Since 2013, the IMM has conducted a health survey (the TMM CommCohort Study) in 20 municipalities in Iwate Prefecture. Most of those municipalities were stricken by disasters. A “cohort” is an academic term that refers to a specified population. The TMM CommCohort Study will examine the health status of the study participants over an extended period of time and ascertain risk factors for illness.
Over 30,000 residents of Iwate Prefecture have agreed to participate in this study. The IMM wishes to again thank those residents and various organizations for their help with this study.
The study will follow the health status of participants over an extended period of time, it will assess the mental health of participants after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and it will ascertain the causes of illnesses such as stroke, heart disease, cancer stress and psychiatric disorders, and allergic conditions in relation to events after the disaster. In addition, the study will notify participants of their results in an effort to foster the health of participants and the community.
Moreover, the IMM intends to analyze the genomic information of participants based on the biological samples (e.g. blood and urine) they provided. The IMM also intends to examine how genomic information, lifestyle, and living conditions affect the development of illness by examining the association between genetic makeup and lifestyle. Moreover, the IMM intends to develop and offer prevention and treatment tailored to an individual’s makeup and lifestyle (personalized care and treatment).
The IMM asks for participants’ understanding and cooperation in its efforts to foster the health of residents in the Iwate area.
