title: Seismic intensity and mental stress after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  For 1,361 victims of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, to evaluate the usefulness of seismic intensity information for mental health activities, we examined the quantitative relationship between experienced seismic intensity and earthquake-related life events or mental health.
  
  
  METHODS
  Questionnaires were administered concerning seismic intensity, life events and mental health to the victims.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The incidence of serious life events, such as death of a close family member and mental disorders were higher in areas of high seismic intensity than in low-intensity areas. Victims who experienced intensity 7 (Japan Meteorological Agency) scored 11 or more on the Modified Mercalli (MM) scale, perceived more depressive symptoms [odds ratio (OR) 2.11, 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.49-2.98)] and lower mental health status (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.34-2.61) than those who suffered intensity 4 or less, who scored 7 or less on MM scale after controlling for various sociodemographic factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Higher seismic intensity was associated with each severe life event and ill mental health among earthquake victims.
authors: Department of Social and Environmental Medicine FI, Course of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, 565-0871, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Maruyama
authors: Y S
authors: YS
authors: Kwon
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Morimoto