Individual testimonies to nursing care after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945.

AIM: The aim of the present research is to clarify the nursing care conducted just before and after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. METHODS: Five surviving nurses, who were registered nursing staff at that time in Hiroshima, offered to participate in this research. Individual interviews were conducted in order to obtain the information concerning the nursing activities in the disaster-stricken areas. The collected information was collated with the documents with regard to the atomic bombing in Hiroshima, and compared with the current studies concerning nursing in disaster. FINDINGS: The five nurses who participated in the study made it clear that, from the day of the bombing, nursing care activities changed moment by moment according to the condition of the radiation victims, the stricken areas and the relief systems. Under these circumstances, the nurses tried to help the victims of the bombing by devising anything useful for nursing care. CONCLUSION: The research participants left their messages, pointing out that nurses' mental attitude to those in front of them as patients is one of the most important things to keep in mind following any major disaster.

Health Activity Exchange / 国際保健医療

Between July, 1998-July, 2000, data was collected regarding the health of Tanzanian school children. The purpose of this report is to describe how this research activity as a JOCV fostered my professional development as a public health nurse. Through the health examinations of pupils and the collection of health data, I was able to understand the importance of prioritizing health issues in the community, in order to create a health plan. This type of data was also useful in choosing activities and estimating their potential effects.Moreover, it became clear that if we can get cooperation from the school, we can change pupil's health behaviors through education and environment with little cost. This was proven in my study of health education and hand washing.<br>This experience has enhanced my awareness of the problems of implementing a health program due to inefficiencies in staff, supplies and budget constraints. The benefits and impartiality of the Japanese health care system and the abundance of social resource became obvious. However, many of the problems I thought specific to Tanzania I have also noticed on returning to Japan. Therefore, if we exchange experience of health activity between Japan and other country, it complements our skills and knowledge, and inspires and motivates health care workers.