Fukuoka University Calls for Preparedness to Prevent 'Disaster-Related Deaths' Ahead of Rainy Season

Professor Koyo Koga of the Department of Nursing, Fukuoka University, is advancing research to prevent disaster-related deaths as Kyushu enters a period prone to heavy rain disasters. The focus is on preventing health damage after disasters, which can lead to 'disaster-related deaths.'

In recent years, disaster preparedness has emphasized evacuation actions and stockpiling of disaster supplies, but maintaining health during evacuation life has become an important issue. Fukuoka University is working on developing screening forms to monitor health status in evacuation centers and an app to streamline safety checks and support for home nursing stations, aiming to prevent disaster-related deaths.

The challenge of 'disaster-related deaths' due to health deterioration after disasters

Disaster-related deaths refer to cases where individuals lose their health and die due to physical and mental burdens during evacuation life or after a disaster, not directly from the disaster itself, such as earthquakes or heavy rains.

During evacuation life, reduced activity, nutritional imbalances, and mental stress can lead to increased risks of high blood pressure, economy class syndrome, dehydration, worsening of lifestyle-related diseases, and infections.

In particular, in evacuation centers, opportunities to move the body decrease, and staying in the same posture for long periods can lead to poor blood circulation, increasing the risk of developing economy class syndrome due to blood clots.

Frequent heavy rain disasters in Kyushu: Attention to dehydration in summer

Among heavy rain disasters named by the Japan Meteorological Agency as 'remarkable natural phenomena that caused disasters,' there have been 10 cases in Kyushu (excluding typhoons).

Nine of these occurred in July, making July to August particularly important for heavy rain alerts in Kyushu.

Additionally, during the hot summer evacuation life, the risk of dehydration increases. In evacuation centers, cases where water intake is controlled due to reasons such as 'difficulty going to the toilet' or 'hesitation to bother others' are not uncommon.

It is also noted that the elderly are less likely to feel thirst, making early detection of dehydration difficult.

Main initial symptoms of dehydration · Clouded consciousness · Dry mouth · Reduced skin elasticity · Decreased urine output

The recommended water intake for the elderly is 1,000 to 1,500 ml per day (about 2 to 3 500 ml PET bottles). However, if water restriction is necessary due to heart disease or other conditions, it is important to follow the doctor's instructions.

Prepared by: Fukuoka University

Personalized care is important for mental stress

Disaster victims face significant mental stress due to concerns about family safety, home damage, and future life.

As evacuation life becomes prolonged, the risk of developing depression or PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) also increases.

However, methods of dealing with stress vary from person to person. Some find support in interacting with local residents, while others need alone time.

Stockpiling is not just about 'quantity' but also 'nutritional balance'

Immediately after a disaster, meals tend to be centered around carbohydrates such as rice balls and bread, posing a challenge of nutritional imbalance.

Those with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension or diabetes may be at risk of worsening health.

Professor Koga emphasizes the importance of stockpiling not only for disaster preparedness but also for nutrition, incorporating items such as jelly foods derived from vegetables, freeze-dried soups, and freeze-dried miso soup.

Fukuoka University's research on preventing disaster-related deaths

1. Development of health screening forms for use in evacuation centers

Fukuoka University is advancing the development of screening forms that allow disaster victims to confirm their own health status.

By utilizing checklists in evacuation centers, the university aims to detect risks such as high blood pressure, dehydration symptoms, and severe stress states early and identify individuals who require priority support.

Professor Koga states, 'In evacuation center life, many people endure their situations. Things that are difficult to express in words can be conveyed more easily with a simple checkmark.'

2. Development of support apps for home nursing stations

During disasters, home nursing stations need to confirm the safety and health status of all users.

Fukuoka University is advancing the development of an app that allows users to easily input their own situation.

By enabling users to communicate their safety status, health condition, and need for support, the university aims to build a system that allows visiting nurses to quickly respond to those who need priority support.

Professor Koga says, 'If users can indicate that they are affected by the disaster but do not need a visit because they have family support, we can quickly determine who needs support and reach them promptly.'

Professor Koga explains the development of an app for home nursing stations

(Reference Information) Merits and Points of Attention for Sheltering at Home

Sheltering at home is easier to ensure privacy compared to evacuation centers and allows individuals to live at their own pace, which is expected to reduce mental stress.

However, challenges include responding to lifeline outages, obtaining support information, and securing food and drinking water.

When considering sheltering at home, it is important to adequately stockpile drinking water, food, portable toilets, and other supplies.