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

{"title":"[Conflicts and responses of municipal public health nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: A focus group interview].","authors":"Yumi Sagara, Ikumi Nakaita","doi":"10.11236/jph.25-084","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11236/jph.25-084","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives　This study clarified the practical activities undertaken by municipal public health nurses (PHNs) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and ethical and emotional conflicts they experienced to derive implications for strengthening community health responses and capacity building during future health crises.Methods　This qualitative descriptive study was conducted using focus group interviews with eight municipal PHNs, with an average of 23.88 years of experience. Interview transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using inductive content analysis to extract themes regarding participants' activities and emotional experiences during the pandemic.Results　Under crisis conditions, six categories describing PHNs' activities included (1) coping with rapidly increasing responsibilities under uncertain conditions, (2) supporting vulnerable populations and their caregivers, (3) restoring maternal and child health services, (4) initiating organizational and interagency collaborations to mitigate social deterioration, (5) collecting and sharing information to minimize the negative impacts of restrictions, and (6) working with community leaders and professionals to sustain residents' well-being.Seven categories emerged regarding ethical and psychological conflicts; (1) confusion from expanded roles, (2) frustration at being unable to support those in need, (3) self-doubt about service effectiveness, (4) barriers to collaboration with health centers and other institutions, (5) discrepancies between organizational policies and community realities, (6) re-examination of the meaning of public health nursing during pandemics, and (7) challenges due to insufficient infection control knowledge and systems. A key competency theme was the need to reacknowledge the PHNs' role during health crises.Conclusion　During the COVID-19 pandemic, municipal PHNs have experienced limitations in providing individual support and changes in their professional roles. However, they continued to support residents via trust-based relationships with the community and the foundation of public health services, which has been built during normal times. Furthermore, they frequently face ethical dilemmas if prioritizing tasks and responding to residents, which often entails emotional burdens.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147724774","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":"[Bathing regimen and cold-like upper respiratory tract infections: A case-control study in young children and their parents].","authors":"Misuzu Kotsugai, Yoji Okugawa, Nobuyuki Nakanishi, Toshiyuki Ojima, Shinya Hayasaka","doi":"10.11236/jph.25-029","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11236/jph.25-029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives　In this study, we investigated associations between a bathing regimen for young children and the incidence of cold-like upper respiratory tract (URT) infections by analyzing URT infection data in young children aged 3-5 years and their parents. We hypothesized that a standardized bathing regimen, defined by water temperature of 39°C-40°C, immersion level from chest to shoulders, and immersion time of 7-20 min, would be effective in preventing viral URT infections, based on evidence from clinical studies of adult bathing. Associations between this regimen and URT infections in young children and parents were examined as the primary and secondary endpoints, respectively.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Young children and parents who consulted or did not consult a medical institution for URT infection between November 1 and 30, 2024, were included. Cases were defined as individuals diagnosed with viral URT infection, and controls were defined as those without URT symptoms who did not undergo medical examination. The study population comprised young children and their caregivers meeting these criteria, totaling 1,968 participants. Bathing elements, including water temperature, immersion level, and bathing duration, as well as the defined bathing regimen, were considered exposures, while URT infection status was the outcome. Associations were evaluated using logistic regression analyses, with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated. Lifestyle factors were included as adjustment variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In analyses of bathing temperature among young children, multivariate models adjusted for lifestyle factors showed odds ratios of 0.641 (95% CI: 0.442-0.931) for 39°C-40°C and 0.928 (95% CI: 0.627-1.370) for ≥41°C, using ≤38°C as the reference. Multivariate analysis of the bathing regimen in young children yielded an odds ratio of 0.802 (95% CI: 0.644-1.000). A corresponding analysis in caregivers demonstrated an odds ratio of 0.810 (95% CI: 0.692-0.949) after adjustment for lifestyle factors and basic attributes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Bathing at a temperature of 39°C-40°C was associated with a lower incidence of cold-like URT infections in young children, supporting the study hypothesis. Furthermore, the bathing regimen was associated with reduced infection incidence among caregivers. These findings suggest that structured household bathing practices may contribute to infection control.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147724771","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 health interest and practice of frailty prevention behaviors: A cross-sectional analysis of the Wako Cohort Study].","authors":"Yuri Yokoyama, Yu Nofuji, Takumi Abe, Takayuki Ueno, Kumiko Nonaka, Hiroshi Murayama","doi":"10.11236/jph.25-138","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11236/jph.25-138","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives　Health Japan 21 (Third Term) emphasizes measures targeting individuals who are indifferent to their health. We examined associations between health interest levels and the practice of the three key elements of frailty prevention (regular exercise, food intake diversity, and participation in social activities). We further investigated whether this association differed by participant characteristics.Methods　We obtained data from a mailed survey conducted in 2023 targeting 14,013 residents aged ≥65 years living in Wako City, Saitama Prefecture, who had not been certified as requiring level 3 or higher long-term care. We analyzed data from 6,429 valid respondents. We assessed the implementation status of each of the three key elements of frailty prevention: regular exercise (at least once per week), food intake diversity (Dietary Variety Score ≥ 4), and participation in social activities (participation in at least one of the following: employment, volunteer groups, sports groups or clubs, hobby groups, learning or cultural groups, groups for preventing long-term care, senior citizens' clubs, or neighborhood associations). Health interest levels were assessed using the Health Interest Scale (score range: 12-48 points). Participants were categorized into five groups according to the quintiles of their health interest scores. Modified Poisson regression analysis adjusted for major confounding factors was performed to estimate prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We also assessed the interactions between health interests and basic respondent characteristics (sex and age group).Results　Among all respondents, 22.9% practiced all three elements of frailty prevention, and the mean Health Interest Scale score was 36.6 ± 5.2. Compared with the group with the highest health interest level (5th quintile), the group with the lowest level (1st quintile) had fewer people who regularly exercised (prevalence ratio = 0.64, [95%CI = 0.59-0.68]), consumed various foods (0.65 [0.59-0.71]), or participated in social activities (0.83 [0.78-0.90]), and fewer people who practiced all three elements (0.45 [0.38-0.53]). Additionally, a significant interaction was observed between health interest and age group with respect to participation in social activities (P = 0.031). The association between low health interest and non-participation in social activities was stronger among those aged ≥75 years than among those aged 65-74 years.Conclusion　Individuals with low health interests were less likely to engage in frailty prevention behaviors. Frailty prevention interventions should consider an individual's health awareness level.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147724790","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":"[Survey on the establishment of smoking areas in city halls in National Association of Directors of Health Departments of Designated Cities, West Block Conference].","authors":"Masanori Hamada, Kazuo Miyamura, Mie Kasamatsu, Yukiko Nakamura, Chika Shirai, Makoto Toyota","doi":"10.11236/jph.25-131","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11236/jph.25-131","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives　In Tokyo, preventing passive smoking progressed during the 32nd Olympic Games. However, smoking areas remain in many local city halls, and tobacco product companies donate smoking areas in front of stations and near parks. A questionnaire survey was conducted at the Western Block Conference of the National Association of Directors of Health Departments of Designated Cities to accurately assess the status of smoking areas established and managed by designated cities.Methods　Questionnaires were distributed to the relevant departments in 30 designated cities. Smoking rates in the prefectures in which each designated city is located and tobacco tax revenues by city were collected from comprehensive information provided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. The Mann-Whitney U test compared smoking rates. Fisher's exact test examined for correlations, with P<0.05 considered significant. Because this study was an analysis of a questionnaire survey conducted among government agencies and open data, an ethics review was deemed unnecessary.Results　Fifteen designated cities (50%) had smoking areas in their city halls. The reasons provided were \"staff preference\" in five cities and \"citizen preference\" in three. Twenty-four designated cities (80%) had smoking areas donated by tobacco companies. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) guidelines were recognized in 18 designated cities (60%). There was no significant difference in smoking prevalence between designated cities with and without smoking areas in their city halls (P = 0.933). FCTC awareness was not significantly related to the presence of smoking areas donated by tobacco companies (P = 1). The presence of smoking areas in city halls and presence of smoking areas donated by tobacco companies had no significant relation (P = 0.651). Drawing a line of 2 billion yen in tobacco tax revenue, designated cities exceeding this threshold were significantly may have smoking areas in their city halls (P = 0.025).Conclusion　Smoking areas remain in city halls of designated cities in Western Japan. Although the presence or absence of smoking areas in city halls and smoking rate or donation of smoking areas had no significant relationship, there was a significant relationship with the tobacco tax. Local governments should not install smoking areas to prevent passive smoking.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147724843","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":"[Legionnaires' disease outbreak caused by an electric fireplace-like interior product generating ultrasonic aerosols].","authors":"Yuko Kuwahata, Ryuto Morikawa, Aiko Misawa, Kohei Yamashita, Yasuko Murai, Yu Watanabe, Chieko Muto, Moeko Umetsu, Teruaki Kinoshita, Tomoe Shimada, Junko Amemura-Maekawa","doi":"10.11236/jph.25-143","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11236/jph.25-143","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives　An epidemiological study was conducted of 43 cases of Legionnaires' disease reported to the Tokyo Metropolitan Tama-Kodaira Public Health Center and other health centers between September 30 and November 30, 2024. This report describes the methods used to identify an electric fireplace in a restaurant as the source of infection for some patients and the subsequent administrative measures implemented.Method　The epidemiological investigation involved mapping and case interviews. The restaurant identified as the suspected source of the outbreak was inspected on-site, and water samples collected from the vapor tray of an electric fireplace installed as interior decor were submitted to the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health for Legionella isolation testing. Environmental isolates obtained from the restaurant and clinical isolates from patients' sputum were analyzed using sequence-based typing (SBT) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). For the patient group without common behavioral histories, places of residence and living areas were analyzed.Results　Initially, no clusters of Legionnaires' disease were identified in specific residential areas, and no shared exposure risks were apparent. However, detailed interviews revealed that several patients had dined at the same restaurant equipped with an electric fireplace. This device generated water vapor using a mechanism similar to ultrasonic mist generators. Legionella pneumophila SG1 and L. feeleii SG1 were detected at a total concentration of 3 million CFU/100 mL in water samples. PFGE analysis demonstrated indistinguishable patterns between L. pneumophila environmental isolates and clinical isolates, all of which were assigned to sequence type 23 by SBT. Twenty-one patients developed Legionnaires' disease after visiting the restaurant, had no other shared behavioral history, and showed concordant genotyping results, indicating that the outbreak was caused by aerosols generated by the electric fireplace. Among patients without common behavioral histories, 95% resided or lived within a 3 km radius.Conclusions　To our knowledge, this is the first reported outbreak of Legionnaires' disease associated with an electric fireplace in Japan. Prompt tracing investigations and on-site inspections following identification of the suspected source, combined with immediate confirmation of device use and issuance of administrative guidance, prevented additional cases. Repeated educational initiatives addressing the etiology of Legionnaires' disease and appropriate hygiene management of products with similar functions are necessary to prevent future occurrences.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147724808","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 support for academic conference participants with childcare responsibilities: A survey of participants at the 83rd Annual Meeting of Japanese Society of Public Health].","authors":"Rikuto Masuda, Eri Maeda, Isaku Kurotori, Takashi Kimura, Akiko Tamakoshi","doi":"10.11236/jph.25-108","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11236/jph.25-108","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objective　Academic conferences provide opportunities for research presentation, networking, and career advancement. However, travelling for conferences can pose challenges for those with childcare responsibilities. To explore childcare support at conferences, the 83rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Public Health conducted a survey among in-person attendees.Methods　An online survey was conducted among in-person attendees of the meeting in November 2024. The participants were recruited via email invitations sent to pre-registered attendees and members of the Japanese Society of Public Health. The respondents provided demographic information and shared their opinions on attending conferences with their children. Those with elementary school-aged children or younger were asked about the age of their youngest child, childcare arrangements during the conference, and perceived usefulness of various childcare support measures. Data were analyzed based on the presence or absence of children in this age group and sex. Free-text responses were analyzed using content analysis and quantitative text analysis with the KH Coder software.Results　Of 856 respondents, 615 (71.8%) rated attending conferences with children as \"favorable\" or \"very favorable.\" The proportion of women with elementary school-aged children or younger (15.3%) was significantly lower than that of men (31.0%) (P < 0.01). Furthermore, there were significantly fewer women with children aged 0-2 years (15.9%) than men (31.3%) (P = 0.03). Participants with elementary school-aged children or younger valued a \"welcoming atmosphere for attendees bringing children to the conference venue\" (men; 83.8%, women; 82.9%), \"kids' space within the conference venue\" (men; 80.8%, women; 84.1%), and \"free childcare room at the conference venue\" (men; 80.8%, women; 79.3%). Free-text responses highlighted a desire for expanded childcare capacity, parent-priority seating, weekend conference scheduling, on-demand streaming, and welcoming atmosphere for attending conferences with children.Conclusion　The meeting initiative to support conference attendance of participants with children received positive feedback. However, the attendance remained low among women with very young children. Future efforts should continue on-demand streaming and expand childcare capacity while introducing new initiatives, such as parent-priority seating and children's spaces. These measures foster \"a welcoming atmosphere for attendees bringing children to the conference venue,\" thereby making conferences more accessible to participants with childcare responsibilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147724765","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":"[Influence of road distance from home to activity hubs on participation in resident-led preventive care activities: The Yabu Cohort Study].","authors":"Yu Nofuji, Takayuki Ueno, Kaito Iwamoto, Satoshi Seino, Yuri Yokoyama, Takumi Abe, Yuka Yoshida, Tomomi Mori, Masaya Uesugi, Kenji Narazaki, Shoji Shinkai, Yoshinori Fujiwara, Hiroshi Murayama","doi":"10.11236/jph.25-125","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11236/jph.25-125","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives　In Japan, resident-led prevention care activities (Kayoi-no-ba) are promoted, and many older individuals are expected to participate in these activities to prevent isolation and declining functional disability and support their daily lives. However, as older adults' travel ranges reduce with age, access to activity hubs is a barrier to participation. This study aimed to examine the association between road distance from home to activity hubs and participation in resident-led preventive care activities in locations in which hubs were established within walking distance in each administrative district.Methods　Mail surveys were sent in 2017 and 2022 to individuals aged ≥65 years in Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Of the respondents, the analysis included 1,369 individuals living in 53 districts in which activity hubs were established in the period between the two surveys. Modified Poisson regression analysis was performed with participation in resident-led preventive care activities by 2022 as the objective variable, road distance from home to activity hubs calculated using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as the explanatory variable, and baseline demographic variables, socioeconomic status, health concerns, health status, social interaction, car use, the year the hub was established, and mean slope angle to the activity hub (calculated using GIS) as covariates. Restricted cubic splines were used to examine the dose-response relationship between distance and participation.Results　In the period between the two surveys, 478 (34.2%) residents participated in the resident-led preventive care activities. Adjusted analyses revealed that participants residing in the highest tertile of road distance (≥327 m) were less likely to participate in the activities compared to those in the lowest tertile (<171 m) (PR = 0.66, 95% CI; 0.55-0.79, P < 0.001). In sex-stratified analyses, distance and participation were significantly associated only in women. In spline analysis, using the shortest distance as the reference, the PR decreased as the distance increased. A statistically significant difference emerged at distances >350 m.Conclusions　Even in areas in which activity hubs were established within walking distance, the road distance from home to activity hubs was a barrier to participation in resident-led preventive care activities, and a closer hub placement was important for promoting participation. This effect was observed regardless of car use. These findings provide scientific evidence to support the development of activity environments that enable continued participation among older adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147678954","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":"[Health services to prevent undernutrition among older adults in urban areas: Initiatives in Chiyoda City, Tokyo].","authors":"Mika Sugiyama, Hiroki Inagaki, Seigo Mitsutake, Takumi Hirata","doi":"10.11236/jph.25-083","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11236/jph.25-083","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objective　As Japan's aging population increases, local initiatives are required to prevent frailty and malnutrition. In FY2024, Chiyoda City implemented a high-risk and population-wide approach focused on malnutrition prevention as part of health services and long-term care prevention for older adults. This report evaluates the implementation and outcomes of the RE-AIM framework to identify its effectiveness and future challenges.Methods　A steering committee and working group facilitated cross-departmental and community collaborations. Health and welfare staff received data utilization training to support evidence-based policymaking (EBPM).　For the high-risk approach, 43 older adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≤20.0 and recent weight loss were identified using the KDB system. After setting individual goals with registered dietitians, the participants underwent four home visits. The pre- and post-intervention outcomes were assessed using body weight, BMI, WHO-5, CNAQ-J, and CO-DVS.　The population approach involved distributing pamphlets and conducting community lectures. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using the RE-AIM model.Results　In the high-risk approach, 25 of the 43 identified individuals participated and 20 completed the program (retention rate; 80%). Although there were no statistically significant changes in health indicators, 30% of the participants gained >1 kg of body weight and approximately 75% reported positive behavioral changes, suggesting significant support was provided. Collaboration with community support centers has led to additional services, such as long-term care applications and assistance for isolated individuals.　In the population approach, 2,940 copies of promotional and educational pamphlets were distributed, and 271 residents received information via lectures and individual consultations; >90% of the participants found the content useful. This project collaborated with the Community Life Support Coordination Program. Data utilization training confirmed the increased awareness of KDB system utilization in business operations and policy planning based on data.Conclusion　This initiative has shown promising results as a community-based integrated care model through data-driven targeting, multi-sector collaboration, and individual- and population-level interventions. Building a sustainable system requires personalized support, ICT utilization, outreach to middle-aged and harder-to-reach groups, and further integration with existing services.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147678900","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":"[Characteristics of Internet use for child health information and e-health literacy levels among mothers].","authors":"Sonoko Suzuki, Chu Hyang Oh, Emiko Saito","doi":"10.11236/jph.25-082","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11236/jph.25-082","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives　This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of Internet use to research health-related information concerning children among mothers and their e-health literacy levels.Methods　An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was administered to 672 mothers eligible for 18-month dental and 3-year general health checkups at an urban health center. Questionnaires were collected by mail. Survey items assessed basic attributes, the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), sources of information and consultations regarding pediatric health, and general Internet usage.Results　Of 203 questionnaires collected (30.2% response rate), seven were excluded for missing data, leaving 196 (29.2% valid response rate) for analysis. Of 196 respondents, 112 (57.1%) attended 18-month dental health checkups and 84 (42.9%) attended 3-year general health checkups. The largest age group was mothers in their 30s (n = 141, 71.9%). Of the total respondents, 190 (96.9%) used the Internet to find child health information. Overall mean eHEALS score (and associated standard deviation) was 25.7 (5.9), with 28.1 (3.7) for respondents in their 20s and 26.0 (5.9) for those with university or postgraduate education. eHEALS scores were significantly higher among Instagram and Twitter users than non-users (P = .021 and P = .018, respectively). Regarding Internet usage intentions, participants who agreed that information was readily available and problems could be easily solved scored significantly higher than those who did not agree (P = .024 and P = .014, respectively). Conversely, those who felt the information was too complex scored significantly lower (P = .013).Conclusion　Most mothers used the Internet to find child health information. Results suggest healthcare and welfare workers should support mothers in improving e-health literacy, including selecting reliable information sources and applying obtained information effectively.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147517216","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":"[Possible factors associated with postpartum weight changes and weight retention].","authors":"Rika Shiroto, Miki Miyoshi","doi":"10.11236/jph.25-043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11236/jph.25-043","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives　Focusing on maternal weight change from pre-pregnancy to 18 months postpartum, this study aimed to explore the possible factors associated with postpartum weight retention to provide obesity prevention strategies for women.Methods　A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to November 2021. Data were obtained from 543 mothers who attended health checkups for 18-month-old infants in 16 Aomori Prefecture municipalities using self-administered questionnaires. Study components included basic maternal characteristics and information on infants at birth and mothers after childbirth. Postpartum weight retention was defined as weight retention <2 kg at 18 months postpartum. Comparative analysis of maternal weight and body mass index (BMI) between the retention and non-retention groups was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Factors associated with postpartum weight retention were examined using the χ² test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression analysis.Results　Maternal weight retention distribution at 18 months postpartum was 132 (59.5%) in the retention group and 90 (40.5%) in the non-retention group. Statistically significant differences between groups were observed for age (P < 0.05), employment status (P < 0.05), weight gain against pre-pregnancy BMI (P < 0.05), current breastfeeding status (P < 0.05), and BMI at 18 months postpartum (P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis with weight retention as the dependent variable showed that unemployment (odds ratio [OR]: 3.76, 95% confidence interval [Cl]: 1.41-10.07), weight gain exceeding recommendations (OR: 3.31, 95% Cl: 1.39-7.90), current breastfeeding (OR: 3.32, 95% Cl: 1.34-8.20), and obesity at 18 months postpartum (OR: 6.06, 95% Cl: 2.49-14.73) were associated with non-retention. No association was observed with health guidance on weight management at municipalities or medical institutions.Conclusion　This study revealed that employment status, weight gain during pregnancy, current breastfeeding status, and BMI at 18 months postpartum were possible determinants of maternal postpartum weight retention. These findings suggest that regular maternal weight monitoring beyond postnatal checkups and providing support according to living and childcare environments are necessary.</p>","PeriodicalId":72032,"journal":{"name":"[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147516364","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}