Evolution of Long-term Care Neighbourhoods for Older People: The Rhetoric and Reality of Meeting Older People’s Future Care Needs in Japan and England | Chapter 10 | An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 4

 

The world population aged 65+ will triple from 6.9% to 20% by 2050. The fact that people are living longer is a positive reflection on improvements in health and long-term care services; at the same time, falling birth rates are leading to a decrease in the working age populations available to provide care. This chapter considers the health and social care challenges that many countries are increasingly facing with an aging population and a reduced workforce. Providing long-term care services to meet the needs of older people is complex. As people age, they will require both health and social care services to maintain their functioning and retain a good quality of life. Integration of these, previously separate services will need to be achieved in order to provide cost-effective long-term care. The World Health Organisation recommended in 2020 that all countries should have integrated long-term care strategies to better support their older populations. Exploration of the rhetoric and reality of policies of integration of neighbourhood services for older people is now needed. Such an analysis can provide evidence on the strengths and weaknesses of different strategies, but it may also highlight the need to temper rhetoric with reality, as well as identify challenges for the future.  Countries are at various points in the journey to address the challenge of integration. Some, like Japan, which has the most rapidly ageing society in the world, started to address this challenge systematically in the 1990s. By 2017, it had introduced a national policy for integrated long-term health and social care services for older people at a local geographical level (neighbourhood). Other countries, such as England, have only recently embarked on a plan for integration of health services for older people. It has also chosen to develop services at a neighbourhood level. We describe the evolution of the neighbourhood approach to care for older people in both countries. We also consider historical and cultural factors, and the future role of technology. Through international comparisons, the reader can identify critical lessons that could inform the strategy development in their own country. In conclusion, this chapter provides an overview comparing the development of neighbourhood care models in two countries with different historical, cultural and health and social care backgrounds.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Ala Szczepura

Research Centre for Healthcare and Communities, Coventry University, UK.

 

Harue Masaki
Vice-President Office, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.

 

Deidre Wild
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, UK.

 

Toshio Nomura
Research Centre for Healthcare and Communities, Coventry University, UK.

 

Mark Collinson
MC2S Consultancy Services, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, UK.

 

Gabriela Matouskova
Hope for the Community CIC, UK.

 

Rosie Kneafsey
Research Centre for Healthcare and Communities, Coventry University, UK.

 

 

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aodhr/v4/5007

Exploring Dementia Supporter Activities in Japan: A Review of Current Status and Issues | Chapter 2| Recent Updates in Disease and Health Research Vol. 6

 

Introduction: It is anticipated that more than 13 million dementia supporters will have undergone training by 2020. However, studies have shown that approximately 70% of patients are still inactive.

Purpose of Research: This study aimed to elucidate and address the challenges associated with supporter activities for dementia.

Methods: Published literature from 2015 to 2021 was collected by searching the Journal of Health Care and Society web versions. A total of 11 studies met our inclusion criteria.

Results: Supporters’ ages ranged from teenagers to those in their 80s. The most active supporters were women in their 60s or older. Among them, 40%–50% had experienced caring for family members. They usually engaged in support activities alongside their jobs and housework. Support activities mainly include watching and interacting with older adults with dementia. Furthermore, they faced challenges and difficulties, such as time constraints, physical limitations, and concerns about privacy protection, in preparing meals, running errands, and accompanying older adults with dementia to outings. The leading reasons for inactivity were a lack of contact with seniors, insufficient opportunities for support activities despite high motivation, and poor self-confidence in nursing care skills and knowledge. The supporters hoped to learn appropriate care methods to manage wandering, anxiety, and delusions among older adults with dementia.

Conclusion: Three significant issues have emerged. First, women aged 60 years old and older play a crucial role in supporting activities assisting older adults with dementia. Second, supporters encountered challenges, such as time constraints, physical limitations, and concerns about privacy protection during their activities. Finally, supporters seek to acquire knowledge and care skills to address the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.

 

Author(s) Details:-

 

Setsumi Kudo
Osaka Seikei University, Osaka, Japan.

 

Akiko Hamahata
Osaka Seikei University, Osaka, Japan.

 

Akiko Yamasaki
Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.

 

Itsushi Takai
Osaka Economics University, Osaka, Japan.

Please see the link here:  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rudhr/v6/12041F

Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Students in Japan: A Literature Review | Chapter 6 | Recent Updates in Disease and Health Research Vol. 1

This chapter provides an overview of stress and mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and suicidality, among students in Japan during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by searching databases and reviewing studies of this topic. The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially impacted the mental health of students worldwide, disrupted routine education, and caused psychological distress, leading to an increase in the number of suicides in this population. In addition to the fear of infection, the lack of awareness related to COVID-19 preventive measures and the limited communication with others caused by self-isolation and restrictions on movement and activities have negatively affected the mental health of students. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the emergence of reports of its negative impact on mental health worldwide. These repercussions are predicted to be strong among students, as this population is vulnerable to emotional stress because of the psychological challenges associated with the transition to adulthood. However, the data regarding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of students are insufficient. This chapter provides insights into the stress that developed among students during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its findings can be used to effectively identify and support students who may struggle during future pandemics and crises. In particular, educators may use the results of this study to prevent negative effects on mental health and promote the future academic achievements, general well-being, efficacy, and empowerment of students in this new-normal post-COVID-19 pandemic era.

Author(s) Details:

Masahito Fushimi,
Akita University Health Center, Akita University, 1-1 Tegatagakuen-Machi, Akita City, Akita Prefecture 010-8502, Japan.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RUDHR-V1/article/view/13214

Cross-sectional Study of Depressive Symptoms and Related Factors among Workers Employed by Japanese Eldercare Institutions | Chapter 8 | New Advances in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 9

 Aims: This study proposed to examine the predominance of depressive manifestations and related determinants (sociodemographic characteristics and occupational variables) between workers working by Japanese eldercare institutions (Study I). In addition, the friendships between concavity symptoms and task stress based on the Demand–Control–Support model were checked (Study II).Methods: Eldercare institutions in Akita prefecture were randomly picked to participate in the survey. In total, 197 organizations agreed to take part in the study, and the participants were insisted to complete the survey. Of the 2,727 workers the one were invited to share, 2,404 returned complete questionnaires. Depression-symptom predominance and severity were judged using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale (extreme score, ≥ 16). Job stress was assessed utilizing the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) based on the task Demand–Control–Support model. Results: (Study I) Data from 2,088 employees presented that 44.3% of them had high CES-D scores. The sociodemographic traits and occupational determinants that were associated with a extreme risk of depression contained young age, a short sleep duration on weeknights, and occupied for more than 45 h per temporal length of event or entity's existence. (Study II) In total, 1,740 valid responses were got from 434 males and 1,306 women. Approximately 44.9% of the responders had high CES-D scores. Workers accompanying long working hours had everywhere scores on psychological task demand and social support, individually. Those who exhibited extreme CES-D scores had significantly bigger psychological task demand scores and lower decision freedom and social support scores. A certain correlation was erect between psychological task demand and CES-D scores. In contrast, a negative correlation was establish between resolution latitude and CES-D scores and betwixt the social support scores and CES-D scores.Conclusions: To prevent cavity, employers and employees at eldercare organizations should be aware of the belongings of long working hours and lack of sleep. In addition, distinctive attention bear be paid to young peasants as a high-risk group, in addition to to workers accompanying substantial psychological task demands, low resolution latitude, and reduced social support, as these employees also comprise a high-risk group.

Author(s) Details:

Masahito Fushimi,
Akita University Health Center, 1-1 Tegata-Gakuen-machi, Akita 010-8502, Japan and Akita Occupational Health Promotion Center, Akita 010-0874, Japan.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/NAMMS-V9/article/view/11214

Changes in Suicide Trends during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic: an Increase in the Incidence of High-Lethality Suicide Attempts | Chapter 7 | New Advances in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 9

 The aim concerning this study was to resolve the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of lethal behaviors from the angle of differences 'tween completed suicides and attempted suicides. Additionally, changes in the number of suicides before and later the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically from the perspective of differences in the number of suicides noticed between employees of business or other enterprise, were outlined. Furthermore, changes in the number of suicides by plans were examined. Suicide is a global community health issue, and the current coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) universal is the most fault-finding public health disorder encountered by current production. In Japan, the number of female suicide completers raised in 2020 compared accompanying that in the previous year, and the percentage of individuals utilizing the “hanging” method, that is the most deadly method, more increased. Therefore, the COVID-19 pandemic maybe a factor that affected the previous seemingly suicide attempters to become self-murder completers. Although the reason for more individuals adopting deadly suicide patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic remnants unknown, it is gambled that it is associated with moderation and constraints on consultation actions because of observable restrictions during the COVID-19 universal. To clarify the reasons for this bias, further investigation and test of the long-term effects of COVID-19 on self-murder are needed.

Author(s) Details:

Masahito Fushimi,
Akita University Health Center, Akita University, 1-1 Tegatagakuen-Machi, Akita City, Akita Prefecture 010-8502, Japan.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/NAMMS-V9/article/view/11212

What does it Mean to Truly Empathize with a Patient? An Analysis of Japanese Cases Employing the Narrative Approach Perspective | Chapter 5 | Current Innovations in Disease and Health Research Vol. 2

 What does it mean to doubtlessly empathize with a patient? The authors (a psychiatrist and a theorist) explore this topic from the singular perspectives acquire from decades of experience. We discuss by what method some approaches that may be interpreted are necessary if we are to feel compassion for a patient. We also suggest the current situation surrounding organization involved in the restoration of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (the supposed Fukushima 50) after the nuclear calamity caused for one Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. We conclude with what we have well-informed to truly emphasize accompanying patients from these cases: (1) small departures seem expected useful sometimes; (2) healthcare experts do not have to be too hard on themselves to feel compassion for patients, and a natural, narrative approach-located attitude is frequently more than enough; and (3) physical posture, in addition to psychological posture, might also be a determinant. Moreover, we look at the plan of the “village society” and contend that it is necessary for medical specialists to be fully informed about latest trends the negative connotations of center societies.

Author(s) Details:

Akira Akabayashi,
Department of Biomedical Ethics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan

Eisuke Nakazawa,
Department of Biomedical Ethics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/CIDHR-V2/article/view/11193

Investigating the Relationship between Individual Personality Traits (Internality-Externality) and Psychological Distress in Employees in Japan | Chapter 06 | Emerging Trends in Disease and Health Research Vol. 2

 The effects of sociodemographic and employment-related factors on the link between the internality-externality (I-E) scale as an indication of coping methods and the Kessler 6 (K6) scale as an indicator of psychological distress are examined in this study. Employees in the Japanese prefecture of Akita were asked to fill out self-administered questionnaires. In the link between the two scales, a consistent pattern emerged: all significant correlations were negative, meaning that as the I-E score grew, the K6 score fell. Multiple regression analyses revealed significant effects for the I-E scale in terms of sex, age, education, employee type, employment position, and the K6 scale. The effect of the K6 scale on the I-E scale was significant in both males and females. The findings of this study may aid mental health doctors in their knowledge of employee psychological suffering.

Author(S) Details

Masahito Fushimi
Akita University Health Center, Akita University, 1-1 Tegatagakuen-Machi, Akita City, Akita Prefecture 010-8502, Japan and Akita Occupational Health Promotion Center, Akita 010-0874, Japan.

View Book:- https://stm.bookpi.org/ETDHR-V2/article/view/5569

Monitoring the Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms and Related Factors in Japanese Employees: A Comparative Study between Surveys from 2007 and 2010 | Chapter 3 | Research Trends and Challenges in Medical Science Vol. 9

The aim of this study was to look into the prevalence of depressive symptoms and the factors that affect them in Japan. Depressive disorder is one of the most common mental illnesses in Japan, and it is a major public health problem. The data was analysed to see whether there was a connection between high CES-D scores, socioeconomic status, and employment-related variables.

Employees in Akita prefecture completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) between November and December 2010 as part of a study. The CES-D scores had to be at least 16 to be considered (high scorers).

Being female, young age, less hours of sleep on weekdays, and working over 8 hours a day were socio-demographic and occupation-related factors associated with a high risk of depression, while drinking alcohol one to two days per week, but only in men, was significantly associated with a low risk of depression. The current findings were consistent with those of a previous study conducted in 2007. However, the current findings on work categories and smoking habits were not substantially correlated with depression, and thus differed from those of the 2007 survey.

Conclusions: The information provided in this paper will aid in identifying workers that are at high risk of developing depressive disorders, as well as identifying the socio-demographic and work-related factors that contribute to this risk. These findings can be used as CES-D benchmark values and can aid in the prediction of depressive disorders.

Author (s) Details

Masahito Fushimi
Akita University Health Center, 1-1, Tegata-Gakuen-Mach, Akita City, Akita Prefecture 010-8502, Japan and Akita Occupational Health Promotion Center, 6-6 Senshukubota-Machi, Akita City, Akita Prefecture 010-0874, Japan.

View Book :- https://stm.bookpi.org/RTCMS-V9/article/view/522