ベトナムに対する日本の一地方都市住民のイメージ : 外国人居住者との異文化交流における今後の課題

The increasing number of foreign residents in Japan is a positive factor contributing to regional revitalization and development, and local residents play an important role in the process of integration for foreign residents. Given the context of Yoshinogawa City －a small distant municipality of Tokushima Prefecture－ this survey investigated the image of local residents regarding Vietnam as a target for intercultural exchange. It also identified the awareness of local residents about intercultural understanding and their future needs for intercultural exchange. The findings of this survey provide implications for future intercultural exchange needs and ways in which to strengthen the roles of local residents through promoting lifelong learning for sustainable regional development.日本の外国人居住者の増加は，地域活性化の発展に貢献する要素である。地域住民は，外国人住民との地域共生において重要な役割を果たしている。本調査では，徳島県内の小規模な地方自治体である吉野川市において，地域住民に対してベトナムのイメージを調査し，異文化理解についての意識と異文化交流のための将来のニーズを分析した。本調査結果は，異文化交流の今後の課題と，持続的な地域発展のための生涯学習の促進を通じて地域住民の役割を強化する方法を示した

Exploring Student Interest in Global Health as a Component of Medical English Education

This work looks at student interest in the concept of global health as a component of medical English education. With the rise of global pandemics and the increasing interconnectedness of the world, understanding global health has become more critical. In Japan, various aspects of global health such as public health, epidemiology, social medicine, and cross-cultural awareness are taught in different medical subjects. However, Global Health as a standalone course does not seem to be part of the medical education curriculum. The results of a Global Health lecture conducted in English for medical students at a Japanese university show that students were eager to learn more about the topic, including topics like non-communicable diseases, global health burden, social factors affecting health, and health equity, as well as how to work in international settings. This suggests the need for a Global Health course taught in English for medical students in Japan to produce well-rounded, globally competent healthcare professionals

The Changes in Menstrual and Menstrual-Related Symptoms among Japanese Female University Students : A Prospective Cohort Study from Three Months to Nine Months after Admission

Menstrual and menstrual-related symptoms can significantly impact an individual’s physical and psychological health. Understanding how these symptoms evolve over time is crucial to provide appropriate support and healthcare services to young women. This study aimed to investigate changes in menstrual and menstrual-related symptoms among first-year female university students. A prospective longitudinal design was used to compare the symptom profiles between two time points (three and nine months after admission). Out of 100 female university students, 30 responses were analyzed. Data on menstrual and menstrual-related symptoms were collected using standardized questionnaires focusing on menstrual status and the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ); no notable changes occurred between the time points. Approximately half reported having irregular menstruation during the three time periods. Among the sub-scales, premenstrual “impaired concentration” showed a tendency to be lower, whereas menstrual “water retention” tended to be higher in timepoint 2 compared to timepoint 1. “Distractible” was found to be significantly lower in timepoint 2 compared to timepoint 1. There was a significant association between a sleep duration of <7 h and worsened MDQ scores. These findings may underscore the importance of providing comprehensive lifestyle and menstrual education to new university students, along with access to appropriate medical care

Association between Menstruation-Related Symptoms and the Type of Stress in Japanese Female University Students : A Prospective Cohort Study from Admission to the Second Year

Menstruation-related symptoms in young women are associated with lifestyle factors such as stress. This study aimed to examine menstrual conditions, menstruation-related symptoms, and types of stress in Japanese female students from their first to second years of university and the association between menstruation-related symptoms and stress levels. This prospective longitudinal cohort study utilized a self-reported web survey with the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) at three timepoints (2, 8, and 14 months) following admission and continuing into the second year. Data from 33 out of 102 students, who were followed throughout the study period, were used for analysis. Results indicated a trend towards changes in menstrual regularity, with the lowest (48.5%) at timepoint 1 and the highest (72.7%) at timepoint 3, and significant changes in perceived bleeding amount. Stress related to study and academic performance was consistently highest, with significant differences across timepoints. Intra-menstrual MDQ scores were highest at timepoint 1, with significant variations in impaired concentration severity across timepoints. Significant correlations were found between the MDQ scores and stress related to health and personality at all timepoints, and to future prospects, friendships, study, and academic performance at different timepoints. In short, stress related to academic performance, along with a strong correlation between MDQ scores and specific stress types, such as health and personality, was observed across all timepoints. This implies the need to provide new students with health education regarding menstruation and stress management before specific timepoints

Differences in Menstruation-Related Symptoms of University Students Depending on Their Living Status in Japan

Mothers and family members of young female students play important roles for guiding their self-care strategies for menstruation-related symptoms; which often affect their daily life and academic life. The aim of this study is to clarify the differences in menstruation-related symptoms before and during menstruation in university students living alone and university students living with their family in Japan. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey to assess menstruation-related symptoms before and during menstruation using the menstrual distress questionnaire (MDQ). Among 135 students; the proportion of students living alone was 60.7% and the proportion of students living with their family was 39.3%. Before menstruation; the MDQ total score and the scores for negative affect and behavior change were significantly higher in students living alone than in students living with their family. During menstruation; scores for negative affect and impaired concentration were also significantly higher in students living alone. In addition; before menstruation; scores for an increase in appetite and craving for sweets were significantly higher in students living alone. Thus; living alone affected the psychological aspects of menstruation-related symptoms in young women. The results suggest that university students who live alone should be aware of the importance of talking about their menstruation problems with family members and seeking their advic

アドバンス助産師が認識する現在と次世代の中間看護管理者に求められるマネジメントスキルの比較

Advanced midwives are expected to be candidates for middle managers in the next generation. Higher levels of management skills than the current levels may be required for middle managers in the future due to the progress of perinatal medicine. The aim of this study was to compare levels of management skills that are currently required for middle managers and levels of management skills that will be important in the next 10-20 years in advanced midwives. A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted for 1652 advanced midwives in hospitals that have more than 300 beds in Japan. The scores for all management skills that will be required in the next generation were significantly higher than those for currently required management skills. Currently required management skills that were given high scores, including communication ability, ability to perform safety management and problem-solving ability, were also given high scores for middle managers in the next generation. Advanced midwives believed that management skills including the ability to participate in social activity, ability to use information and communication technology, and ability to participate in management in which these scores are low at present are needed for middle managers in the next generation. Advanced midwives consider that management skills for middle managers will change in the future. By acquisition of high levels of management skills, middle managers will be able to perform management of perinatal medicine and nursing

交代制勤務年数における男性更年期症状とその背景としての生活習慣

Background: There are various health problems in rotating shift workers. There have been few studies on the associations of male climacteric symptoms with duration of working and lifestyle. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the differences in male climacteric symptoms depending on the number of working years and to determine whether lifestyle habits differ depending on the number of working years in rotating shift workers. Methods: We collected participant’s data from the manufacturing companies in Japan during the period from March to May in 2017. We conducted a self-administered questionnaire survey in 1561 male rotating night shift workers. Male climacteric symptoms were evaluated by using the Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) rating scale. We analyzed 636 rotating shift workers aged over 40 years old whose all AMS data was collected. Results: A significant difference in psychological AMS score was found between men who had worked for 10 - 19 years (9.4 ± 3.9) and men who had worked for more than 40 years (7.6 ± 3.0) (p = 0.011). Sexual functional AMS score significantly differed depending on the number of working years (less than 10 years: 8.1 ± 3.9, 10 - 19 years: 9.8 ± 4.1, 20 - 29 years: 7.9 ± 3.3, 30 - 39 years: 9.3 ± 3.5, more than 40 years: 9.3 ± 3.5) (p < 0.001). The proportion of workers with a balanced meal intake was significantly lower in men who had worked for less than 10 years and the proportions of such workers were significantly higher in men who had worked for 10 - 19 years and for more than 40 years. The proportions of men who did not drink alcohol were high in men who had worked for less than 10 years and 20 - 29 years and low in men who had worked more than 30 years. Conclusion: Psychological AMS score and sexual functional AMS score are significantly different among the 5 groups according to the number of working years on rotating shift. In addition, well-balanced diet on day shift and reduction of alcohol drinking is a related-factor for long-term rotating night shift workers

Menstrual Abnormalities in Female International Students in Japan : Changes during Pre-Arrival, Difficult, and Current Periods

The number of Japan’s international students has rapidly increased in the last decade. This study examines the relationship between menstrual abnormalities in cycle and symptoms, stress level, and lifestyle of female international students in Japan across three time periods, namely pre-arrival, difficult, and current time periods. A cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, including the menstrual distress questionnaire (MDQ), between December 2022 and February 2023. The questionnaire was distributed to 56 female international students from two universities in Japan, and a total of 29 valid responses were collected. We found varying menstrual cycle abnormalities and severity of menstrual symptoms across three time periods, with the difficult period after arrival in Japan displaying the highest symptom severity. Higher stress levels were significantly associated with more severe menstrual symptoms. Lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption were also linked to menstrual symptoms. The current study emphasizes the importance of providing menstrual education, support, and resources to address international students’ unique challenges in managing their menstrual health while studying abroad. By promoting awareness, education, and access to healthcare services, universities may contribute to international students’ well-being and academic success

Examining the Nursing Workforce Shortage in Vietnam : Implications for Nursing Education

This study examines the nursing human resource crisis in Vietnam that emerged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. A literature review encompassing policy documents, statistics, reports, guidelines, news, media, and academic publications was conducted. Even before the pandemic, Vietnam grappled with a nursing shortage, with a nurse-to-population ratio significantly below the global average. The shortage of nurses jeopardizes nurse-to-patient ratios, patient safety, and equitable access to high-quality healthcare services. The nursing human resource crisis in Vietnam is further exacerbated by the limited capacity of nursing education institutions. Without substantial investments in nursing education, projections indicate that Vietnam may face a crisis of lacking nursing professionals in the near future. The post-COVID-19 nursing crisis in Vietnam underscores the urgent need for reforms in nursing education. Policy interventions should prioritize strategic workforce planning and increased financial investments in nursing education and training programs

産後6か月間におけるうつ・不安症状の経過と新生児と関わる時の感情との関連

Background: Depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms during the postpartum period affect physical health and child rearing and that these effects are important social issues. Objective: The aims of this study were to clarify the differences in the transition of depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms according to parity during a 6-month postpartum period and to clarify the differences in associations of depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms with feelings for involvement with newborn infants in primiparous and multiparous postpartum women. Methods: The design of this study was a longitudinal investigation. This study was conducted from February 2017 to July 2018 in Japan. By using self-administered questionnaires that included questions on psychological symptoms in a standard climacteric scale and questions on feelings for involvement with newborn infants, we collected data at 3 days postpartum, 2 weeks postpartum, one month postpartum, 3 months postpartum and 6 months postpartum. Results: Responses to all of the questionnaires were obtained from 121 (52.8%) of 229 women. The score for depressive symptoms in primiparous women was significantly higher than that in multiparous women at 3 days postpartum. Depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms showed peaks at 2 weeks postpartum in both primiparous women and multiparous women, but depressive symptoms reoccurred from 3 months postpartum to 6 months postpartum in primiparous women and anxiety symptoms reoccurred from one month to 3 months postpartum in multiparous women. Depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were associated with negative feelings for involvement with newborn infants and with mother’s sleeping time. Conclusion: Changes in depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were different in primiparous women and multiparous women during a 6-month postpartum period. In addition, depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were associated with negative feelings for involvement with newborn infants and with sleeping time in postpartum women