Empowering Community Health Workers in Japan: Determinants of Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Competency.

BACKGROUND: Community health workers (CHWs), hailing from the general populace, play a pivotal role in fortifying healthcare systems, with a primary focus on mitigating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and elevating overall life expectancy. To assess the aptitude of CHWs in NCD prevention, we introduced the Community Health Workers Perceptual and Behavioral Competency Scale for preventing non-communicable diseases (COCS-N). This study examines the multifaceted interplay of individual and community factors that influence CHWs' COCS-N scores. METHODS: The research design is a secondary analysis using data from a self-administered questionnaire survey of 6480 CHWs residing in municipalities across Japan, which obtained 3120 valid responses, between September to November 2020. The COCS-N was employed as the dependent variable, while the independent variables were individual-related factors, including years of community health work, health literacy, and community-related factors, such as CHWs' sense of community. To ascertain the significance of associations between individual and community factors and CHWs' competency, an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was utilized to compare the three groups Q1/Q2/Q3 by low, medium, and high scores on the COCS-N scale. Statistical significance was considered to be indicated by a p-value of less than 0.05. RESULTS: The ANCOVA analysis revealed that three factors were significantly linked to CHWs' competence. These comprised individual factors: "years of CHWs" (mean ± SD Q1: 6.0 ± 6.0, Q2: 7.8 ± 7.0, Q3: 8.2 ± 7.7, p < 0.001) and "health literacy" (Q1: 27.7 ± 6.6, Q2: 30.4 ± 6.9, Q3: 33.8 ± 7.8, p < 0.001), as well as a community factor: "Sense of community" (Q1: 14.8 ± 3.7, Q2: 16.5 ± 3.5, Q3: 18.2 ± 3.6, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our finding is that a positive association was derived between COCS-N scores and certain determinants. Notably, "years of CHWs" and "health literacy" in the individual domain, along with the "Sense of community" in the communal context, were firmly established as being significantly associated with CHWs' competency. Consequently, CHWs need training to increase their "health literacy" and "sense of community", to acquire high competency in NCD prevention, which will lead to the empowerment of CHWs and maintain their motivation to continue.

Determinants of Self-Rated Health Disparities among Independent Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Age-Stratified Analysis.

In response to the distinctive healthcare requirements of independent, healthy, community-dwelling older adults in Japan and other developed countries with aging populations, the current study examined the differences in factors associated with self-rated health (SRH) between the following two age groups: young-old (65-74) and old-old (75 and above). Age-stratified analysis was used to provide a comprehensive understanding of the unique health challenges faced by these demographic segments and to inform the development of targeted interventions and health policies to improve their well-being. The results of a cross-sectional study of 846 older adults in Yokohama, Japan, who completed self-administered questionnaires, revealed that high SRH was consistently linked with the low prevalence of concurrent medical issues in both age groups (<75 and ≥75) (ß: -0.323, p < 0.001 in the <75 group; ß: -0.232, p < 0.001 in the ≥75 group) and increased subjective well-being (ß: 0.357, p < 0.001 in the <75 group; ß: 0.244, p < 0.001 in the ≥75 group). Within the ≥75 age group, higher SRH was associated with more favorable economic status (ß: 0.164, p < 0.001) and increased engagement in social activities (ß: 0.117, p = 0.008), even after adjusting for age, sex, and economic status. These findings may inform the development of targeted interventions and policies to enhance the well-being of this growing population in Japan and other developed countries.

Development of the Self-efficacy for Social Participation scale (SOSA) for community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND: Social participation is important for the health of older adults and super-aging societies. However, relatively few independent older adults in advanced countries actually participate in society, even though many of them have the capacity to do so. One possible reason for this could be a lack of self-efficacy for social participation. However, few scales have been developed to measure self-efficacy for social participation among community-dwelling independent older adults. Therefore, we developed the "Self-efficacy for Social Participation" scale (SOSA) to assess the self-efficacy of community-dwelling independent older adults, and examined the scale's reliability and validity. METHODS: We distributed a self-administered mail survey to approximately 5,000 randomly selected independent older adults throughout Japan. The construct validity of the SOSA was determined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Criterion-related validity was assessed using the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and according to subjective health status. RESULTS: In total, 1,336 older adults responded to the survey. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses identified 12 items distributed among four factors: instrumental self-efficacy, managerial self-efficacy, interpersonal self-efficacy and cultural self-efficacy. The final model had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.90, goodness-of-fit index of 0.948, adjusted goodness-of-fit index of 0.915, comparative fit index of 0.952, and root mean square error of approximation of 0.078. Significant correlations existed between the SOSA score and GSES (r = 0.550, p < 0.01) and subjective health status (r = 0.384, p < 0.01) scores. CONCLUSIONS: The SOSA showed sufficient reliability and validity to assess self-efficacy for social participation among older adults. This scale could aid efforts to improve the physical and mental health, and longevity, of older adults through increased behavioralizing social participation.

Association of parental self-efficacy with loneliness, isolation and community commitment in mothers with infant children in Japan: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Parental self-efficacy is defined as an individual's appraisal of their competence in the parental role and is one of the factors targeted by parenting interventions. Factors related to parental self-efficacy among mothers, focusing mainly on individual and family characteristics, have been clarified; however, there are limited findings on community/societal factors related to parental self-efficacy among mothers. We aimed to clarify the association between parental self-efficacy and community/societal factors among mothers with infants and toddlers to provide suggestions for maternal and child health activities. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study, where an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted by mail from November 2019 to February 2020. SETTING: A health and welfare centre in a ward certified by the largest designated city in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Six hundred forty-nine mothers raising children aged 0-3 years who attended mandatory infant health check-ups. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The Parental Self-Efficacy Scale. RESULTS: The number of valid responses was 490 (valid response rate: 75.6%). The mean age of the mothers was 33.2 (SD 4.9) years. The items found to significantly relate to parental self-efficacy (p<0.05), loneliness, social isolation (social network), community commitment, greeting neighbours, willingness to interact with neighbours, participation in parent-child circles and neighbourhood association events were included as independent variables. Multiple regression analysis showed that the factors significantly related to high parental self-efficacy were low loneliness score (ß=-0.436, p<0.001), high social network score (ß=0.153, p<0.001) and high community commitment score (ß=0.110, p<0.01). The adjusted R2 was 0.488. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the importance of community-building, enhancing qualitative and quantitative support by developing initiatives to reduce loneliness and improving the environment to supplement social networks, and activating community activities by promoting interaction with local residents.

Factors Contributing to Life-Change Adaptation in Family Caregivers of Community-Dwelling Individuals with Acquired Brain Injury.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a public health issue that affects family caregivers, because individuals with ABI often require semi-permanent care and community support in daily living. Identifying the characteristics of family caregivers and individuals with ABI and examining life-change adaptation may provide valuable insights. The current study sought to explore the factors contributing to life-change adaptation in family caregivers of community-dwelling individuals with ABI. As a secondary analysis, a cross-sectional study was conducted using data obtained in a previous study of 1622 family caregivers in Japan. We hypothesized that life-change adaptation in family caregivers of individuals with ABI would also be related to family caregivers' characteristics and the characteristics of individuals with ABI. In total, 312 valid responses were analyzed using Poisson regression analysis. The results revealed that life-change adaptation in family caregivers of individuals with ABI was related to sex (prevalence ratio [PR]: 0.65, confidence interval [CI]: -0.819;-0.041) and mental health (PR: 2.04, CI: 0.354; 1.070) as family caregivers' characteristics, and topographical disorientation (PR: 1.51, CI: 0.017; 0.805) and loss of control over behavior (PR: 1.61, CI: 0.116; 0.830) as the characteristics of individuals with ABI, after adjusting for the effects of the caregiver's age, sex, and the duration of the caregiver's role. The current study expands existing knowledge and provides a deeper understanding to enhance the development of specific policies for improving caregiving services and supporting families.

Factors associated with health behaviors in preventing non-communicable diseases among older adults living alone in poverty in Japan.

Introduction: Older adults who live alone in poverty are highly susceptible to non-communicable diseases and other adverse conditions owing to health disparities resulting from social structures. However, the factors associated with health behavior to prevent non-communicable diseases in this population are rarely explored. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with health behavior to prevent non-communicable diseases among older adults living alone in poverty. Methods: We conducted a self-administered mail survey covering 2,818 older adults living alone who were receiving public assistance, randomly selected from lists of individuals receiving national public assistance in all 1,250 local social welfare offices across Japan. A total of 1,608 individuals completed the questionnaire, a valid response rate of 57.1%. Respondents' mean age was 74.5 years (standard deviation = 6.7), and 52.9% were women. The study variables included demographic characteristics, scores on a health behavior scale for older adults living alone and receiving public assistance (HBSO), and individual and community-related factors. Results: Logistic regression analysis revealed that the individual factor of having a health check-up in the past 12 months [odds ratio (OR): 1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10-1.91] and the community-related factors Lubben social network scale score (OR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.12-1.18) and Community Commitment Scale score (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.08) were significantly associated with HBSO scores. Conclusion: To improve health behavior among older adults living alone in poverty in Japan, social structures, such as lowering mental barriers to the detection, treatment, and management of non-communicable diseases and developing human resources, should be changed to provide social support, such that these individuals are not only dependent on family and friends.

Factors related to subjective well-being among community-dwelling older adults living alone: A stratified analysis by sex and marital status from the JAGES.

BACKGROUND: Previous cross-sectional studies suggest that negative health outcomes such as mortality, social isolation, loneliness, and depression among older adults living alone vary by sex and marital status, with men often worse off than women and unmarried people worse off than married people. However, limited evidence exists from longitudinal studies regarding whether positive health outcomes such as subjective well-being (SWB) also vary by sex and marital status. The focus by sex and marital status on the positive health outcomes and diverse profiles of older adults living alone is important for public health in the near future. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify changes in SWB over time and its associated factors by sex and marital status among older adults living alone in the community using a longitudinal study in a representative population. METHODS: This was a longitudinal study using data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. This study is the first to reveal differences in SWB and related factors over 3 years among older adults living alone in the community (n = 8,579) who were stratified by sex and marital status (married men, non-married men, married women, and non-married women). RESULTS: Women moved to higher levels of SWB than did men, and married individuals moved to higher levels of SWB than did unmarried individuals. Independent functioning factors and interpersonal factors were significantly associated with SWB for married men and married women, but for unmarried women, the association by interpersonal factors was more pronounced, and for unmarried men, only limited emotional support and health promotion activities were significant among the interpersonal factors. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that among older adults living alone, changes in SWB over time and the independent functioning factors and interpersonal factors associated with this change varied by sex and marital status among older people living alone. These findings are useful for policy-making and guiding intervention activities to promote SWB in a society in which the environment for older adults living alone is changing dramatically.

Subjective Well-Being and Related Factors among Independent, Healthy, Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Japan.

(1) Background: Subjective well-being (SWB) is internationally recognized as an important health-related factor for most age groups and is particularly influential for life quality and expectancy in independent, healthy, community-dwelling older adults. However, the physical function and community participation correlates of SWB in independent living older adults in super-aging societies and other influencing factors remain underexplored. (2) Methods: A total of 926 independent, healthy, community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and above registered in Yokohama, Japan, were included. Respondents' mean age was 78.1 years (standard deviation = 6.7), and 74.0% were women. The dependent variable was SWB. The independent variables were respondents' demographic characteristics, physical factors (visual, hearing, and cognitive functions, and mobility), and community and social factors (participation in community groups, social networks, and community commitment. (3) Results: The mean (standard deviation) WHO-5 score was 16.3 (5.1). Significant factors associated with WHO-5 score were visual function (odds ratio [OR]: 0.708; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.352-0.690), hearing function (OR: 0.615; CI: 0.431-0.878), community groups (OR: 1.310; CI: 1.003-1.059), community commitments (OR: 1.180; CI: 1.132-1.231), and social networks (OR: 1.525; CI: 1.142-2.037) adjusted for the effects of demographic factors. (4) Conclusions: These findings are important because factors associated with SWB are likely to contribute to individual well-being and longevity and to developing a healthy super-aged society.

Differences in Loneliness and Social Isolation among Community-Dwelling Older Adults by Household Type: A Nationwide Survey in Japan.

(1) Background: Social isolation and loneliness are determinants of healthy longevity. However, previous research has focused on either social isolation or loneliness and has not considered household types. This study sought to clarify loneliness and social isolation among older adults using single-person (ST) or multi-person (MT) household types. (2) Methods: We administered a national, anonymous, self-administered survey to 5351 Japanese older adults aged 65 years or older. The survey included subjects' demographic characteristics and scores for loneliness (University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale version 3 (Cronbach's α = 0.790)), social isolation (Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) (Cronbach's α = 0.82)), and self-efficacy (GSES). (3) Results: After adjusting for age and gender, ST individuals had significantly lower LSNS-6 and significantly higher UCLA scores than MT individuals (p < 0.001). Lower LSNS-6 and higher UCLA scores were significantly associated with lower GSES scores, and the effect of GSES was greater for ST than for MT (LSNS-6, ST (ß = 0.358, p < 0.001); MT (ß = 0.295, p < 0.001)) (UCLA, ST (ß = -0.476, p < 0.001); MT (ß = -0.381, p < 0.001)). (4) Conclusions: Specific healthcare systems and programs based on self-efficacy should be developed by household type to reduce both social isolation and loneliness.

Exploring an Applied Ecological Model of the Effects of Household, School, and Community Environments on Adolescent Mental Health in Japan.

Adolescent mental health is an urgent global public health issue and is affected by household, school, and community environments. However, few studies, and none in Japan, have used applied ecological models to identify environmental factors that affect adolescent mental health. This study aimed to examine an applied ecological model of sequential association between household, school, and community environmental factors and their effects on adolescent mental health in Japan (ECO-AM model). This was a secondary analysis of data from the 2013 Japanese Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions. Participants were 893 adolescents aged 12-14 years and their household heads living in Japan. Data for 728 adolescents were analyzed after excluding participants with missing values (valid response rate: 81.5%). Screening using the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale demonstrated that 33.8% of adolescents had mood and anxiety disorders. Covariance structure analysis yielded a model with strong goodness-of-fit that described associations between mood and anxiety disorder and vitality, and household, school and community environments. The explanatory variables accounted for 36% of mood and anxiety disorder scores. The study emphasizes the importance of the relationship between different environments and suggests that a better understanding of environmental factors would help support adolescent mental health.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Mental Health, Lifestyle, and Anxiety in Japanese Nursing Students by Year of College.

For students in nursing colleges to develop necessary competencies as health care professionals and prevent post-graduation "reality shock" deterioration in the quality of care they provide, appropriate measures are needed in response to changes that occur as college years progress. In this study, mental health status, lifestyle, and various types of anxiety were investigated in 448 nursing college students during a four-year program in Japan. Students from each year of the program were surveyed with the K10 scale to measure mental health, and the Student Life Questionnaire to assess dietary habits, sleep duration, and exercise. Mean K10 scores for first-year students was 13.1, with 30% having anxiety about college life. Similarly, for second-year students the K10 score was 13.7, and compared to first-year students, rates of meal skipping and sleeping less increased. For third-year students, the K10 score (15.9) was higher than for other groups, as were their percentages of all items. Fourth-year students had a mean K10 score of 14.6, with a higher rate of meal skipping and feeling anxious about the future than other groups. These results suggest the need for support tailored to the characteristics of each year in the bachelor's program in nursing.

Effectiveness of web-based intervention for life-change adaptation in family caregivers of community-dwelling individuals with acquired brain injury: A cluster-randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To test the effectiveness of the web-based intervention "Koji-family.net 3-day program" (KF3 PGM) for life-change adaptation in family caregivers of community-dwelling individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). DESIGN: A cluster-randomized trial. SETTINGS: All 82 institutions for families of individuals with ABI in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 240 families at 16 different institutions for families of individuals with ABI. Inclusion criteria for participants were (1) families caring for an individual with ABI, (2) family members aged 20 years and over, and (3) the individual with ABI developed ABI when aged more than 16 years and less than 65 years. METHODS: Clusters were randomly assigned to the intervention (8 clusters, n = 120) or the control (8 clusters, n = 120) group. For the intervention group, the KF3 PGM was assigned, in addition to routine family group activities to enhance the life-change adaptation. The control group followed their daily routine and received usual services. The primary outcome was the life-change adaptation scale (LCAS); secondary outcomes were the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) and the positive appraisal of care (PAC) scale at the baseline, after 3 days (short-term follow-up), and after 1 month (long-term follow-up). A mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM) was applied. RESULTS: A total of 91 participants were enrolled. The mean age (SE) of the participants was 64.0 (9.2) years; 87.8% of them were female. The intervention group showed better improvement in the LCAS than the control group in the whole study period (F = 6.5, p = 0.002). The mean observed change in LCAS from baseline was +8.0 (SE = 2.0) at 3 days and +11.6 (SE = 2.0) at 1 month in the intervention group (F = 18.7, p < 0.001). No significant differences in MSPSS and PAC were observed among the intervention and control groups in the whole study. CONCLUSIONS: The KF3 PGM can be an effective method of enhancing the adaptation to daily life in family caregivers of community-dwelling individuals with ABI. The results show that a potential web-based intervention in institutions for families of individuals with ABI plays a substantial, longer-term role in their support in Japan. Future studies could address the same research questions in different settings and cultures for family caregivers for even longer time periods.

Factors associated with community commitment among older adults: a stratified analysis of community group leaders and members.

BACKGROUND: Community commitment through group activities in the community is associated with improved health outcomes in older adults and has a ripple effect on community development. However, factors associated with community commitment through group activities in the community have not been examined. The purpose of this study was to examine individual factors and group-related factors in association with community commitment among older adult leaders and members of community groups in Japan. METHODS: We mailed self-administered questionnaires to all older adults participating in a community group (N = 1,898) in a ward of Yokohama city, the largest designated city in Japan. Variables included demographic characteristics, community commitment (Community Commitment Scale), individual factors, and group-related factors. We used logistic regression analysis to assess the association among study variables. RESULTS: A total of 1,154 people completed the questionnaire. The valid response rate was 48.8%. Respondents' mean age was 78.3 years (standard deviation [SD] = 6.1, range 65-100 years), 79.6% were women, 55.9% were married, and 10.0% were employed. Factors associated with community commitment among group leaders were scores for self-efficacy in the health promotion scale (SF-15; mean ± SD: 48.5 ± 7.1), 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (mean ± SD: 17.9 ± 4.3), and Lubben Social Network Scale, Japanese version (mean ± SD: 19.5 ± 6.9), as well as a perception of deriving pleasure from group participation (mean ± SD: 91.2 ± 9.4). Factors associated with community commitment among group members were economic status (Sufficient; n [%]: 749 [85.9]), frequency of going out (mean ± SD: 5.1 ± 1.8), years of group participation (mean ± SD: 6.2 ± 5.0), and perceptions of their role in the group (Yes; n [%]: 254 [30.4]) as well as the above factors for leaders. A supplementary qualitative analysis of participants' free-text responses extracted seven categories: community support, resource mobilization, partnership action, asset management, participatory decision-making, linkages and networking, and community dissemination, related to perception of a role in the group. CONCLUSION: Our results emphasize the importance of considering the different associations of community commitment through group activities in the community between group leaders and members, including the role of older adults in community groups, and suggest different approaches for group leaders and members.

Development of a community health workers perceptual and behavioral competency scale for preventing non-communicable diseases (COCS-N) in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Community health workers in Japan are commissioned to work on a voluntary basis on behalf of their communities, to promote healthy behaviors. They are a valuable resource because they can often provide health information and services for local residents with whom professionals find it difficult to engage. However, no instruments exist for evaluating perceptual and behavioral competencies for prevention of non-communicable diseases among voluntary unpaid community health workers in developed countries. This study aimed to develop a community health workers perceptual and behavioral competency scale for preventing non-communicable diseases (COCS-N), and to assess its reliability and validity. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a self-reported questionnaire. A total of 6480 community health workers across 94 local governments in Japan were eligible to participate. We evaluated the construct validity of the COCS-N using confirmatory factor analysis, and assessed internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha. We used the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire and the Community Commitment Scale to assess the criterion-related validity of the COCS-N. RESULTS: In total, we received 3140 valid responses. The confirmatory factor analysis identified eight items from two domains, with perceptions covered by "Sharing the pleasure of living a healthy life" and behavioral aspects by "Creating healthy resources" (goodness-of-fit index = 0.991, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.983, comparative fit index = 0.993, root mean square error of approximation = 0.036). Cronbach's alpha was 0.88. COCS-N scores were correlated with European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire scores and Community Commitment Scale scores (r = 0.577, P < 0.001 and r = 0.447, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The COCS-N is a brief, easy-to-administer instrument that is reliable and valid for community health workers. This study will therefore enable the assessment and identification of community health workers whose perceptual and behavioral competency could be improved through training and activities. Longitudinal research is needed to verify the predictive value of the COCS-N, and to apply it to a broader range of participants in a wider range of settings.

Effectiveness of the Online Daily Diary (ONDIARY) program on family caregivers of advanced cancer patients: A home-based palliative care trial.

OBJECTIVES: There are many effective palliative care programs for patients with advanced cancer. However, little is known about effective programs for family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer, especially in home-based palliative care settings. This study aimed to determine the effect of the Online Daily Diary (ONDIARY) program on the quality of life (QOL) of family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer in home-based palliative care settings. METHODS: This study used a quasi-experimental design with a control group. The sample comprised 60 family caregivers (intervention group n = 30, control group n = 30) of patients with advanced cancer receiving home-based palliative care. The intervention group was assigned to the ONDIARY program in addition to usual care, and the control group was assigned to usual care. Group allocation was not randomized. The ONDIARY program is a 7-day online diary intervention program that aims to enhance emotional competence. Outcome measures were feasibility assessment, and primary and secondary outcome assessment. Primary and secondary outcome measures were the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) and the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). Repeated measures analysis of variance was performed on each measure, with group and group × time interactions. RESULTS: There was a significant group × time interaction in CQOLC scores (F = 9.324, P = 0.003). The CQOLC scores of family caregivers in the intervention group were maintained after the intervention, whereas those in the control group declined. There was no significant difference in K6 scores between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the ONDIARY program in addition to usual care has potential to be effective in preventing decline and maintaining QOL of family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer in home-based palliative care settings.

Development of a health behavior scale for older adults living alone receiving public assistance.

BACKGROUND: To reduce health disparities, prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCD) by performing desirable health behavior in older adults living alone with low socioeconomic status is an essential strategy in public health. Self-perception of personal power and practical skills for daily health are key elements of desirable health behavior. However, methods for measuring these concepts have not been established. This study aimed to develop a health behavior scale for older adults living alone receiving public assistance (HBSO). METHODS: The self-administered mail survey covered 2818 older adults living alone receiving public assistance (OAP) randomly selected from the list of people receiving public assistance (Seikatsu-hogo in Japanese) at all 1250 local social welfare offices across Japan. Construct validity was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's alpha. The self-efficacy for health promotion scale and Health check-up status were administered to assess the criteria-related validity of the HBSO. RESULTS: In total, 1280 participants (response rate: 45.4%) responded, of which 1069 (37.9%) provided valid responses. Confirmatory factor analysis identified 10 items from two factors (self-perception of personal power and practical skills for daily health) with a goodness of fit index of 0.973, adjusted goodness of fit index of 0.953, comparative fit index of 0.954, and root mean square error of approximation of 0.049. Cronbach's alpha was 0.75. The total HBSO score was significantly positively correlated with the self-efficacy for health promotion scale (r = 0.672, p < 0.001) and the group with health check-up had significantly higher HBSO scores than the group without it (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The HBSO is an easy-to-self-administer instrument that is reliable and valid for OAP. The HBSO could facilitate appropriate assessment of OAP who need to improve their health behavior to prevent NCD, and could be used to determine effective support.

Empirical study of the 30-s chair-stand test as an indicator for musculoskeletal disorder risk of sedentary behaviour in Japanese office workers: a cross-sectional empirical study.

OBJECTIVES: Sedentary behaviour among office workers and the risk of adverse health outcomes are public health problems. However, risk indicators for these outcomes require invasive biochemical examination. A proactive screening tool using a non-invasive, easy-to-use method is required to assess the risk focused on musculoskeletal health for primary prevention. However, middle-aged adults have insufficient awareness of musculoskeletal disorders. This study examined to determine whether the 30-s chair-stand test (CS-30) can be used as a proactive screening index for musculoskeletal disorder risk of sedentary behaviour in office workers. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires and physical measurements. SETTING: Four workplaces located in a metropolitan area of Japan. PARTICIPANTS: 431 Japanese office workers aged 20-64 years. 406 valid sets of results remained (valid response rate: 94.2%). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Musculoskeletal function was measured using the CS-30, quadriceps muscle strength. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the sensitivity, specificity and optimal cut-off value for the CS-30. The risk of future incidence of musculoskeletal disorders was calculated using current quadriceps muscle strength. RESULTS: In total participants, 47.0% were male and the mean sitting time in work duration was 455.6 min/day (SD=111.2 min). The mean lower limb quadriceps muscle strength was 444.8 N (SD=131.3 N). For the optimum cut-off value of 23 on the CS-30 for all participants, sensitivity was 0.809 and specificity was 0.231. For men, the optimum cut-off was 25, with a sensitivity of 0.855 and a specificity 0.172. For women, the optimum cut-off was 21, with a sensitivity of 0.854 and a specificity 0.275. CONCLUSIONS: Sensitivity was high, but specificity was insufficient. The CS-30 may be a potential proactive screening index for musculoskeletal disorder risk of sedentary behaviour, in combination with other indicators.

Development of a social contact self-efficacy scale for 'third agers' in Japan.

BACKGROUND: "Third agers" are people over retirement age in relatively good health; third agers make up an increasing percentage of the global population as the world's longevity increases. Therefore, the challenge of prolonging a healthy third age and shortening the unhealthy period during the "fourth age" in the global health and social contexts is important in this process. However, no means to measure and support this has been developed as yet. We developed the Social Contact Self-Efficacy Scale for Third Agers (SET) and evaluated its reliability and validity. METHODS: We used a self-administered mail survey covering 2,600 randomly selected independent older adults living in Yokohama, Japan. The construct validity of the SET was determined using exploratory factor and confirmatory factor analyses. Its criterion-related validity was assessed using the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence (JST-IC), and subjective health status. RESULTS: In total, 1,139 older adults provided responses. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses identified eight items within two factors: social space mobility and social support relationship. The final model had a Cronbach's alpha 0.834, goodness-of-fit index 0.976, adjusted goodness-of-fit index 0.955, comparative fit index 0.982, and root mean square error of approximation 0.050. There was good correlation between scale scores and the GSES (r = 0.552, p < 0.001), JST-IC (r = 0.495, p < 0.001) and subjective health status (r = 0.361, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The SET showed sufficient reliability and validity to assess self-efficacy in promoting social contact among third agers. This scale may help third agers in gaining and expanding opportunities for social contact, which can improve their physical health and quality of life and contribute to care prevention and healthy longevity.

Individual, family, and community factors related to loneliness in mothers raising children less than 3 years of age: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Loneliness in mothers raising children under 3 years of age is a major challenge. The purpose of this study was to identify the individual, family, and community factors associated with loneliness among mothers raising children under 3 years of age with social isolation as a mediator. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using anonymous self-administered questionnaires. The target population was all 649 mothers of children under 3 years of age visiting a public health center in Yokohama City and eligible for child health examinations between November 2019 and February 2020. The study measures included loneliness (10-item version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale), social isolation (Lubben Social Network Scale [LSNS-6]), demographic data, individual factors, family factors, and community factors from an ecological systems model. Social isolation was classified based on the LSNS-6 cutoff points. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between loneliness and individual, family, and community factors with social isolation as a mediator. RESULTS: A total of 531 participants (81.8% response rate) responded, and 492 (75.8% valid response rate) were included in the analysis. Loneliness was significantly higher in the isolated group (n = 171, 34.8%) than in the non-isolated group (n = 321, 65.2%) (mean = 22.3, SD = 5.6 and mean = 17.6, SD = 4.6, respectively). Factors associated with high loneliness included individual and family factors (a high number of parenting and life concerns [ß = 0.211, p < 0.01], not eating breakfast every day [ß = 0.087, p < 0.05], and fewer partners' supportive behaviors for household duties and childcare [ß = - 0.240, p < 0.001]) and community factors (fewer people to consult about parenting [ß = - 0.104, p < 0.01] and low community commitment [ß = - 0.122, p < 0.05]) with social isolation as a mediator. CONCLUSION: Referral to a counseling organization to alleviate worries about parenting and the creation of a child-rearing environment to enhance the recognition of the community may be considered. These findings could help develop intervention programs for the prevention or alleviation of loneliness experienced by mothers and prevent the associated health risks among mothers and child outcomes.

Development and validation of a new Multidisciplinary Approach Competency Scale for Prevention of Child Abuse from Pregnancy (MUSCAT).

Child abuse remains a major global problem. A high-quality multidisciplinary approach involving different professionals for the early prevention of child abuse beginning from pregnancy is paramount because child abuse is associated with multiple potential risk factors at individual and societal levels. A multidisciplinary approach to preventing child abuse involves interprofessional coordination, and requires clear definitions of professional competency. However, no scale to measure professional competency for such multidisciplinary approaches is available. This study aimed to develop and validate the Multidisciplinary Approach Competency Scale for Prevention of Child Abuse from Pregnancy (MUSCAT). First, a draft scale comprising 30 items was developed based on a literature review, and then refined to 21 items through expert interviews. Next, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among experts from 1,146 child and maternal health institutions (health centers, perinatal medical centers/hospitals, child consultation centers, midwife clinics, and kindergartens) in 10 major prefectures and cities throughout Japan. The questionnaire collected respondents' demographic data and information about one child abuse case, and asked respondents to apply the provisional MUSCAT to the reported case. Finally, three of the 21 items were excluded by item analysis, leaving 18 items for exploratory factor analysis. Confirmatory factor analyses identified 10 items on two factors: "Collaborative Networking" and "Professional Commitment." The goodness of fit index was 0.963, adjusted goodness of fit index was 0.939, comparative fit index was 0.988, and root mean square error of approximation was 0.043. The Cronbach's alpha for the entire scale was 0.903, and values for the subscales were 0.840-0.875. The overall scale score was positively correlated with the Interprofessional Collaboration Competency Scale. The MUSCAT demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and validity, and has potential for use in advancing individual practice and team performance in multidisciplinary approaches for early prevention of child abuse.