Interruption of Medication among Outpatients with Chronic Conditions after a Flood

In July 2006, a flash flood affected more than 3,000 households in southwest Japan. The authors conducted a study to describe the prevalence of the interruption of medication among the outpatients in the flood-affected area and to determine associated risk and preventive factors. They found that among the evacuated, the elderly and those receiving long-term care services were at high risk for interruption of medication. They also discovered that “preparing to go out with medication” had a preventive effect.