Symptom Trends Among Evacuees Treated with Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Shelters Located at the Epicenter of the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes in Japan

Background: Two huge earthquakes struck Kumamoto, Japan, in April 2016, forcing residents to evacuate. Some disaster-related symptoms can be expected to improve with acupuncture and moxibustion treatment. However, there are a few reports on the main symptoms of acupuncture and moxibustion users during disasters. Objective: To evaluate the symptom trends among evacuees who sought acupuncture and moxibustion treatment at medical clinics in shelters located at the epicenter of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. Design: Descriptive epidemiological study. Setting: Acupuncture and moxibustion facilities attached to three medical clinics at the epicenter of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. Patients: Five hundred forty-seven evacuees who visited the acupuncture and moxibustion facilities attached to three medical clinics at evacuation centers in the epicenter of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. Intervention: Acupuncture and moxibustion treatments were carried out at three facilities from May 25, 2016, to August 11, 2016. Main Outcome Measures: We reviewed a questionnaire completed by acupuncture and moxibustion users and conducted descriptive analyses. Results: About half of the participants were aged 60 years or older and received treatment 3 weeks after the disaster. Musculoskeletal symptoms accounted for more than half of all reported symptoms across all age groups. The prevalence of fatigue and frequent urination increased between weeks 3 and 4 after the disaster. Conclusions: The results show the symptoms for which victims of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes sought acupuncture and moxibustion treatment. The results also suggest what symptoms health care workers should prepare for when providing acupuncture and moxibustion treatment during disasters.