affected areas through interviews about topics of concerns and two questionnaires: Maslach Burnout Inventory and General Health Questionnaire. Concerns listed by respondents were primarily radiation related: additional stress, concern for children, concern for local food, and sleep difficulties. We found significant number of caregivers to have signs of emotional exhaustion, low personal accomplishment, and psychological distress. Our findings suggest that local caregivers are experiencing substantial mental health burdens, which have unfortunately remained static from the year prior, even 2 years after the fact. Therefore, long term psychological support and improvement in caregiver work conditions are essential to maintain sustainable care in rebuilding disaster stricken areas.

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Title: Burnout and Psychiatric Distress in Local Caregivers Two Years After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Fukushima Nuclear Radiation Disaster
Authors: Kenji Fujitani
Matt Carroll
Robert Yanagisawa
Craig Katz
Publication date: 01-01-2016
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Community Mental Health Journal / Issue 1/2016
Print ISSN: 0010-3853
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2789
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-015-9924-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Burnout and Psychiatric Distress in Local Caregivers Two Years After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Fukushima Nuclear Radiation Disaster

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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