[Earthquake-induced stress: relationships and trends noticed in health examination data from survivors of the great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake (Jan. 17, 1995)].

To determine the effects of earthquake-induced stress, health examination data that reflected lifestyle and physical health status were studied. Two groups were examined. In the first group, health examination data was collected in March 1995 after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. The participants; 446 individuals (139 male and 307 female aged 50 to 69) were all refugees in the vicinity. Data from the first group were then compared with those from a control group. This group; 1,618 individuals (499 men and 1,119 women aged 50 to 69), were all from the same area, but were examined between April and November 1994 before the earthquake. In the first group, distributions of obese subjects and gender, as well as the mean ages of participants, and mean levels of serum total cholesterol, creatinine and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (gamma-GTP) had not significantly changed, although alcohol intake did decrease after the earthquake proportionately. However, subsequent to the earthquake, independent of drinking habits or obesity, mean levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and triglycerides all increased (by 54%, 18%, 27% in men and 22%, 21%, 22% in women, respectively). These data indicate that earthquake-induced stress may influence liver function and lipid metabolism; leading to increased serum transaminase and triglyceride levels. These changes suggest the potential for increased risks of various health impairments for earthquake victims.