Tsuchiya Hiro, Yamaguchi Takumi, Matsunari Yuko
School of Health Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0075, Japan.
Research Administration Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama 350-0495, Japan.
Healthcare (Basel). 2024 Dec 30;13(1):45. doi: 10.3390/healthcare13010045.
The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident underscored the critical role of public health nurses (PHNs) in managing evacuees during nuclear emergencies. Despite their importance, PHNs often lack sufficient knowledge and experience, which may make them anxious about this role. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with PHNs' anxiety about accepting evacuees and identify strategies to alleviate this anxiety. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 100 PHNs working in Oita Prefecture, Japan, a region designated to receive evacuees in the event of a nuclear disaster. Data were collected via an online questionnaire assessing radiation knowledge, workplace characteristics, and anxiety about accepting evacuees. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors of anxiety. PHNs working in prefectural offices were 3.4 times more likely to feel anxious about accepting evacuees than those in municipal offices (OR = 3.488, 95% CI = 1.236-10.963, = 0.023). Awareness of evacuation site responsibilities significantly reduced anxiety (OR = 0.412, 95% CI = 0.134-1.211, = 0.110). Overall, knowledge of radiation was low, with only 8% correctly identifying the differences between stochastic and deterministic effects. Online training was the preferred format for education. Workplace characteristics and knowledge of evacuation responsibilities significantly influence PHNs' anxiety levels. Addressing knowledge gaps through tailored, accessible training programs, particularly in online formats, is essential. Strengthening preparedness among PHNs could enhance their confidence and ability to manage evacuees effectively during nuclear disasters.
福岛第一核电站事故凸显了公共卫生护士（PHNs）在核紧急情况下管理撤离人员方面的关键作用。尽管其很重要，但公共卫生护士往往缺乏足够的知识和经验，这可能使他们对这一角色感到焦虑。本研究旨在调查与公共卫生护士接纳撤离人员时的焦虑相关的因素，并确定缓解这种焦虑的策略。对在日本大分县工作的100名公共卫生护士进行了横断面调查，大分县是一个在核灾难时被指定接收撤离人员的地区。通过在线问卷收集数据，评估辐射知识、工作场所特征以及接纳撤离人员时的焦虑情况。进行单因素和多因素逻辑回归分析以确定焦虑的预测因素。在县级办公室工作的公共卫生护士对接纳撤离人员感到焦虑的可能性是在市级办公室工作的护士的3.4倍（比值比=3.488，95%置信区间=1.236 - 10.963，P = 0.023）。对疏散地点责任的认知显著降低了焦虑（比值比=0.412，95%置信区间=0.134 - 1.211，P = 0.110）。总体而言，辐射知识水平较低，只有8%的人能正确识别随机效应和确定性效应之间的差异。在线培训是首选的教育形式。工作场所特征和疏散责任知识显著影响公共卫生护士的焦虑水平。通过量身定制、易于获取的培训项目，特别是在线形式的项目来填补知识空白至关重要。加强公共卫生护士的准备工作可以增强他们在核灾难期间有效管理撤离人员的信心和能力。
