Association between continued residence in temporary prefabricated housing and musculoskeletal pain in survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake: a longitudinal study. Issue 10 (3rd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sogi, Yasuhito; Yabe, Yutaka; Hagiwara, Yoshihiro; Sekiguchi, Takuya; Sugawara, Yumi; Tsuchiya, Masahiro; Koide, Masashi; Itaya, Nobuyuki; Yoshida, Shinichirou; Yano, Toshihisa; Tsuji, Ichiro; Itoi, Eiji
• Is Part Of: BMJ open. Volume 9:Issue 10(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-10-03
• Subjects: temporary prefabricated house -- Great East Japan Earthquake -- musculoskeletal pain -- natural disaster; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; 610.72
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030761
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-6055

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Prolonged periods of living in prefabricated houses (PHs) may increase the risk of musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms; however, the association is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the association between continued residence in PHs and MSK pain in a population affected by a natural disaster, the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) survivors. Design, setting and participants: A panel study was conducted including 1059 and 792 survivors at 2 and 4 years, respectively, after the GEJE, using a self-reported questionnaire. Those with no response on living status and those who did not live in a PH were excluded. Participants were classified into two groups by living status: continued residence in a PH (lived in a PH during both periods) or moving out of a PH (lived in a PH in the first period and did not live in a PH in the second). Primary outcome measure: MSK pain included lower back, shoulder, knee, hand or foot, and neck pain. Changes in the occurrence of MSK pain during the two periods were assessed and defined as 'new-onset' and 'continuing' MSK pain. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the influence of continued residence in a PH on new-onset and continuing MSK pain. Results: Continued residence in a PH was significantly associated with new-onset MSK pain, even after adjustment for covariates (adjusted OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.25 to 3.79, p=0.006). Participants who continued living in a PH had higher rates of continuing MSK pain than those who moved out; however, the difference was not significant (adjusted OR 1.69, 95% CI 0.94 to 3.05, p=0.079). Conclusion: Continued residence in a PH was associated with new-onset MSK pain among survivors. Public support should be provided to such people to ensure a more comfortable life.