Did Kindergarteners who Experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake as Infants develop Traumatic Symptoms? Series of Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Surveys: A concise and informative title: Traumatic symptoms of kindergarteners who experienced disasters as infants

Abstract Background The Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) and tsunami of March 11, 2011 left behind many survivors, including children. This study aimed to assess changes in traumatic symptoms with time among kindergarteners who experienced GEJE as infants and to discuss the relationship between these symptoms and the disaster experience. Methods The 15-item Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms for Children (PTSSC-15) questionnaire were distributed to the parents of kindergarteners (children aged 4–5 years) at 8, 20, 30, and 42 months after GEJE. Questionnaires regarding environmental damage conditions affecting the children were distributed to teachers 8 months after the tsunami. Results The number of kindergarteners was 262, 255, 236, and 202 at 8, 20, 30, and 42 months after the disaster. The PTSSC-15 total score was not different between kindergartners with and without environmental damage conditions. After 8 and 20 months, the PTSSC-15 total score of children who usually ate breakfast was significantly higher than that of children who did not. Moreover, after 30 and 42 months, the PTSSC-15 total score of kindergarteners who usually ate breakfast was not significantly higher than that of kindergarteners who did not. Conclusions The traumatic symptoms of kindergarteners were not related to disaster experiences.