1. The Kesennuma Study in Miyagi, Japan: Study Design and Baseline Profiles of Participants
- Author
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Mari Yamashita, Shoji Shinkai, Satoshi Seino, Akihiko Kitamura, Yu Nofuji, Yasuhiro Sugawara, and Yosuke Osuka
- Subjects
Male ,Gerontology ,Epidemiology ,Frail Elderly ,media_common.quotation_subject ,030209 endocrinology & metabolism ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Japan ,Earthquakes ,Humans ,Medicine ,Personality ,Prospective Studies ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Social isolation ,Aged ,media_common ,Response rate (survey) ,Frailty ,business.industry ,Questionnaire ,General Medicine ,Social engagement ,Mental health ,Care in the Community ,Female ,Independent Living ,medicine.symptom ,business ,Psychosocial - Abstract
Background To clarify the association between psychosocial problems and frailty in the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, and to develop strategies for preventive long-term care in the community, we launched the Kesennuma Study in 2019. This report describes the study design and the participants' profiles at baseline. Methods The prospective study comprised 9,754 people (4,548 men, 5,206 women) randomly selected from community-dwelling independent adults aged 65 to 84 who were living in Kesennuma City, Miyagi. The baseline survey was conducted in October 2019. It included information on general health, socio-economic status, frailty, lifestyle, psychological factors (e.g. personality, depressive moods), and social factors (e.g. social isolation, social capital). A follow-up questionnaire survey is planned. Mortality, incident disability, and long-term care insurance certifications will also be collected. Results A total of 8,150 questionnaires were returned (83.6% response rate), and 7,845 were included in the analysis (80.4%, mean age [SD] 73.6 [5.5] years; 44.7% male). About 23.5% were considered frail. Regarding psychological and social functions, 42.7% had depressive moods, 29.1% were socially isolated, and only 37.0% participated in social activities at least once a month. However, 82.5% trusted their neighbours. Conclusions While local ties were strong, low social activity and poor mental health were revealed as issues in the affected area. Focusing on the association between psychological and social factors and frailty, we aim to delay the need for long-term care for as long as possible, through exercise, nutrition, social participation, and improvement of mental health.
- Published
- 2022