The Relationship between Insomnia and Lifestyle-Related Diseases among Japanese Male Truck Drivers.

Previously, insomnia and adverse lifestyle were prevalent among truck drivers, but the association between the two remains unknown in this particular occupational cohort. This study aimed to examine the relationship between insomnia and lifestyle-related diseases among truck drivers. We investigated 875 male truck drivers of the Japan Truck Association, Akita branch, as of July 2020. The definition of insomnia was based on the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, Third Edition (ICSD-3). Data from a self-administered questionnaire were merged with health records and health insurance claims data of 2020. In total, 40.1% had either one of the lifestyle-related diseases including hypertension (29.7%), diabetes mellitus (11.7%), and dyslipidemia (24.8%), whereas according to ICSD-3, 13.2% had insomnia. Multivariate logistic regression models demonstrated that individuals with insomnia had approximately 2-fold increased risk of having at least one lifestyle-related disease (p < 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.0027), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.0654) and dyslipidemia (p < 0.001). Occupational characteristics including daily driving hours, driving distance, and travel days were not associated with any lifestyle-related diseases except for an association between short-haul and at least one disease. In conclusion, insomnia is significantly associated with increased risks of lifestyle-related diseases among male truck drivers in Japan.

Influence of LINE-Assisted Provision of Information about Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer Prevention on HPV Vaccine Intention: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

We conducted a prospective, randomized two-arm, parallel group, and open label trial to investigate whether the use of LINE would increase HPV vaccine intention among not completely vaccinated university students. In June 2020, we recruited students aged between 18 and 35 years from four universities in Japan. Among the 357 enrollees (female, 53%), 178 and 179 participants were randomized into the LINE and Mail groups, respectively. At baseline, within three years, vaccine intention was observed in 40% vs. 42% of participants, respectively. At the first intervention, which provided similar PDF leaflets about HPV vaccine and cervical cancer prevention, there was no significant difference in vaccine intention between the two groups. However, at the second intervention of LINE-assisted knowledge intervention for 5 days per week for 7 weeks, the LINE group had a higher proportion of vaccine intention than the no intervention group (66% vs. 44%, OR: 2.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.59-4.35) in per-protocol analysis. The significance remained in the intention-to-treat analysis of multiply imputed datasets. Although LINE did not directly increase HPV vaccine intention compared to conventional posts, the LINE-assisted provision of information was effective in improving HPV vaccine intention among Japanese university and college students.

HPV vaccine intention among university students during suspension of active recommendation in Japan.

In Japan, active recommendation of the human papillomavirus vaccine was withheld between 2013 and 2021 due to adverse reaction reports. This resulted in low vaccine coverage with reports from less than 1%. This study aimed to investigate if knowledge and health-belief related factors associated with vaccine intention among young adolescents with the hope that our findings may be helpful in promotion campaigns. We recruited students in four colleges and universities in Akita Prefecture from 2020 to 2021 who had never been vaccinated. A total of 318 students (male 54%, mean age 21 years) responded to a self-administered questionnaire; only 6% reported immediate vaccine intention, and 61% reported no such intention or "do not know." The correct percentages of 20-item knowledge about HPV vaccine-related morbidity, mortality, and prevention were very low regardless of gender (average males 41.4% vs. females 39.6%). Multivariable logistic regression models demonstrated that in males, higher levels of literacy, perceived susceptibility, and place for vaccination (logistical barrier) were associated with HPV vaccine intention, whereas "no need now" was associated with less intention. In females, a higher level of knowledge was significantly associated with vaccine intention, whereas "concerns of adverse effects" were associated with less intention.

Investigating the Efficacy of Intraoral Wet Sheets.

OBJECTIVE: It is important that oral care is effective, efficient, and economical. Herein, we investigated the efficacy of intraoral wet sheets for oral care in comparison with sponge brushes. METHODS: We completed a Plaque Control Record (PCR) after observing intraoral plaque using a plaque disclosure test in healthy volunteers. After the teeth were cleaned for 3 minutes using a wet sheet, the test was repeated and the PCR was completed. The same method was performed using a sponge brush on the same subject under the same conditions 1 week later. The t test was used to analyze PCR findings. RESULTS: Ten healthy subjects were enrolled (mean age, 28.6 years). The PCR values improved from 44.0% before to 30.9% after use of the wet sheet. The post-cleaning PCR was significantly lower. The PCR values improved from 55.0% before to 50.2% after use of the sponge brush. CONCLUSIONS: The PCR improvement was greater when using the wet sheet. In all cases, the wet sheet was highly effective at smoothing tooth surfaces. Intraoral wet sheets may be an option for oral care performed by nurses and caregivers. Compared to the sponge brush, the intraoral wet sheet can save time and reduce costs.