Fraction and Number of Unemployed Associated with Self-Reported Low Back Pain: A Nation-Wide Cross-Sectional Study in Japan.

This study examined a cross-sectional association between self-reported low back pain (LBP) and unemployment among working-age people, and estimated the impact of self-reported LBP on unemployment. We used anonymized data from a nationally representative survey (24,854 men and 26,549 women aged 20-64 years). The generalized estimating equations of the multivariable Poisson regression models stratified by gender were used to estimate the adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for unemployment. The population attributable fraction (PAF) was calculated using Levin\u27s method, with the substitution method for 95% CI estimation. The prevalence of self-reported LBP was 9.0% in men and 11.1% in women. The prevalence of unemployment was 9.3% in men and 31.7% in women. After adjusting for age, socio-economic status, lifestyle habits, and comorbidities, the PR (95% CI) for the unemployment of the LBP group was 1.32 (1.19-1.47) in men and 1.01 (0.96-1.07) in women, compared with the respective non-LBP group. The PAF (95% CI) of unemployment associated with self-reported LBP was 2.8% (1.6%, 4.2%) in men. Because the total population of Japanese men aged 20-64 in 2013 was 36,851 thousand, it was estimated that unemployment in 1037 thousand of the Japanese male working population was LBP-related

Effect of mental stress on hemoglobin dynamics in trapezius muscles

科学研究費補助金研究成果報告書研究種目: 基盤研究(B)研究期間: 2005～2006課題番号: 17390172研究代表者: 垰田 和史（滋賀医科大学・医学部・准教授）研究分担者: 北原 照代（滋賀医科大学・医学部・助教）研究分担者: 辻村 裕次（滋賀医科大学・医学部・助教）研究分担者: 西山 勝夫（滋賀医科大学・医学部・教授

Development and evaluation of the system on supporting communication using the translation device from Japanese voice to sign language animation for hearing-impaired people in stomach X-ray inspection

科学研究費補助金研究成果報告書研究種目: 基盤研究(C)研究期間: 2000～2001課題番号: 12670319研究代表者: 西山 勝夫（滋賀医科大学・医学部・教授）研究分担者: 垰田 和史（滋賀医科大学・医学部・助教授）研究分担者: 北原 照代（滋賀医科大学・医学部・助手）研究協力者: 辻村 裕次（滋賀医科大学・医学部・助手

Epidemiological filed experiment study for the preventive measures of low back pain among the drivers by the improvement of the forklift truck drivers\u27 seat

科学研究費補助金研究成果報告書研究種目: 基盤研究(B)研究期間: 2005～2006課題番号: 17390171研究代表者: 西山 勝夫（滋賀医科大学・医学部・教授）研究分担者: 垰田 和史（滋賀医科大学・医学部・助教授）研究分担者: 辻村 裕次（滋賀医科大学・医学部・助手）研究協力者: 北原 照代（滋賀医科大学・医学部・助手

HIV/AIDS knowledge level, awareness of public health centers and related factors: a cross-sectional study among Brazilians in Japan

Abstract Background Accurate information is essential so that HIV infection can be detected in time for initiation of HIV/AIDS treatment. Immigrants are at high risk for delayed HIV testing and diagnosis, but foreign residents in Japan also seem to face barriers to accessing HIV/AIDS care. We aimed to assess their knowledge level of HIV/AIDS and awareness of public health centers in Japan (PHCs), and to explore factors related to these items. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of Brazilians, the largest group of foreigners living in Shiga, using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire survey in Brazilian Portuguese and Japanese via the Internet and mail. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors related to “Knowledge of HIV/AIDS” and “Awareness of PHCs”. Results A total 182 Brazilians responded. More than half of them were beginners in Japanese. Most respondents were familiar with HIV/AIDS, but only 58% knew the existence of PHCs, and only 25% knew that HIV testing is available at PHCs free of charge and anonymously. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that PHCs were less recognized by those with intermediate (odds ratio: 5.70, 95% confidence interval: 1.53–21.23) and beginner (odds ratio: 6.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.98–23.45) Japanese proficiency than by those with advanced. Conclusions This survey revealed the knowledge level of HIV/AIDS and awareness of PHC among Brazilians in Shiga. Their lack of awareness of PHCs due to language barriers may lead to delays in HIV testing among them. Therefore, it is important for PHCs to disseminate information about medical services related to HIV/AIDS in Portuguese and plain Japanese to facilitate their access to HIV testing. However, PHC efforts alone are not enough. Medical interpreters who are familiar with Brazilian culture and customs, and the clinics that employ them, could help the Brazilian community and PHCs to overcome the language barrier and provide efficient and appropriate medical care to Brazilians. This would be one way to eliminate delays in HIV testing for Brazilians in Shiga