Follow-up study of the general and mental health of people living in temporary housing at 10 and 20 months after the Great East Japan Earthquake

Aim: An earthquake of magnitude 9.0 and accompanying tsunami struck the Tohoku region in northeast Japan on 11 March 2011. The purpose of this study was to observe evacuees' health status such as general health, psychological distress, and feeling of isolation over time. Methods: The authors distributed a questionnaire survey to residents of temporary housing in January to March (time 1) and again in October to December of 2012 (time 2). Results: Two hundred respondents who filled out the questionnaire at both times were the subjects of this study. The self-reported general health in 39% and mental health status in 43.5% of the participants were poor at time 2. In addition, a higher percentage of participants felt a sense of isolation at time 2 even though more of the participants participated in community activities at that time. Conclusion: This result shows the evacuees' prolonged psychological distress and strengthening sense of isolation. It will be necessary to monitor them carefully and provide support continuously over the long term.