Misa Iio

Construction of a short form of the healthy eating behaviour inventory for the Japanese population.

INTRODUCTION The present study constructed a short form of the Healthy Eating Behavior Inventory suitable for use in the Japanese culture (HEBI-J) and confirmed the scales preliminary reliability and validity. METHODS In Study 1, Japanese adults (N=75) completed a free-response questionnaire about healthy eating behaviours. Thematic analysis was used to identify three factors-balance, pattern, and restriction-associated with healthy eating behaviours and 12 items related to these healthy eating behaviours. In Study 2, Japanese office workers (N=784) completed two questionnaires regarding 12 items of healthy eating behaviours and the dietary stages of change. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the three-factor model was appropriate (GFI=.94, AGFI=.90, CFI=.90, RMSEA=.08, SRMR=.53). Reliability was confirmed by alpha coefficients and the Spearman-Brown formula. Concurrent validity was confirmed by the relationship between the healthy eating stages. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the preliminary reliability and validity of the HEBI-J.

Exploring physical activity with a low psychological burden and high feasibility in Japan: a qualitative study.

Abstract Previous research has shown that physical activity with a low psychological burden and high feasibility (i.e. a focus on small lifestyle changes) contributes to the adoption of and long-term success in behavior change intervention. The present study aims to explore the physical activity with a low psychological burden and high feasibility in which people already engage in their everyday life in Japan. Sixty-four participants (22 males and 42 females ranging in age from 36 to 89) participated in a qualitative research survey that asked what type of physical activity they engaged in on a daily basis to maintain good health. Results of a thematic analysis revealed nine themes (behavioral categories), which included four core themes of exercise, gymnastic exercises, stretch exercises, sports, and strength training, and five core themes of nonexercise activity, walking, cleaning, using the stairs, engaging in agriculture, and gardening based on a description analysis. A thematic map was constructed based on Japanese physical activity guidelines. Key findings of this study are as follows: (1) walking has a low psychological burden and high feasibility; (2) gymnastic exercise is efficacious from a physical and psychological perspective; (3) nonexercise activities are more acceptable than exercise activities; and (4) a focus on intervention with nonexercise activities has the potential for high engagement in the Japanese population. The study indicates that significant resources are available for promoting health behavior change interventions that would increase physical activity in the Japanese population.

Stressors of School-age Children With Allergic Diseases: A Qualitative Study

Purpose: Most studies of stress in children with chronic diseases have been geared toward parents and caregivers have not considered allergic diseases together. This study aimed to identify the stressors associated with allergic diseases in Japanese school‐age children. Design and Methods: Stressors associated with allergic diseases of 11 school‐age children (seven boys and four girls; age range: 9–12 years) were investigated using semi‐structured interviews. Results: In the qualitative thematic analysis of stressors about allergic diseases, two themes: allergic disease‐specific stressors and common stressors in chronic diseases, and 12 categories were identified. A thematic map was applied to four domains of stressor: physiological factors, psychological factors, social factors, and environmental factors. Conclusions: The results showed that school‐age children with allergic diseases have a variety of stressors. Future studies should aim to develop an allergic disease‐specific stress management program with school‐age children. Practice Implications: In children with allergic diseases, not only is stress management in daily life important, but also stress management for disease‐specific matters to control the symptoms and maintain mental health. Stress management should be supported for school‐age children with allergic diseases. Highlights:Stressor types were identified: allergic disease‐specific and common in chronic disease.Map was applied to physiological, psychological, social, and environmental domains.Awareness of stress management is needed for children with allergic diseases.