Japanese Community Research Articles

Who Tells Your Story? Analyzing a Century of Utah History

Who Tells Your Story? Analyzing a Century of Utah History

PS-P08-2: FACTORS RELATED TO PARTICIPATION IN HEALTH CHECKUPS AMONG MIDDLE-AGED JAPANESE COMMUNITY RESIDENTS IN THE PRECONTEMPLATION STAGE

Objective: In Japan, all medical insurers are obliged to conduct annual specific health checkups. These checkups are part of the National Health Service system and target all insured people aged 40–74 years and aim to facilitate prevention and early detection of atherosclerosis-related diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. However, the participation rate in specific health checkups is low in Japan, especially among middle-aged community residents with municipal National Health Insurance (NHI). Additionally, previous studies suggested that those in the precontemplation stage were at higher risk for non-participation in health checkups. Therefore, this study explored the factors related to participation in specific health checkups among middle-aged Japanese community residents with NHI in the precontemplation stage. Design and Method: This cross-sectional mail survey was conducted in 2020 that involved all community residents with municipal NHI aged 40–64 years in five cities in three areas of A Prefecture, Japan. This survey included 33,902 community residents, and 12,446 (36.7%) agreed to participate in the survey. After selecting those without missing data (n = 11,180) and those in the precontemplation stage, the analysis included 2,892 participants. Participants were classified into a participation group and a non-participation group. Those who selected “I underwent a specific health checkup in the past year” were classified as the participation group. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Boards. Informed consent was obtained from all participants who were included in this study. Results: In this study, 994 (34.4%) participants were classified in the participation group, and 1,898 (65.6%) were classified in the non-participation group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed factors related to participation in health checkups among those in the precontemplation stage. The factor with the highest odds ratio (OR) for participation in specific health checkups was recommendations from primary care physicians to participate in specific health checkups [multivariable-adjusted OR 3.19, 95% CI 2.45–4.15, presence of recommendations vs. absence of recommendations], followed by recommendations from public health nurses [multivariable-adjusted OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.26–3.41, presence of recommendations vs. absence of recommendations], and self-reported economic status [multivariable-adjusted OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.48–2.24, good vs. poor]. Conclusions: In particular, recommendations from primary care physicians and public health nurses might be important factors related to participation in health checkups among middle-aged Japanese community residents with NHI in the precontemplation stage.

Trends in stroke, cardiovascular disease, and medical expenditure under a community-based long-term stroke prevention program.

Evidence on the effects of preventive measures for noncommunicable disease is urgently needed for low-income and middle-income countries suffering from stroke epidemics along with population aging. We sought to examine the impact of a community-based stroke prevention program on incidences of stroke and ischemic heart disease, mortality from cardiovascular disease, and medical expenditure. Trends in the incidences of stroke and ischemic heart disease were documented in a Japanese rural community, Kyowa, from 1981 through 2015. Trends in mortality from cardiovascular disease and in medical expenditures were compared between Kyowa and its surrounding municipalities from 1981 through 2004. In Kyowa, the age-and-sex-adjusted incidences of stroke and of ischemic heart disease decreased by half (from 4.1 to 1.9 and from 1.5 to 0.7 per year/1000 persons, respectively) over the past 35 years. A similar decreasing trend was observed for the age-and-sex-adjusted mortality from cardiovascular disease, and this decreasing trend occurred earlier than that in the surrounding municipalities. The medical expenditures for cardiovascular disease became lower in Kyowa than in the surrounding municipalities over time. Our study's findings suggest that a community-based stroke prevention program augmented the decline in the incidences of stroke and ischemic heart disease, mortality from cardiovascular disease, and attenuated the increase in medical expenditures for cardiovascular disease.

Impact of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Attributes on Consumer Attitude with Reference to Japanese Frozen Food in Malaysia

Generally, frozen food businesses have experienced a huge demand for their products since the pandemic began as consumers were stocking up on frozen foods to reduce close contact with others. The popularity of international food including Japanese food among Muslims and non-Muslims are growing in Malaysia, developing a Japanese cuisine community. However, strong competition in the food industry especially in the frozen food market may not be easy for Japan-made frozen foods to achieve a competitive position in the Malaysian market. Hence, this study aims to investigate the role of intrinsic factors (brand reputation, price perception, Halal label and product information) and extrinsic factors (convenience, health consciousness, food quality and social influence) on attitude towards Japanese frozen food. The findings show that brand reputation, Halal label, and food quality were positively related to attitude whereas, health consciousness was negatively associated with attitude. The outcome of this research is expected to provide insights to Japanese frozen food manufacturers on the appropriate marketing strategies to be adopted to penetrate into the Malaysian frozen food market, which is expanding rapidly at present.

Buddhism in the Far North of Australia pre-WWII: (In)visibility, Post-colonialism and Materiality

Buddhism was first established in Australia through flows of migrants in the mid-nineteenth century, and is currently Australia’s fourth-largest religion. Yet Buddhists have received significantly less scholarly attention than Christians, Jews and Muslims in Australia. Previous research conducted on Buddhism in Australia has also largely centered on the southern states, and on white Buddhists. This article shares findings of archival research on Buddhism in the far north of Australia, focused on Chinese, Japanese, and Sri Lankan communities working in mining, pearling, and sugar cane industries, pre-WWII. It documents the histories of exclusion, resistance and belonging experienced by Australia’s Buddhists in the far north of Australia pre-WWII, during times of colonial oppression and Japanese internment. In so doing, this article challenges dominant narratives of a white Christian Australia, and also of white Buddhism in Australia, by rendering Asian communities in scholarship on religion in Australia more visible.

Long-Term Trends in The 5-Year Risk of Recurrent Stroke over A Half Century in A Japanese Community: The Hisayama Study.

Secular trends in the risk of recurrent stroke have been reported in several epidemiological studies worldwide, but this issue has not been investigated in general Japanese populations. We examined the trends in the 5-year risk of recurrent stroke over a half century using community-based prospective data in Japan. We established 4 cohort studies in 1961, 1974, 1988, and 2002. To examine the risk of recurrent stroke, participants who developed stroke during a 10-year follow-up period in each cohort were followed-up for 5 years from the date of first onset. A total of 154 (first sub-cohort: 1961-1971), 144 (second sub-cohort: 1974-1984), 172 (third sub-cohort: 1988-1998), and 146 (fourth sub-cohort: 2002-2012) participants from each cohort were enrolled in the present study. The 5-year cumulative risk of recurrent stroke was compared among the sub-cohorts using the Kaplan-Meier method and the age- and sex-adjusted Cox proportional hazards model. The risks of recurrent stroke after any stroke and ischemic stroke decreased significantly from the first to the third sub-cohort, but they did not clearly change from the third to the fourth sub-cohort. The risk of recurrent stroke after hemorrhagic stroke decreased mainly from the first to the second sub-cohort and there was no apparent decrease from the second to the fourth sub-cohort. These trends were substantially unchanged after adjusting for age and sex. In the Japanese community, the risk of recurrent stroke decreased mainly from the 1960s to 1990s, but there was no apparent decrease in recent years.

A Comparative Study of Korean and Japanese Community Building Using Culture & Art : The Case of Changwon and Hachinohe Cities

A Comparative Study of Korean and Japanese Community Building Using Culture & Art : The Case of Changwon and Hachinohe Cities

Association of home hypertension subtypes with glucose metabolism.

Objective: This study was performed to investigate the association of home and office hypertension with glucose metabolism among the Japanese general population. Methods: The study involved 646 residents without treatment for hypertension or a history of diabetes from Ohasama, a rural Japanese community, who underwent an oral glucose tolerance test measuring blood glucose (BG) and insulin levels at fasting and 30, 60 and 120 min. Hypertension subtypes [normotension (NT), isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH), and systolic and diastolic hypertension (SDH)] were defined based on home and office systolic and diastolic blood pressure (HBP and OBP, respectively). The estimated means of blood glucose (BG)-related indices among the groups were compared by analysis of covariance adjusted for possible confounding factors. In addition, the association between continuous HBP and OBP (as independent variables) and BG-related indices (as dependent variables) were assessed by multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Mean age was 62.4 years. Of participants, 29% were men. No estimated mean BG-related indices were different among the morning HBP-defined hypertension subtypes, although morning systolic BP and BG at 120 min were significantly positively associated. Participants with evening HBP-defined ISH had a significantly higher estimated mean BG at 120 min (146 vs 127 mg/dl), higher homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (1.29 vs 1.02), and lower Matsuda–DeFronzo index (6.55 vs 8.06) than participants with NT. In addition, evening systolic BP levels with BG at 60 and 120 min and HOMA-IR and diastolic BP levels with fasting BG were significantly positively associated. Participants with OBP-defined SDH had significantly higher estimated means of fasting BG (101 vs 94 mg/dl), BG at 30 min (177 vs 158 mg/dl), 60 min (181 vs 157 mg/dl), and 120 min (145 vs 125 mg/dl); and HOMA-IR (1.30 vs 0.98) and a lower Matsuda–DeFronzo index (6.26 vs 8.30) than participants with NT. Both office systolic and diastolic BP levels were associated with BG levels at all time points, HOMA-IR and Matsuda–DeFronzo index. Conclusion: Evening HBP and OBP were clearly associated with BG-related indices. Participants with evening HBP-defined ISH and OBP-defined SDH had higher BG levels and insulin resistance than participants with correspondingly defined NT. However, morning HBP were not obviously associated, compared with evening HBP and OBP. These findings suggest the importance of measuring evening HBP and OBP for early detection of coexisting hypertension and diabetes.

Validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the severity hierarchy score for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea screening

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the severity hierarchy score (J-SHS) in the screening of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among Japanese community children. MethodsA total of 922 children from elementary schools in Tokyo were recruited. Their parents completed the J-SHS questionnaire, and the children underwent an overnight Tracheal Sound (TS) recording. The reliability of the J-SHS was assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficients and Spearman's correlation. Construct validity was determined by factor analysis. The discriminative ability to diagnose OSA was evaluated by constructing ROC curves. ResultsFive hundred and seventeen children (51.8% male, mean age 7.1 ± 0.7 years) were included. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.80. Factor analysis resulted in a two-factor structure, with factor loadings all above 0.4. A J-SHS score of >1.88 exhibited a 60% sensitivity, 93% specificity, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.78 for detecting an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of ≥5/h; a J-SHS score of >2.06 exhibited a 75% sensitivity, 84% specificity and AUC of 0.84 for detecting an AHI of ≥3/h among the children with a snoring frequency above two nights/wk. ConclusionThe J-SHS exhibits good performance as a screening tool providing a quick and straightforward approach for identifying Japanese children at risk for OSA.

Prevalence of Glaucoma and Its Systemic Risk Factors in a General Japanese Population: The Hisayama Study.

To estimate the prevalence of glaucoma and its risk factors in a Japanese community. This study included 3405 Japanese community dwellers who were ≥40 years of age and enrolled in the Hisayama Study. This population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from 2017 to 2018. A glaucoma screening test was performed using stereo fundus images and swept-source optical coherence tomography. Glaucoma was defined based on the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology criteria. The prevalence of glaucoma was 7.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.7-8.6) overall. The prevalence of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) was 5.8% (95% CI, 5.0-6.6); that of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) was 0.7% (95% CI, 0.5-1.1); and that of exfoliation glaucoma was 1.1% (95% CI, 0.7-1.4). In addition to aging, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02-1.33), higher intraocular pressure (OR = 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.12), longer axial length (OR = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.31-1.59), and thinner central corneal thickness (CCT) (OR = 1.09; 95% CI, 1.04-1.15) were significant risk factors for POAG. Diabetes (OR = 2.81; 95% CI, 1.19-6.62) was a significant risk factor for PACG, and diabetes (OR = 2.15; 95% CI, 1.03-4.47) and thinner CCT (OR = 1.14; 95% CI, 1.02-1.28) were significant risk factors for exfoliation glaucoma. The prevalence of glaucoma was approximately 8%, probably due to the increase in the Japanese aging population. Not only ocular factors but also lower eGFR for POAG and diabetes for PACG and exfoliation glaucoma were risk factors in a general Japanese population. Systemic factors such as eGFR and diabetes must also be considered when implementing preventive measures against glaucoma.

Humoral immunity after second dose of BNT162b2 vaccine in Japanese communities: an observational cross-sectional study, Fukushima Vaccination Community Survey

To reveal waning humoral immunity after second dose BNT162b2 vaccinations in a rural Japanese community and determine factors affecting antibody titers. We aimed to report Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody against the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S1) protein levels and neutralizing activity in a large scale community based cohort. Methods: Participants in the observational cross-sectional study received a second dose of vaccination with BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) and were not previously infected with COVID-19. Questionnaire-collected data on sex, age, adverse vaccine reactions, and medical history was obtained. Results: Data from 2496 participants revealed that older age groups reached a low antibody titer 90–120 days after the second vaccination. Neutralizing activity decreased with age; 35 (13.3%) of those aged ≥ 80 years had neutralizing activity under the cut-off value. Neutralizing activity > 179 days from the second vaccination was 11.6% compared to that at < 60 days from the second vaccination. Significantly lower IgG antibody titers and neutralizing activity were associated with age, male sex, increased time from second vaccination, smoking, steroids, immunosuppression, and comorbidities. Conclusions: Antibody titer decreased substantially over time. Susceptible populations, older people, men, smokers, steroid users, immunosuppression users, and people with three or more comorbidities may require a special protection strategy.

Trends in the incidence of stroke and its subtypes from 1963 to 2018 in Japanese urban and rural communities: The Circulatory Risk in Communities Study (CIRCS).

Few studies have provided observational data on long-term trends in the incidence of stroke and its subtypes, and shown the urban-rural disparities of stroke incidence in Japan. A multiple-source, community-based stroke surveillance was performed since 1963/1964 to determine all first-ever stroke cases among Japanese residents aged ⩾40 years living in the Minami-Takayasu district in Yao city, an urban community, and Ikawa town, a rural community. Sex-specific, age-standardized incidence per 1000/year with 95% confidence intervals was calculated during seven periods of 1963/1964-1971 (urban population (% men): 3242 (47.3%); rural population (% men): 2311 (46.0%)), 1972-1979, 1980-1987, 1988-1995, 1996-2003, 2004-2011, and 2012-2018 (13,307 (46.7%); 3586 (44.8%)). The age-standardized incidence of all strokes in the Japanese urban community decreased from 6.60 to 1.15 per 1000/year for men and 3.28 to 0.59 for women. In the rural community, the corresponding incidence decreased from 11.51 to 1.98 for men and 6.46 to 1.31 for women. Similar reductions were observed in the incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, and lacunar stroke. In the period of 2012-2018, the incidence ratios (95% confidence intervals) of all strokes for the rural compared to the urban community were 1.72 (1.08-2.75) for men and 2.23 (1.23-4.03) for women. The stroke incidence continued to decline in both urban and rural Japanese communities with the regional disparities over the past half century, whereas it remained higher than that in many Western countries.

Cortical and subcortical grey matter correlates of psychopathic traits in a Japanese community sample of young adults: sex and configurations of factors' level matter!

While neuroimaging research has examined the structural brain correlates of psychopathy predominantly in clinical/forensic male samples from western countries, much less is known about those correlates in non-western community samples. Here, structural magnetic resonance imaging data were analyzed using voxel- and surface-based morphometry to investigate the neuroanatomical correlates of psychopathic traits in a mixed-sex sample of 97 well-functioning Japanese adults (45 males, 21-39 years; M = 27, SD = 5.3). Psychopathic traits were assessed using the Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (SRP-SF; 4th Edition). Multiple regression analysis showed greater Factor 1 scores were associated with higher gyrification in the lingual gyrus, and gray matter volume in the anterior cingulate cortex and amygdala/hippocampus border. Total psychopathy and Factor 1 scores interacted with sex to, respectively, predict cortical thickness in the precuneus and gyrification in the superior temporal gyrus. Finally, Factor 1 and Factor 2 traits interacted to predict gyrification in the posterior cingulate cortex. These preliminary data suggest that, while there may be commonalities in the loci of structural brain correlates of psychopathic traits in clinical/forensic and community samples, the nature of that association might be different (i.e. positive) and may vary according to sex and configurations of factors' level.

Smart communities in Japan: Requirements and simulation for determining index values

Recently, smart communities are heeded to in Japan as a solution to community issues. To properly evaluate the underlying concept, it is necessary to analyze smart cities in terms of local energy and environmental aspects, as well as disaster resilience. This research aimed to summarize the requirements for Japanese smart communities, and provide this information to municipalities, city planners, and regional developers in warmer climates, or countries where few precedents exist. Nine cases were reviewed in Japan, and four in Europe and the US to organize smart community requirements into three areas: environment, social, and safety-security. Additionally, bottom-up simulations were used to quantitatively evaluate the effects of energy technology introduction, emergency Life Continuity Plans (LCPs), and changes in energy performance owing to household compositional differences. The results showed that a typical Japanese smart community (containing Fuel cell, PV, and battery) has the capacity to become a positive energy district, generating 1916 ​GJ ​yr−1, and maintain power throughout a one-week power outage if shared within the community (save for the highest temperature week in August). Conversely, Japanese smart communities lacked consideration of residential diversity and creative landscapes.

From Nobeyama Radio Observatory to the international project ALMA -Evolution of millimeter and submillimeter wave astronomy in Japan.

The establishment of the Nobeyama Radio Observatory (NRO) in 1982 was an important event that greatly influenced the subsequent development of Japanese astronomy. The 45 m radio telescope and the Nobeyama Millimeter Array (NMA) pushed Japanese radio astronomy to the forefront of the world. As a plan beyond the Nobeyama telescopes, the Japanese radio astronomy community considered a large array to achieve unprecedented resolution at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths under the project name of the Large Millimeter and Submillimeter Array (LMSA). After long and patient discussions and negotiations with the United States and Europe, the LMSA plan eventually led to the ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array) as an international joint project, and the ALMA was inaugurated in 2013. This paper reviews the process from the establishment of the NRO to the realization of the ALMA, including planning of the LMSA, international negotiations, site survey, instrumental developments, and initial science results.

Drug-related problems identified at a Japanese community pharmacy: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to identify drug-related problems (DRPs) using data regarding the communication of pharmacists with prescribers over the phone at a community pharmacy. Furthermore, we elucidated the frequency of the sources of information for detecting each DRP and evaluated the decisions made by the prescribers for each DRP. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at a community pharmacy in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. We anonymously collected data obtained by pharmacists through contacting prescribers over the phone relating to any problems or doubts found in prescriptions between April 2016 and March 2019. We classified the data and identified DRPs. We elucidated the frequency of sources of information for detecting each DRP using descriptive analyses and evaluated prescribers’ decisions regarding each DRP via multivariate Poisson regression analyses. Key findings Of the 95 023 prescriptions, 5073 DRPs were identified (5073/95 023 = 5.34%). The most frequent DRP was inappropriate dosage and administration (1349/5073 = 26.59%), followed by non-adherence (1272/5073 = 25.07%) and incorrect prescription periods (889/5073 = 17.52%). Patient interviews were the most frequent sources of information for detecting following DRPs: non-adherence (1057/1272 = 83.10%), untreated indication (590/631 = 93.50%) and adverse drug reactions (80/107 = 74.77%). Most of the DRPs were resolved by making changes to the prescriptions (4571/5073 = 90.10%). Conclusions Inappropriate dosage and administration and non-adherence issues were the most frequent DRPs in a Japanese community pharmacy. Patient interviews were an important source of information for detecting DRPs. Further research is warranted to address the impact of DRPs on patient safety.

Achievement of target blood pressure among community residents with hypertension and factors associated with therapeutic failure in the northern territory of Japan.

This study aimed to determine the rate of achieving the target blood pressure (BP) defined by Japanese hypertension management guidelines and to examine factors associated with achieving the target BP. This cross-sectional study, which was conducted between January 2012 and December 2015, examined the BP control status and associated factors among 9,016 Japanese community residents with hypertension. Residents were divided into the following six groups: G1, young, middle-aged, and early-phase elderly patients; G2, patients with cerebrovascular disease; G3, patients with coronary artery disease; G4, patients with chronic kidney disease with proteinuria; G5, patients with diabetes; and G6, patients with chronic kidney disease without proteinuria. BP target achievement rates were calculated for each group. A multivariate analysis identified factors associated with "therapeutic failure" of target BP. The target BP was achieved by 52.6% participants in G1, 84.3% in G2, 50.6% in G3, 45.6% in G4, 48.7% in G5, and 75.0% in G6. The body mass index and receiving antilipidemic medication were associated with therapeutic failure. This study shows that achievement rates for treatment goals among Japanese patients with hypertension are still low. Body mass index and treatment of dyslipidemia may be associated with the control of BP.

Impact of hypertension and diabetes on the onset of chronic kidney disease in a general Japanese population.

Hypertension (HT) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are both major risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, few studies have examined the impacts of the combination of HT and DM on CKD development in general populations. We aimed to explore whether HT or DM contributes more to CKD development in a Japanese community. A total of 5823 individuals without a history of CKD who underwent specific health checkups in fiscal year 2013 were monitored until the end of March 2018. Participants were categorized as having neither HT nor DM (none group), either HT or DM, and both (HT + DM). We calculated the hazard ratios (HRs) for developing CKD in each category using Cox proportional hazards models after adjusting for age, dyslipidemia, smoking, and alcohol drinking and with the none group as the reference. We also estimated the population attributable fraction (PAF) for CKD development in populations with either HT or DM or both. During a mean follow-up of 3.0 years, 759 individuals developed CKD, with HRs of 1.56 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.33, 1.83], 1.22 with a 95% CI [0.86, 1.75], and 2.83 with a 95% CI [2.22, 3.63] for the HT only, DM only and HT + DM categories, respectively. Sex-specific analysis showed similar findings. The PAFs for CKD (14.1% and 17.2% for men and women, respectively) were the highest among participants with HT only. We concluded that in this Japanese community, HT contributed more than DM to CKD development; hence, managing hypertension is important to prevent CKD as well as diabetes.

Secular trends in the prevalence, incidence, and progression of diabetic retinopathy: the Hisayama Study.

To examine the secular trends in the prevalence, incidence, and progression rates of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in a Japanese community. Community-dwelling Japanese residents aged ≥ 40years with diabetes participated in comprehensive systemic and ophthalmological surveys, including an examination for DR, in 1998 (n = 220), 2007 (n = 511), 2012 (n = 515), and 2017 (n = 560). DR was assessed using colour fundus photographs after pupil dilation according to the modified Airlie House classification system. To compare the frequencies of newly developed or progressed DR between the studied decades, two eye cohorts were established (the 2000s cohort included 145 participants examined in 1998 and 2007; the 2010s cohort included 255 participants examined in 2007, 2012, and 2017). Trends in the prevalence, incidence, and progression rate of DR were tested by logistic regression analysis with a generalised estimating equation. The age-adjusted prevalence of DR among individuals with diabetes decreased significantly with time from 1998 to 2017 (27.4% in 1998, 22.8% in 2007, 12.8% in 2012, and 6.4% in 2017; p for trend < 0.001). During this period, the prevalence of DR was decreasing in every haemoglobin A1c category, but it remained constant in the high systolic blood pressure category. In addition, the rates of new-onset of DR were significantly lower in the 2010s compared to the 2000s (p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that the prevalence and incidence of DR among diabetic people significantly decreased with time over the past two decades in a general Japanese population.

Exploring mutual support awareness in Japanese communities: A pilot study.

The study aimed to examine life situations and perceptions related to the recognition of mutual support among Japanese people. A quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional analysis. Nine hundred and nine participants who provided complete questionnaire responses. As a disaster prevention measure, a community center conducted a "questionnaire survey evaluating the recognition of mutual support and several potentially related factors". In our study, these data from a self-administered questionnaire were used secondarily. The perceptions that differed with regard to the sense of mutual support included family structure; satisfaction with support, security, and disaster prevention in the district; being able to ask for help with shopping; closeness of the relationship with one's neighbors; seeing oneself as providing or needing protection; and recognition of existing worries regarding evacuation. In a logistic regression model, the factors predicting the sense of mutual support included being younger than 70 years, being able to ask for help with shopping, and the closeness of the association with one's neighbors. The study identified situations that might predict the sense of mutual support in individuals in Japanese communities.