An Exploratory Study of the Lifestyles of Female Students and Masked Obesity in Two Colleges in the Kanto Area / 日本プライマリ・ケア連合学会誌

<p><b>Introduction: </b>Many details about adolescent women's lifestyles and masked obesity have not been clarified in prior research. Thus, we conducted an exploratory survey on the lifestyle and masked obesity in female college students.</p><p><b>Methods: </b>From September to October in 2012, we investigated 85 female students aged 18-23 years in two colleges in the Kanto area and cross-sectionally investigated the differences in lifestyles between subjects with masked obesity [Body Mass Index (BMI) <25 kg/m² and Body Fat Percentage ≥30%] and those with standard proportions (18.5≤BMI<25 kg/m² and Body Fat Percentage=20-25%). Their body composition was measured using InBody430, and their lifestyles were investigated using a self-administered questionnaire.</p><p><b>Results: </b>Of them, there were 6 subjects (7.1%) with standard proportions and 25 subjects (29.4%) with masked obesity; 44.6% of the 56 subjects with standard weights had masked obesity. Differences were observed in their food intake frequency; the subjects with masked obesity consumed a smaller daily intake of green and yellow vegetables (<i>p</i><.001) and light-colored vegetables (<i>p</i>=.008), and more frequently consumed mayonnaise (<i>p</i>=.003) and fried foods (<i>p</i>=.018) than those with standard proportions.</p><p><b>Conclusion: </b>Masked obesity may increase the probability of having unhealthy dietary habits. It may be necessary for females with standard weights to receive dietary advice, and to have their body fat percentage regularly measured.</p>

Relationship of Socioeconomic Status with Psychological State and the Number of Weeks of Pregnancy at the Time of a First Prenatal Examination among Perinatal Women / General Medicine

<b>Background: </b>Socioeconomic status (SES) is correlated with morbidity and mortality rates, in addition to people of a lower social status. Many of such people have health-related problems and do not undergo a regular health checkup or consult a medical practitioner. We investigated whether a correlation exists between SES, psychological state and the number of weeks of gestation at the time of the first examination. We clarified the influence of SES on the subjects’ life events (e.g. pregnancy and childbirth), in order to understand appropriate support measures.<br><b>Methods: </b>A total of 151 female study subjects were selected from among women hospitalized for postpartum care, who underwent prenatal checkups, and delivered their children in the study center. Questionnaire surveys, one of which involved an interview, were conducted in a cross-sectional manner for the subjects’ during their pregnancy and in the postpartum period.<br><b>Results: </b>The results show that women who perceived financial constraints showed a significantly stronger tendency to develop depression. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that women whose partners had an educational background of junior high school level underwent their first gestational examination at week 12 or later of pregnancy (odds ratio of 10.99, P = 0.001; 95% confidence interval, 3.15–86.79).<br><b>Conclusion: </b>The present study suggests the importance of observing the correlation between SES and health among pregnant women, such that strategic interventional services can be provided to such persons.

Oral Environment of Pregnant Women and Factors Associated with the Presence of Streptococcus Mutans / General Medicine

<b>Background:</b> Female hormones may influence the oral environments of pregnant women. Appropriate oral care by pregnant women promotes oral health, contributing to caries prevention in children from the perspective of cariogenic bacteria transmission. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oral environment of pregnant women and clarify factors associated with the presence of Streptococcus mutans.<br><b>Methods:</b> A saliva test (volume, pH, Streptococcus mutans count, Lactobacillus count, and total oral Streptococcus count) and questionnaire survey regarding subject characteristics, oral symptoms, and oral health behavior were conducted with 264 pregnant women. We examined the association between the saliva volume/pH and caries-associated bacteria, and compared oral environments related to differences in the subject characteristics, oral symptoms, and oral health behavior. Binomial logistic regression analysis was also conducted to clarify factors associated with the presence of Streptococcus mutans.<br><b>Results:</b> Oral cleanliness was maintained in the subjects who participated in this study. However, in 22.0% of these women, the Streptococcus mutans accounted for 1% or more of the total oral Streptococcus count. Eight items that reduced the proportion of Streptococcus mutans in the total Streptococcus count were confirmed and included the following: “tooth-brushing time of 5 minutes or more” ; “absence of tooth pain” ; “absence of stimulation related to sweets” ; “saliva pH of 6.8 or higher” ; “having a dental checkup for pregnant women” ; “consciously brushing teeth” ; “confidence in brushing” ; and, “employment (housework and full-time work) ”.<br><b>Conclusion:</b> The results of this study contribute to health education during pregnancy, in which health behavior may change as childbirth approaches, and may be useful for guiding appropriate oral health behavior.