Longitudinal effects of perceived emotional support on insomnia among Fukushima nuclear plant workers: The Fukushima NEWS Project Study.

BACKGROUND

Since the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster (March 11, 2011), plant workers have been exposed to various traumatic events and reported experiences of insomnia. A four-year follow-up study was conducted to understand the relationship between types of perceived emotional support and insomnia among these workers.

METHOD: Insomnia was assessed using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) questionnaire annually from 2011 to 2014 (four time points). A total of 1483 workers recruited in 2011 reported what gave them emotional support (a sense of purpose or perceived support from colleagues, family, or local residents) and provided at least one AIS response, resulting in 4294 observations. Mixed effects logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between each type of emotional support and insomnia over time.

RESULTS

Those who felt a sense of purpose towards their family had significantly elevated insomnia (β = 0.34, p = 0.03), while those perceived support from family had a significant decrease in insomnia over years (ß = -0.16, p = 0.047). These associations were most evident among older workers (≥40 years old), who exhibited an inverse association between perceived support from family and insomnia (ß = -0.48, p = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

Family-related perceived emotional support was associated with insomnia, suggesting that perception of family may increase risk of insomnia. On the other hand, perceived support from family reduced insomnia risk, particularly in older participants. Understanding the effects of different types of perceived emotional support helps assess insomnia risk, which can help guide individuals to self-coping behaviors, peer support, and specialist referrals for clinical intervention.