[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health最新文献

{"title":"[A study on the competencies of public health doctors responding to international and domestic public health administration: Insights from interviews].","authors":"Haruka Sato, Akihiro Hosono, Ichiro Kadouchi, Toru Horie, Akira Sudo, Masahiro Hirano, Kuniko Murakami, Yoko Tsurugi, Ryosuke Yano","doi":"10.11236/jph.24-103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11236/jph.24-103","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives　Japan has accumulated experience in international health, and low- and middle-income countries need to develop, implement, and evaluate health and sanitation policies that effectively use scarce resources. Therefore, the knowledge gained from international health experiences can be applied to the public health administration in Japan. The purpose of this study was to clarify the competencies and knowledge possessed by those with international health experience and their acquisition process, and to examine how they are applied to public health administration in Japan.Methods　We conducted a survey by interviewing five public health doctors who were engaged in public health administration in Japan and had experience working overseas. The interview items included their background and overseas work experience, and the relationship between overseas work experience and competency development, abilities, and competencies considered important for working in public health administration in Japan. We analyzed the competencies using a modified grounded theory approach method.Results　The interviewees (three men; two women) worked for government agencies at the time of the survey. Five competencies were identified for those who had worked abroad: an \"enterprising spirit,\" \"integrity,\" \"adaptability,\" \"constructiveness,\" and \"problem analysis and solution strategies.\" In the process of acquiring the competencies, an \"enterprising spirit,\" \"integrity,\" and \"adaptability\" served as the foundation, while \"constructiveness\" and \"problem analysis and solution strategies\" were strengthened through their international health experience.Conclusion　Among the competencies of overseas assignees, \"adaptability\" and \"integrity\" were thought to be cognitive patterns, while \"constructiveness\" and \"problem analysis and solution strategies\" were thought to be behavioral patterns. Those who had worked abroad had a strong \"enterprising spirit\" characterized by curiosity and a cheerful outlook, and \"adaptability\" and \"integrity\" were strengthened through overseas experience. They also acquired an approach to objectively analyze the current situation and issues in local communities and solve problems by involving residents. Such perspectives are necessary for public health administration in Japan and may be useful for addressing health disparities. In the future, we would like to expand the scope of the interview survey to include public health nurses and other professionals to further clarify the competencies of human resources that contribute to improving public health administration in Japan and other countries.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145014467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"[Challenges and organizational factors perceived by management-level public health nurses in developing the practical competencies of their novice peers in Japan].","authors":"Shizuka Miwa, Mayumi Mizutani, Susumu Tanimura, Ritsuko Nishide","doi":"10.11236/jph.25-011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11236/jph.25-011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objective　Enhancing the practical competencies of novice public health nurses is urgently needed, and the identification of organizational factors that management-level public health nurses can improve is crucial for effective human resource development within organizations. This study aimed to explore the challenges and organizational factors perceived by management-level public health nurses when developing 10 types of practical competencies for their novice peers.Methods　A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted via postal mail or the Internet in November 2023, targeting five senior management-level public health nurses in each of the 210 municipalities across seven prefectures in the Tokai-Hokuriku region of Japan. The percentages of perceived challenges in developing 10 types of practical competencies of novice public health nurses were calculated. For the competencies with ≥50% perceived challenges, prevalence ratios and adjusted prevalence ratios were estimated using regression analyses, with perceived challenges in developing 10 types of practical competencies as objective variables, 18 organizational factors (3 municipality characteristics, 3 educational personnel, and 12 educational systems) as explanatory variables, and eight moderator variables.Results　Responses from 326 management-level public health nurses (response rate: 31.0%) were included in the analysis. The respondents had an average of 25.2 years of experience, and 68.5% worked in health departments. The most difficult competencies to develop were the ability to respond to community health crises (57.3%), addressing complex and difficult health issues of individuals and families (52.1%), and support self-help groups and community organizations (50.0%). These challenges were associated with four organizational factors: two educational personnel factors (preceptor assignment for novice public health nurses and the presence of a designated person in charge of human resource development) and two educational system factors (workplace culture that enhances mutual competency and increases interest in human resource development throughout the workplace). In particular, the absence of a \"workplace culture that mutually enhance competencies\" was identified as a barrier in developing \"the ability to support self-help groups and community organizations\" (adjusted prevalence ratio 1.52, 95% confidence interval 1.12-1.93). The other three factors pose challenges when educational personnel and systems are implemented.Conclusion　The lack of a workplace culture that enhances mutual competency is a key organizational factor associated with management-level public health nurse perceptions of developing the competencies of their novice peers. Strengthening this organizational factor could contribute to the development of human resources for novice public health nurses.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145016627","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"[Reflecting on the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Basic Act on Suicide Prevention: Measuring the actual numbers of suicide].","authors":"Kyoko Nomura, Takayuki Kageyama, Takashi Yamauchi, Natsu Sasaki, Toru Takizawa, Hirokazu Tachikawa, Yoshihide Sorimachi, Tadashi Takeshima","doi":"10.11236/jph.25-060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11236/jph.25-060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives　The Basic Act on Suicide Prevention was enacted in 2006, and 2026 will mark the 20th anniversary of this act. To commemorate this milestone, a symposium titled \"20th Anniversary of the Basic Act on Suicide Prevention: Understanding the Reality of Suicide\" was held at the 83rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Public Health. The aim was to reflect on Japan's suicide prevention efforts to date through collaboration with experts.Methods: To accelerate suicide prevention efforts in Japan, we identified and organized the key challenges involved in understanding the reality of suicide.Results　Considering the history of suicide prevention, we carefully reviewed the issues surrounding the Basic Act on Suicide Prevention and the Act on the Promotion of Research and Studies on Suicide. We conclude that revisions are necessary where appropriate. It is also important to incorporate measures for cultivating specialized professionals across various fields into the Basic Act on Suicide Prevention that will be responsible for suicide prevention in the next generation, as well as mechanisms that enable suicide-bereaved families to participate in policymaking. In terms of statistical issues, there has been a significant \"apparent change\" in the suicide statistics between 2021 and 2022 due to the revision of original data, which requires careful attention. There is an upward trend in deaths from external causes, including suicide and deaths from unknown causes, and it is necessary to analyze these trends carefully. In addition, municipalities can use police statistics to understand the realities of regional suicides. However, when analyzing municipal-level data, it is important to consider the underlying processes that lead to self-harm and suicide attempts, using regional suicide profiles as a reference. In addition, conducting independent surveys and research at the municipal level, separate from national statistics, is crucial for suicide prevention.Conclusion　Suicide-related behavior is a complex issue influenced by various factors. It is essential to coordinate national measures with local initiatives. The following proposals are suggested to enhance future suicide prevention efforts:1. A review of the legal frameworks and establishment of support systems involving diverse stakeholders.2. Training of specialized personnel, including bereaved families, in the policymaking process.3. Conducting a thorough analysis of the statistical changes.4. Encouraging independent research and studies at the municipal level.By continuously updating our knowledge and fostering interdisciplinary discussions, we aim to ensure that these efforts are effectively implemented.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145016693","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"[Turnover intentions of public health nurses after responding to COVID-19: A comparison with 10 years ago (A report of the Committee on Public Health Nursing 2022/2023 survey)].","authors":"Aya Iguchi, Atsuko Taguchi, Taichi Sato, Megumi Iwamoto, Hiroko Okuda, Soichiro Mochizuki, Taeko Shimazu, Tomofumi Sone, Kaori Maeda, Maki Muroka, Eri Mochida, Junko Omori","doi":"10.11236/jph.25-064","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11236/jph.25-064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives　This study aimed to determine how turnover intentions among public health nurses have changed following their coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response compared to 10 years ago, using propensity score matching.Methods　As part of the Committee on Public Health Nursing's 2022/2023 activities, we conducted a repeated cross-sectional survey among public health nurses based on the Job Demands-Resources Model, a theoretical framework for turnover intentions. We collected cross-sectional observational data from periods before and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Pre-pandemic data came from a 2013 survey (\"2013 survey\"), while post-pandemic data were collected between December 2022 and February 2023 (\"2023 survey\"). For the 2023 survey, we created a self-administered questionnaire similar to the 2013 instrument. We stratified and sampled 4,000 full-time public health nurses for distribution, ensuring the proportion of full-time public health nurses matched that of employees in established administrative organizations nationwide. After adjusting for 11 covariates-including sex and administrative classification of respondents' municipalities-through propensity scores, we extracted data for analysis. We compared turnover intentions using the χ² test and compared burnout and work engagement, as mediating variables for turnover intention, using t-tests.Results　The 2023 survey yielded 2,127 valid responses (53.2% valid response rate), and the 2013 survey provided 1,798 responses. After propensity score matching, 2,492 responses (1,246 per group) were used for analysis. Compared to the survey conducted ten years ago, the 2023 survey included more respondents who were staff members or chiefs in health sectors, prefectures, and local governments with jurisdictions exceeding 300,000 people. However, after propensity score matching adjustment, standardized differences for all adjustment variables fell below 0.1, confirming homogenized distributions and composition ratios between groups. Compared to 2013, significantly more public health nurses in the 2023 survey reported turnover intentions. Additionally, public health nurses experienced greater burnout and lower work engagement than 10 years ago.Conclusion　These findings suggest that the COVID-19 response may have exhausted public health nurses and increased their turnover intentions. Further analysis of job demands and resources as factors influencing burnout and work engagement is needed to ensure the career continuity of public health nurses.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145016662","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"[Association between individuals with unknown health status as identified by the National Health Insurance (KDB) system and frailty: A cross-sectional study in Yamato city, Japan].","authors":"Yukie Ishida, Mihoko Hasegawa, Kaori Nagase, Yasutake Tomata, Kazumi Tanaka","doi":"10.11236/jph.24-104","DOIUrl":"10.11236/jph.24-104","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives　Integrated implementation of health services and long-term care (LTC) prevention for older adults require programs to understand the health status of persons with unknown health status and connect them to appropriate services. Previous studies have suggested that identifying such individuals can predict those at high risk of needing LTC pertaining to care level ≥ 2 or death; however, the relationship with frailty remains unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the association between individuals with unknown health status identified using the National Health Insurance (KDB) system and corresponding frailty.Methods　We used response data from the LTC Prevention Questionnaire (an all-inclusive survey conducted in 2020 targeting older adults aged ≥65 years who were not certified as requiring LTC in Yamato City, Japan). The analysis included 16,186 older adults aged ≥76 years. They were divided into two groups: \"unknowns\" (those who did not receive medical checkups or medical care in 2019-2020) and \"knowns\" (those who received medical checkups or medical care in 2019-2020). Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed for frailty (at risk for ≥8 items) in the Kihon Checklist and the applicable criteria for each field, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each.Results　The OR for frailty was 1.58 (95% CI: 1.21-2.07), which was statistically significant and higher among those who had been unknown health status for two consecutive years, even after adjustment for sex, age group, and family structure. The adjusted OR for each criterion in the Kihon Checklist was 2.26 (95% CI: 1.55-3.30), which was the highest for \"prevention/support for homebound\" among those who were unknown for two consecutive years. Statistically significant associations were found for \"20 items except five related to prevention/support for depression\" and \"improvement of motor functions.\"Conclusion　Frailty was significantly associated with individuals aged ≥76 years who had not received health checkups or medical care for two consecutive years and were not certified as requiring LTC. In programs for understanding the status of persons with unknown health status and connecting them to appropriate services, it is considered necessary to actively implement measures against frailty, not just to recommend that such individuals receive health checkups and medical care.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":"521-529"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143993489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"[Challenges in implementing evidence-based standardized home visits for newborns, infants, and their caregivers: Lessons from the Republic of Korea].","authors":"Kyoko Yoshioka-Maeda, Saki Doi, Mari Ikeda, Hideki Hashimoto","doi":"10.11236/jph.24-133","DOIUrl":"10.11236/jph.24-133","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objective　In Japan, home-visit programs for newborns and infants have been implemented based on the Maternal and Child Health Act and Child Welfare Act. However, these programs vary widely across municipalities. This study aimed to examine the current state and challenges of scientifically designed and standardized home-visit programs in the Republic of Korea and obtain practical implications for Japan.Methods　Information was collected through collaboration with individuals affiliated with the Seoul National University College of Medicine and from publicly available sources.Results　In the Republic of Korea, the Maternal and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program targets children aged ≤ 2 years and their mothers. Based on \"the Family Partnership Model,\" the program emphasized partnerships between nurses, social workers, and caregivers. Initiated in Seoul in 2013 as the Seoul First Step Project, it expanded nationwide in 2019 as part of the Early Life Health Management Program. The program integrates the social-ecological model, proportionate universal approach, and life course approach, offering basic visits to all applicants and ongoing visits to families requiring additional support. The coverage rate of home-visit programs relative to the number of births has reached approximately 30%.To address the shortage of nurses, group programs in which mothers learn parenting skills together and the distribution of parenting manuals and leaflets were implemented. A standardized 320-h in-service training program was developed to ensure standardized home visits. Regular supervision and reflection opportunities were provided to the staff to ensure the quality of the home visits. Inspired by the U.S. HomVEE framework, multidimensional evaluation indicators assessed home environment, child safety, growth and development, maternal well-being, and community support.Conclusion　In the Republic of Korea, partnerships between universities, administrative organizations, and healthcare professionals (nurses, social workers, and physicians) have fostered evidence-based program designs, standardized in-service training, and evaluation outcomes. Although Japan has achieved high implementation rates of meticulous home visits, in-service training and evaluation should be improved. To address health inequalities from early life stages, translate evidence into practical applications, and improve the quality of home-visit programs by leveraging the strengths of all stakeholders involved.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":"558-565"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144045086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"[Associations between the characteristics of the facility and staff, collaboration with the community, and development of business continuity plans in children's homes].","authors":"Satsuki Nakamura, He Mu, Chiharu Tanigawa, Ayako Okochi","doi":"10.11236/jph.24-092","DOIUrl":"10.11236/jph.24-092","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives　Children's homes are residential facilities that provide care for children if circumstances prevent them from living with their guardians. In case of disasters, it is necessary to continue caring for the children and supporting the community. Therefore, developing business continuity plans (BCP) is essential. Since April 2023, children's welfare institutions have been required to develop BCPs. However, this process is currently behind schedule. This study aimed to identify the factors that influence BCP formulation in children's homes and provide recommendations to support their development.Methods　Between April and June 2023, a self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted with the staff-in-charge of BCP development at 579 facilities belonging to the National Council of Child Welfare. The questionnaire items included status of BCP development, characteristics of the children's homes and their disaster-related experiences, background of staff-in-charge of BCP development, and the development of a cooperative framework with the community The association between BCP development status and each item was analyzed using χ² or Fisher's exact test (significance level; 5%). This study was approved by the Ethics Review Committee of our institution.Results　In total, 184 valid responses (31.8%) were analyzed. The results showed that 76 facilities (41.3%) had developed BCPs, the admission capacity of children's homes was 44.7±18.7, 45 facilities (24.5%) had disaster-related experiences, and 99 facilities (53.8%) had welfare evacuation centers and developing BCPs. Significant differences were found in BCP development status, sex, experience with BCP development, participation in BCP development training, and need for assistance in BCP development. Regarding the relationship between the intention to develop a BCP and system of cooperation and collaboration with the local community, there was a significant difference in participation in local disaster prevention drills.Conclusion　The status of BCP development in children's homes was related to sex, experience with BCP development, participation in BCP development training, and the need for support. The intention to create a BCP is related to previous experience, participation in BCP formulation training, and involvement in local disaster drills. To promote BCP development in children's homes, previous experiences with BCP development, training sessions, and community disaster drills must be considered.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":"566-576"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144059948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"[Factors related to diet quality among public assistance recipients].","authors":"Shingo Hayashi","doi":"10.11236/jph.24-143","DOIUrl":"10.11236/jph.24-143","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives　This study aimed to identify factors associated with diet quality among public assistance recipients. Specifically, the study examined the impact of basic attributes and social isolation (emotional support, instrumental support, face-to-face contact, and non-face-to-face contact) on diet quality.Methods　The participants of this survey were 1,878 public assistance recipients within the jurisdiction of the Public Health and Welfare Center, Izumi Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, as of October 1, 2023. As an indicator of diet quality, the \"Diet Quality Score for Japanese (DQSJ)\" was used, calculated using a 12-item simplified questionnaire. Data on DQSJ scores and social support were collected from the participants, whereas basic attributes, including sex, age, household size, household type, and employment status, were obtained from the public assistance system. Participants were classified into low- and high-DQSJ groups based on the median DQSJ score, and a descriptive analysis was conducted to assess its association with basic attributes and social support. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between covariates and high-DQSJ status.Results　Responses were obtained from 485 participants (25.8%), who formed the analysis cohort. The group comprised 256 females (52.8%) and 229 males (47.2%), with a mean age of 55.3 years and a median DQSJ score of 10.5. Logistic regression analysis adjusting for covariates revealed that males (reference: females) had significantly lower odds of belonging to the high-DQSJ group (odds ratio [OR] = 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43-0.89). Emotional support was significantly associated with higher odds of being in the high-DQSJ group (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.01-2.30), while a stronger association was observed for instrumental support (OR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.52-3.58). Conversely, no statistically significant associations were observed between face-to-face and non-face-to-face contact.Conclusion　This study suggests that emotional and instrumental support are important factors that contribute to improved diet quality among public assistance recipients. However, face-to-face and non-face-to-face contact did not directly impact diet quality. These findings indicate that strengthening emotional and instrumental support is effective in enhancing diet quality among public assistance recipients.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":"530-540"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144059619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"[Comparison of salt reduction policies and trends levels in dietary salt intake in Japan and other countries: A narrative review].","authors":"Koki Torami, Chika Okada, Mieko Nakamura","doi":"10.11236/jph.24-122","DOIUrl":"10.11236/jph.24-122","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives　This study compared salt reduction policies and trends in dietary salt intake between Japan and other countries to facilitate future implementation of salt reduction initiatives in Japan.Methods　Information on salt reduction policies, salt intake, and target values in G7 member countries (Japan, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, and Germany) and countries with similar food cultures (China and Korea) since 2000 has been collected from institutional, article, and report websites. If sodium data were available for a specific country (the United States, Canada, or Korea), the sodium value and the salt equivalent value, calculated by multiplying the sodium value by 2.54, were presented. The percentage reduction was calculated from the baseline and assessment values of salt reduction policies in Japan and the United States. In other countries, it was calculated from near-year values before and after the salt reduction policy because these countries did not confirm the baseline and assessment values. Results　All the target countries set target values for dietary sodium or salt intake. The salt equivalents of the target values ranged from 5.8 g/day (Canada) to 9.9 g/day (Korea). In the United Kingdom, Italy, and France, some food industries, such as bread and pasta, have entered a pact to limit sodium. Korea has been implementing a salt reduction approach, not only in the food industry but also at home, such as the development of salt reduction menus. The main sources of dietary sodium in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, and Germany are processed and cooked foods, whereas in Japan, China, and Korea, sodium is consumed at home from condiments. Although the current salt intake could not be compared because of differences in the approach and years studied, it ranged from 6.9 g/day (Canada) to 10.2 g/day (China). Salt intake showed a decreasing trend in all countries, especially Korea and the United Kingdom, with particularly large reductions (32.2% and 14.8%, respectively). The United States and Japan showed lower reductions than other countries (2.2% and 4.7%, respectively). Conclusion　This study revealed that the percentage reduction in salt intake among the Japanese population was lower than that in other countries, highlighting the need for a tailored approach to salt reduction policies in Japan.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":"549-557"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143997759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"[Poverty status of households delinquent to paying school lunch fees: A descriptive study using the 2023 JACSIS study].","authors":"Kotone Tanaka, Daisuke Nishioka, Yasutake Tomata, Takahiro Tabuchi","doi":"10.11236/jph.24-097","DOIUrl":"10.11236/jph.24-097","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objective　This study aimed to describe the living conditions of households that had experienced arrears in school lunch fees for economic reasons and compile basic data to devise measures to address the problem of arrears in school lunch fees and child poverty.Methods　We used data from the JACSIS study (2023), focusing on households with at least one school-age child. A state of arrears in school lunch fees was defined as \"experiencing arrears\" if the participants reported that they had experienced being unable to pay their children's school lunch fees for financial reasons, and \"not experiencing arrears\" otherwise. We employed a set of indicators to evaluate the poverty and living conditions of guardians and children, such as deprivation, household income, changes in income, and food insecurity for household poverty status, and items related to adverse childhood experiences of guardians and children's living conditions. The number and percentage of respondents for each indicator were calculated by school lunch payment status.Results　Of the 1,919 participants, 88 (4.6%) had experienced arrears in school lunch fees, while 1,831 (95.4%) had not. Among those who had experienced arrears, 97.7% were in a state of deprivation, compared to 9.1% of those who had not experienced arrears. Additionally, those who had experienced arrears had a higher percentage of households with an income of less than four million yen (10.0% without experience of arrears vs. 17.1% with experience), reduced income (48.4% vs. 85.2%), and higher food insecurity (11.2% vs. 26.1%). Children from households with arrears were more likely to be respond \"I do not know\" or \"I do not want to answer\" by their guardians on all items related to childhood adverse experiences. They were also more likely to have guardians with mental illness (7.4% vs. 27.3%) and to experience domestic violence (14.4% vs. 80.7%).Conclusion　The findings suggest that households with school lunch fee arrears were likely to be experiencing severe poverty and situations suggestive of child maltreatment. Therefore, identifying arrears in school lunch fees as a sign of poverty may reduce the incidence of such arrears and help protect children's right to a healthy upbringing by connecting families to appropriate support.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":"541-548"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144014374","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}