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

{"title":"[Residential areas, travel burdens, and children with cancer: Analysis of mobility and mortality ratios using data from Japan's national population-based cancer registry].","authors":"Anna Tsutsui, Yoshitaka Murakami, Takako Fujimaki, Masayuki Endo, Yuko Ohno","doi":"10.11236/jph.24-086","DOIUrl":"10.11236/jph.24-086","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives　Although childhood cancer treatment has recently become centralized at specialized hospitals worldwide, the relationship between mortality ratios and living in rural areas or traveling long distances for treatment remains controversial. In the present study, we examined whether regional differences in patient mobility and mortality ratios exist in Japan.Methods　We investigated 10,713 patients with cancer aged ≤18 years, diagnosed between 2016 and 2019, registered in the national cancer registry data. The patients were divided into two categories based on their residence at diagnosis: urban and rural. Urban areas were defined as metropolitan or urban areas according to the 2015 census or as prefectural cities; all other areas were defined as rural. Additionally, we divided the patients into two groups based on the one-way travel time to the treatment hospital (≤1 h or >1 h), as estimated from location information at the community level using route-planner web services. Next, we calculated the percentage of patients who received treatment within their residences in both areas and for each treatment type. We compared the percentage of distant metastasis in all cancers and each diagnosis group between the two areas using the chi-square test. We finally applied Cox proportional hazard models to obtain adjusted mortality hazard ratios for urban versus rural areas and travel times of ≤1 h versus >1 h.Results　Overall, 77% of the patients were classified as urban residents. The percentages of patients receiving treatment within their residency, secondary medical care area, prefecture, and regional block levels were 22-46%, 80-87%, and 95-99%, respectively. Only central nervous system tumors (III) showed a significant difference in the percentage of distant metastases, which were more common in urban areas (6% vs. 3%). The adjusted mortality hazard ratios were not significantly different between urban and rural areas for all cancers or each diagnosis group. The travel time comparison yielded significant differences of 1.17 for all cancers and 2.57 for lymphomas (II).Conclusion　Approximately 80% of the patients received treatment within their prefecture, although a few traveled long distances across regional blocks. We observed no differences in the mortality ratio between urban and rural areas, although significant differences were found in all cancers and one cancer in the travel burden comparison. These results highlight the need for continued evaluation of the increasing trend in patient travel burden and its impact on survival, as childhood cancer treatment has become centralized in Japan.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":"331-339"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143048273","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":"[Support methods and effectiveness to reduce maternal depression and anxiety in Japan: A literature review].","authors":"Ayaka Hanyuda, Kemal Sasaki, Ritei Uehara","doi":"10.11236/jph.24-042","DOIUrl":"10.11236/jph.24-042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives　In Japan, support services are provided to help postpartum women within one year after childbirth. This study conducted a literature review of these support methods and their effectiveness in reducing depression and anxiety among postpartum women.Methods　We searched for Japanese and English literature published until August 2023 using the PubMed, Igaku Chuo Zasshi, CiNii Research, and Cochrane Library databases. We included original papers that provided support for postpartum women discharged from delivery facilities within one year of childbirth in Japan and assessed changes in depression and anxiety. The included studies were organized according to study design, number of participants, intervention period, support methods, assessment time, and main outcomes. The support methods and their effectiveness in reducing depression and anxiety were examined.Results　This review included 22 studies from PubMed, Igaku Chuo Zasshi, CiNii Research, and Cochrane Library. Regarding support provided after childbirth, the following methods reduced depression and anxiety; support from the childbirth hospital, care services after childbirth, exercise support, and physical contact between the mother and child. For continuous support during pregnancy, the following methods reduced depression and anxiety; continuous support from certain midwives and comprehensive support based on the assessment of the health status and need for support of postpartum women. Concerning other support, the following methods reduced depression and anxiety; health checkups for two weeks after childbirth, coaching based on the assessment of the current status of child-rearing, consultation services using an application, parenting support, and support for Chinese residents in Japan, while focusing on cultural differences and social support. Eight of these support programs were provided through collaborations between various healthcare professionals, such as physicians and nurses.Conclusion　This literature review found that some support methods reduced depression and anxiety among postpartum women. Planning based on the assessment of the mother's health condition and needs and multidisciplinary cooperation enhanced the effectiveness of support services for postpartum women.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":"359-368"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143048516","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":"https://doi.org/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":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","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":"[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":"https://doi.org/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":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","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":"https://doi.org/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":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","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":"Navigating the evolving landscape of public health and social medicine: Opportunities and challenges for trainees in Japan's healthcare system.","authors":"Soichiro Saeki","doi":"10.11236/jph.24-111","DOIUrl":"10.11236/jph.24-111","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":"315-316"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143257471","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":"[Educational inequalities in mortality by prefectures in Japan: National census-linked mortality data, 2010-2015].","authors":"Hirokazu Tanaka, Kota Katanoda, Yasuki Kobayashi","doi":"10.11236/jph.24-075","DOIUrl":"10.11236/jph.24-075","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives　To examine a comprehensive monitoring framework for health inequalities in Japan, this study aimed to quantify educational inequalities in mortality and its regional variations, which are widely used internationally as outcome measures of health inequalities.Methods　Individual data were obtained from the 2010 Population Census and Vital Statistics death records (2010-2015). We used the combination of \"sex,\" \"birth month/year,\" \"municipality of residence,\" \"marital status,\" and \"age of spouse (married individuals only)\" as a linkage key. Individuals with a unique \"linkage key\" were selected and included in the sample population. We included 7,984,451 Japanese individuals (3,992,202 men and 3,992,249 women) aged 30-79 years (9.9% of the total census population). Death records with a unique \"linkage key\" were linked to these records using the deterministic linkage method (five-year cumulative proportion of deaths; 5.6% for men and 2.5% for women). Inverse probability weights were calculated from the ratio of the total to sample population, using the distributions of sex, age, prefecture, educational attainment, and occupation. Weighted age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) and ASMR ratios by educational level were calculated, and their variations by prefecture were analyzed.Results　Estimated all-cause ASMRs (per 100,000 population) for men were 1,025 (95% confidence interval [CI]; 1,013-1,037) for high education (university graduation) and 1,245 (95% CI; 1,238-1,253) for middle/low education (junior/senior high school graduation). The respective values for all-cause ASMRs in women were 496 (95% CI: 485-508) and 640 (95% CI: 636-645). Estimated all-cause ASMR ratios between low/middle and high education levels were 1.21 (95% CI; 1.17-1.26) for men and 1.29 (95% CI; 1.17-1.41) for women. The ASMRs were higher for middle/low education than for high education in each prefecture; this trend was particularly pronounced among men. Additionally, no systematic differences were observed, although geographical backgrounds were considered.Conclusion　Using the national census-linked mortality data, ASMR was approximately 1.2-1.3 times higher for \"junior/senior high school graduates\" than for \"university and above graduates\" in Japan. Although regional variations in the ASMR ratio were small, a more accurate mortality database must be constructed for further analysis in prefectures.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":"292-302"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142878721","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":"[Analysis of hospitalization status by major classification according to ICD-10 among public assistance recipients considering sex and age].","authors":"Hideyuki Watanabe, Masaaki Matsunaga, He Yupeng, Atsuhiko Ota, Li Yuanying, Kotaro Kuwaki, Shinichi Tanihara","doi":"10.11236/jph.24-068","DOIUrl":"10.11236/jph.24-068","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives　We evaluated the number of hospitalizations among public assistance recipients for each major classification according to the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10), adjusting for sex and age differences in the general Japanese population. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of hospitalization patterns among public assistance recipients by disease category.Methods　We used indirect methods to adjust for sex and age, with public assistance recipients and the entire Japanese population as the observation and reference groups, respectively. We calculated the standardized hospitalization ratios (SHRs) for each major classification based on the ICD-10. We only used publicly available government statistics, including data from the 2020 Patient Survey, for hospitalization rates according to sex, age, and major classification. Additionally, we used data from the 2020 National Survey on Public Assistance Recipients conducted for the number of public assistance recipients by sex and age groups and data from the 2020 Survey on the Actual Status of Medical Assistance conducted for the number of hospitalizations by major classification.Results　After adjusting for age, the overall SHR was 1.49. The major classifications with the high SHRs for men and women were \"V. Mental and behavioural disorders\" (SHR for men; 4.06, women; 3.45) and \"IV. Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases\" (SHR for men; 2.40, women; 1.47). Conversely, the major classifications with low SHRs were \"XVI. Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period\" (SHR; 0.43) and \"VII. Diseases of the eye and adnexa\" (SHR; 0.44) for men. For women, these were \"XV. Pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium\" (SHR; 0.17) and \"VII. Diseases of the eye and adnexa\" (SHR; 0.27).Conclusion　After adjusting for age, hospitalization status among public assistance recipients was higher overall than in the general Japanese population. However, if divided based on major classifications, higher and lower rates were observed compared with the general population. In assessing the status of medical assistance for public assistance recipients, research should be conducted by disease classification, considering the significant differences in age composition between public assistance recipients and the general Japanese population.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":"272-283"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142878716","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":"[Examination of the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the patient self-advocacy scale for psychiatric users].","authors":"Yui Hamada, Masako Kageyama, Keiko Yokoyama","doi":"10.11236/jph.24-063","DOIUrl":"10.11236/jph.24-063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objective　In 2020, > 6 million individuals with mental disorders received psychiatric care. Advocacy is important to ensure that the rights of psychiatric patients, for whom involuntary hospitalization sometimes occurs, are maintained. This study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the Patient Self-Advocacy Scale (PSAS) by Brashers et al. to measure the degree of patient self-advocacy and examine its reliability and validity.Methods　Five researchers translated the original PSAS into Japanese. The translated questionnaire was piloted with five psychiatric users and further revised. The revised content was back-translated by a professional translator and checked by the original author. An online questionnaire was administered to verify the validity and reliability of the completed Japanese PSAS. The questionnaire was distributed to individuals who received mental health services on a mailing list. Some respondents were asked to complete the questionnaire a second time to examine the reliability of the retest method. Reliability was examined by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the entire scale and subscales and evaluating the results of the correlation coefficients with the retest. For validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted, and correlation coefficients were calculated using related scales (the Japanese versions of the Desirability of Control, Desire for Autonomy, and Health Locus of Control scales).Results　The questionnaire received 214 responses, and the test-retest questionnaire received 48 responses. Most respondents had been diagnosed with mood disorders (48.1%) or schizophrenia (40.7%), and 46.8% had been receiving psychiatric care for > 10 years. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the overall scale and subscale analyses and correlation coefficients for retests ranged from 0.66-0.83 and 0.69-0.84, respectively. Regarding validity, exploratory factor analysis revealed three factors with items similar to those in the original version, and confirmatory factor analysis showed goodness of fit (CMIN/DF = 2.834, GFI = 0.896, AGFI = 0.841, RMSEA = 0.093, AIC = 198.542, CFI = 0.888). Correlations with relevant scales were significant with those of most subscales.Conclusion　The Japanese PSAS was valid and reliable. This scale can be used to assess self-advocacy among psychiatric users and may help understand attitudes toward rights and advocacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":"284-291"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142878723","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 associated with restarting or continuing community activities for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic].","authors":"Kumiko Nonaka, Sachiko Murayama, Keiko Sugiura, Hiroshi Murayama","doi":"10.11236/jph.24-059","DOIUrl":"10.11236/jph.24-059","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objective　This study examined the factors associated with the status of group activities provided to older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic by community groups aiming to improve the health and social interactions of older adults. Methods　A mail survey was conducted with 372 leaders of neighborhood associations and Senior Citizen Clubs in November 2020 in Ward A, Tokyo. The questionnaire asked leaders about the status of group activities provided by neighborhood associations and the aforementioned clubs for older adults. Leaders responded regarding their group's activity status from April to October 2020 based on three patterns: 1) suspending the activity, 2) carrying out the activity by modifying the content, and 3) performing the activity without modifying the content. Data from 206 groups were analyzed. A latent class analysis (LCA) was performed using activity status to classify each group's activity patterns, and a multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted using activity patterns as dependent variables. Variations in activity content, activity frequency, the average number of participants and volunteers, having participants over 80 years old in the group, and the group's social capital were assigned as covariates. We also included the communication frequency between the volunteers and participants before COVID-19 and during the first state of emergency as covariates. Missing values were supplemented using a multiple imputation model. Results　Four patterns were identified from the LCA results: \"suspended the activity\" from April to October, \"restarted the activity with modified content\" from a specific month, \"continued the activity with modified content\" from April to October, and \"continued/restarted the activity without modified content\" from April to October. The multiple logistic regression, with \"suspended the activity\" as a reference group, demonstrated that a communication frequency of more than once a week was associated with \"continued the activity with modified content\" (odds ratio: = 5.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.19-23.21), and \"continued/restarted the activity without modified content\" (OR = 4.37, 95%CI = 1.07-17.82). In addition, carrying out the activity more than twice a month (OR = 3.12, 95%CI = 1.10-8.87) and having 6-10 volunteers (OR = 0.32, 95%CI = 0.11-0.89) were associated with \"restarted the activity with modified content.\"Conclusion　This study emphasizes the importance of communicating with participants more than once a week and having fewer volunteers to restart or continue group activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study findings can guide municipal governments and public health professionals in assisting community groups during emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":"261-271"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142878724","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}