Higher Frequency of Community-Based Group Exercises in Temporary Communities Compared With Original Communities After the Great East Japan Earthquake: A Cross-Sectional Study.

introductionThis study aimed to conduct an exploratory investigation to compare the monthly implementation frequency of community-based group exercises between mildly affected communities (original communities) and severely affected communities (temporary communities) in a municipality affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.

methodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to March 2014, in Otsuchi town, one of the municipalities most severely damaged by the earthquake. Participants were 85 leaders who were in charge of either an original or a temporary community. The questions pertained to the participants themselves and the frequency of community-based group exercises conducted in their communities in January 2014.

resultsOf the 85 community leaders invited, 32 (37.6%) provided usable responses. Community-based group exercises in temporary communities were more frequent than in original communities. The community residents themselves hosted group exercises more frequently in temporary communities than did those in original communities.

conclusionThese exploratory findings suggest that residents in temporary communities may have demonstrated greater initiative in organizing community-based group exercises than those in original communities. This may be attributed to the severity of the disaster's impact and the support for community organizing provided during the recovery phase. Community and public health professionals need to actively promote community organizational activities after a disaster to decrease the likelihood of mental and physical health problems.