Characteristics of suicide cases among indirect disaster-related deaths after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident following the Great East Japan Earthquake

The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident in 2011 caused indirect adverse health effects, culminating in death, including suicide, in some cases. Japan compensates indirect disaster-related deaths under a legally enshrined condolence grant system. However, research on suicides among indirect disaster-related deaths in areas affected by radiation or nuclear disasters is limited. This study investigated such suicide cases in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, a region heavily affected by the accident following the Great East Japan Earthquake. The objective was to elucidate the characteristics and circumstances surrounding suicide after a nuclear disaster, contributing to prevention strategies for future nuclear emergencies. Retrospective observational case series. Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture. 17 suicide cases among the 520 indirect disaster-related deaths certified between 2011 and 2022. Suicide related to the FDNPP accident. Data were collected from the Minamisoma City Hall office records. The average age at suicide was 57.2 years, which was notably younger than that of the overall indirect disaster-related death population (mean age: 82.7 years). Male suicides accounted for more than two times the number of female suicides. Suicides occurred not only shortly after the disaster but also years later, clustering within 200 days, 1–2 years, and beyond 4 years post-disaster. Nearly all cases (94.1%) had reported depressive mood or depressive symptoms, although less than half received formal diagnoses. Loss of purpose or meaning in life was identified as a recurring contextual feature across several cases upon interpretation of the narrative descriptions. Suicide cases among indirect disaster-related deaths in Minamisoma City occurred over several years following the nuclear accident and were more common among younger individuals and men. Interpretation of the narrative descriptions suggested possible associations between suicide and reported depressive mood or depressive symptoms, loss of purpose or meaning, and social disruption. The findings underscore the importance of early detection of depression, long-term mental health support, monitoring, and community-based interventions after nuclear disasters. Not applicable