Presenteeism in front-line physicians involved in COVID-19-related clinical practice: a national survey of employed physician members of the Japan Medical Association.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have increased the rate of presenteeism among front-line physicians. Presenteeism is the term used to describe attendance at work despite ill health that would normally prompt rest or absence from work. This study aimed to examine the associations between COVID-19 clinical practice and presenteeism among physicians. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to January 2022. The questionnaires were distributed to 21,737 employed physicians who were members of the Japan Medical Association. Presenteeism was measured by the Work Functioning Impairment Scale. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between COVID-19 clinical practice and presenteeism. RESULTS: Overall, 3,968 participants were included in the analysis, and presenteeism was observed in 13.9% of them. The rate of presenteeism significantly increased with both the number of COVID-19 patients treated and the percentage of work time spent treating these patients (both P values for trend < 0.001). In comparison to those not currently engaged in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, presenteeism was significantly higher among front-line (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-2.53) and second-line physicians supporting those in the front-line (aOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.17-1.78). There was no association between involvement in COVID-19 vaccination services and presenteeism. CONCLUSIONS: The burden on front-line and second-line physicians in COVID-19 clinical practice must be minimized. Employed physicians also need to recognize the importance of communicating with their workplaces about presenteeism.

Cognitive decline and poor social relationship in older adults during COVID-19 pandemic: can information and communications technology (ICT) use helps?

BACKGROUND: To answer whether older adults' cognitive function benefits from ICT use, we (1) examined the relationship between ICT use and cognitive decline during the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) explored the potential role of ICT use in mitigating the relationship between loneliness, social isolation, and cognitive decline among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: From February to March 2021, a mail survey was distributed to 1,400 older adults aged 70-89 years old. Responded participants were 1,003 (71.6% response rate). Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) was the independent variable. ICT use was assessed based on ICT use history and current ICT use activities. Loneliness was based on the Japanese version of the Three-Item Loneliness Scale. Social isolation was a total score of six items. Covariate-adjusted logistic regressions were performed and stratified by age groups (70-79 and ≥ 80 years). RESULTS: During the COVID-19 epidemic, the proportion of people aged ≥ 80 years who reported cognitive decline was twice that of 70s. Non-ICT use was independently associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline in participants aged ≥ 80 years. Furthermore, the significant associations between cognitive decline and interaction items (non-ICT use by loneliness or social isolation) were observed in the ≥ 80 age group. No association was found in the 70-79 age group. CONCLUSIONS: Non-ICT users with high loneliness or social isolation scores were more likely to experience cognitive decline for adults age ≥ 80 years. For older adults who were vulnerable to poor social relationships, ICT use is potentially an efficient intervention. Further longitudinal investigations are needed.

Attitudes toward overtime work and self-training: A survey on obstetricians and gynecologists in Japan.

AIM: The Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare of Japan proposed a regulation of overtime work as a reform in work style. However, the regulation may deteriorate the quality of medical services due to the reduction in training time. Thus, the study aimed to reveal perceptions in terms of generation gaps in views on self-training and overtime work, among members of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG). METHODS: A web-based, self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among members of the JSOG. In total, 1256 respondents were included in the analysis. Data were collected on age, sex, experience as a medical doctor, location of workplace, work style, the type of main workplace, and number of full-time doctors in the main workplace. The study examined the attitudes of the respondents toward overtime work and self-training. The respondents were categorized based on experience as a medical doctor. RESULTS: According to years of experience, 112 (8.9%), 226 (18.0%), 383 (30.5%), 535 (42.6%) doctors have been working for ≤5, 6-10, 11-19, and ≥ 20 years, respectively. Although 54.5% of doctors with ≤5 years of experience expected the regulation on working hours to improve the quality of medical services, those with ≥20 years of experience expressed potential deterioration. After adjusting for covariates, more years of experience were significantly related with the expectation of deterioration in the quality of medical services. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed a generation gap in the views about self-training and overtime work among obstetricians and gynecologists in Japan.

Guidelines for office gynecology in Japan: Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) and Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (JAOG) 2017 edition.

Six years after the first edition of The Guideline for Gynecological Practice, which was jointly edited by The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and The Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the third revised edition was published in 2017. The 2017 Guidelines includes 10 additional clinical questions (CQ), which brings the total to 95 CQ (12 on infectious disease, 28 on oncology and benign tumors, 27 on endocrinology and infertility and 28 on healthcare for women). Currently a consensus has been reached on the Guidelines and therefore the objective of this report is to present the general policies regarding diagnostic and treatment methods used in standard gynecological outpatient care that are considered appropriate. At the end of each answer, the corresponding recommendation level (A, B, C) is indicated.

The Impact of One-Dose Package of Medicines on Patient Waiting Time in Dispensing Pharmacy: Application of a Discrete Event Simulation Model.

Improvement in patient waiting time in dispensing pharmacies is an important element for patient and pharmacists. The One-Dose Package (ODP) of medicines was implemented in Japan to support medicine adherence among elderly patients; however, it also contributed to increase in patient waiting times. Given the projected increase in ODP patients in the near future owing to rapid population aging, development of improved strategies is a key imperative. We conducted a cross-sectional survey at a single dispensing pharmacy to clarify the impact of ODP on patient waiting time. Further, we propose an improvement strategy developed with use of a discrete event simulation (DES) model. A total of 673 patients received pharmacy services during the study period. A two-fold difference in mean waiting time was observed between ODP and non-ODP patients (22.6 and 11.2 min, respectively). The DES model was constructed with input parameters estimated from observed data. Introduction of fully automated ODP (A-ODP) system was projected to reduce the waiting time for ODP patient by 0.5 times (from 23.1 to 11.5 min). Furthermore, assuming that 40% of non-ODP patients would transfer to ODP, the waiting time was predicted to increase to 56.8 min; however, introduction of the A-ODP system decreased the waiting time to 20.4 min. Our findings indicate that ODP is one of the elements that increases the waiting time and that it might become longer in the future. Introduction of the A-ODP system may be an effective strategy to improve waiting time.

A relationship between a level of hemoglobin after delivery and exclusive breastfeeding initiation at a baby friendly hospital in Japan.

BACKGROUND: The recent National Nutrition Survey of 2013 demonstrated that 16.7% of women in childbearing age are underweight, and 5.0-10.0% of these women manifested a Hemoglobin (Hb) level less than 11.0 g/dl. The purpose of this study was to investigate if such maternal nutritional status affects success of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice. METHODS: This cross-sectional study investigated 1532 dyads of mothers and infants with full-term singleton pregnancies delivered during 2011 at a perinatal center in Tokyo. Outcome is EBF initiation defined as the successful practice at discharge and 1 month after discharge. A logistic regression model was applied to investigate the impact of Hb levels (<9.0, 9.0-10.9, and ≥11.0 g/dl) measured within 2-3 days after delivery on successful EBF initiation adjusting for covariates including bleeding at delivery. RESULTS: Mean age was 34 years, 23.0% were underweight and 63.0% were nulliparous. The success rate for EBF initiation at discharge and at 1 month after discharge was 72.7 and 63.0% for a Hb level <9.0 g/dl, 81.9 and 68.9% for a Hb level of 9.0-10.9 g/dl, and 85.7 and 75.9% for a Hb level ≥11.0 g/dl, respectively. A logistic regression model showed that risk factors of unsuccessful EBF practice at discharge and 1 month after discharge included lower level Hb categories (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001), postpartum hemorrhage > 500 ml (P = 0.089 and P = 0.011), maternal age (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001), nulliparity (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001), pregnancy-induced hypertension (P = 0.002 and P = 0.012), gestational week (P = 0.006 and P = 0.002), Low Birth Weight (LBW) (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001), and immediate separation (P < 0.001 and P = 0.020). After adjusting for the covariates, compared with a Hb level ≥11.0 g/dl, a Hb level <9.0 g/dl was significantly associated with unsuccessful EBF initiation at discharge [odds ratio (OR): 2.15; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37-3.39] and at 1 month after discharge (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.10-2.42), and a Hb level of 9.0-10.9 g/dl also was significant at 1 month after discharge (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.04-1.75). Pre-pregnancy underweight was not associated with success of EBF practice both at hospital discharge and 1 month after discharge. CONCLUSION: Maternal severe anemia after delivery was associated with the risk of unsuccessful initiation of EBF even after adjusting for bleeding at delivery, suggesting the importance of dietary management especially in the later trimester.

Sex differences in reduction of trunk muscle mass related to falls and cognitive function during the COVID-19 pandemic in older adults.

AIM: This study aimed to examine the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical components and activity, and its relationship to physical performance in older adults. METHODS: Sixty-seven participants aged 75 and older (81 ± 2 years, female: 66%), who underwent medical checkups continuously from 2018 to 2022 in one clinic, were enrolled. Muscle mass was assessed by the biometrical impedance analysis method, which was adjusted by height squared. Physical, oral, and cognitive performance data were obtained from Japanese standard questionnaires at medical checkups. Values obtained in 2018 and 2019 were defined as pre-pandemic, and those in 2021 and 2022 were defined as during the pandemic. RESULTS: Body weight, grip strength, and skeletal mass index did not change from 2018 to 2022, but trunk muscle mass index decreased significantly. A difference in the trunk muscle mass index (TMI) was observed between 2022 and 2018/2019 in men; however, a significant difference was found between 2021 and 2022 in women. Compared with the pre-pandemic period, TMI during the pandemic decreased only in men. The difference in TMI between the pre-pandemic period and during the pandemic (ΔTMI) was significantly decreased in participants with low physical activity and poor oral performance before the pandemic, and in those with falls and poor cognitive function during the pandemic only in men. CONCLUSION: Reduction of trunk muscle mass was related to falls and poor cognitive function during the COVID-19 pandemic in older male adults. These data suggest that the difference in response to the COVID-19 pandemic between men and women necessitates different types of support for older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••-••.

Usefulness of the serum creatinine/cystatin C ratio as a blood biomarker for sarcopenia components among age groups in community-dwelling older people: The SONIC study.

AIM: The serum creatinine/cystatin C ratio (CCR) or sarcopenia index is considered a useful marker of muscle mass. However, its usefulness in late-stage older adults remains unclear. We aimed to determine the usefulness of CCR as an indicator of sarcopenia in community-dwelling Japanese adults aged >75 years. METHODS: Our study recruited participants aged 70, 80, and 90 ± 1 years during the baseline years, and included a 3-year follow-up in the Septuagenarians, Octogenarians, Nonagenarians, Investigation with Centenarians study. From 2015 to 2018, 955 participants were eligible: 367 in their 70s, 304 in their 80s, and 284 in their 90s. The diagnostic components of sarcopenia, including "low muscle mass, plus low muscle strength, and/or low physical performance," were evaluated using the bioelectrical impedance analysis-measured skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), handgrip strength, and short physical performance battery (SPPB) score, respectively, in accordance with the Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. Separate analyses were performed between each component and CCR, adjusting for sex, body mass index, and other blood biomarkers in each group. RESULTS: The relationship between CCR and sarcopenia components was significant for handgrip strength (ß = 0.21, 0.13, 0.19, and P < 0.0001, =0.0088, <0.0001, for the 70s, 80s, and 90s age groups, respectively); however, it was limited for SMI (ß = 0.14; P = 0.0022, only for the 90s) and not significant for the SPPB score. CONCLUSION: CCR is a limited indicator of sarcopenia in late-stage older adults. Although its association with muscle strength was significant, its relationship with muscle mass and physical performance was less pronounced. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 529-536.

Relationship between respiratory function assessed by spirometry and mild cognitive impairment among community-dwelling older adults.

AIM: Aging is a major cause of cognitive dysfunction. It has also been reported that respiratory function may influence cognitive dysfunction. However, few studies have examined the relationship between cognitive function and respiratory function among community-dwelling older adults. This study aims to determine the relationship between respiratory function, assessed using spirometry, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This study included 419 participants aged 73 ± 1 years and 348 participants aged 83 ± 1 years from the SONIC cohort study (Septuagenarians Octogenarians Nonagenarians Investigation with Centenarians Study). Respiratory function was evaluated using %Vital Capacity (%VC), Forced Expiratory Volume 1 s (FEV1)/Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), and %Peak Expiratory Flow (%PEF). Airflow-limitation presence and stages were classified using FEV1/FVC. Cognitive function and MCI were assessed using the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J). RESULTS: The MoCA-J score exhibited a declining trend as the airflow-limitation stage increased among study participants in the 83 ± 1 age group. The presence of airflow limitation was associated with MCI in the 83 ± 1 age group. Among the indicators of each respiratory function, low %PEF was found to be associated with an increased rate of MCI. Furthermore, low %VC has also been suggested to be associated with an increased rate of MCI in the 83 ± 1 age female group. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced airflow-limitation stages may exacerbate cognitive dysfunction in community-dwelling older adults. The presence of airflow limitation and low %VC may also be associated with cognitive dysfunction in older women. Consequently, reduced respiratory function may potentially be associated with MCI in community-dwelling older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••-••.

Factors influencing the continuation of home blood pressure measurement in community-dwelling older adults: the NOSE study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the factors influencing home blood pressure measurement (HBPM) continuation in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: A longitudinal analysis used the NOSE study intervention group datasets. The participants were encouraged HBPM with self-monitoring devices provided to them twice in the morning and twice in the evening. Every 7-day interval from the HBPM start date was defined as 1 week, and the number of HBPMs per week was counted. The first week in which the number of HBPMs was zero was defined as the week in which HBPM was discontinued. Participants who did not experienced discontinuation until the end of the observation period were considered complete survivors in the survival time analysis. RESULTS: Data from 437 participants were included in the analysis. Of these, 120 (27.5%) discontinued HBPM. In univariate analysis, factors significantly associated with HBPM discontinuation included exercise habits [hazard ratio per one unit 0.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31-0.69], social participation (hazard ratio 0.65; 95% CI 0.42-0.99), MoCA-J score (hazard ratio 0.94; 95% CI 0.90-0.98), and frailty (hazard ratio 5.20; 95% CI 2.87-9.43). In multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with HBPM discontinuation included sex (hazard ratio 0.55; 95% CI 0.32-0.95; ref. = female individuals), smoking history (hazard ratio 1.69; 95% CI 1.02-2.80), exercise habits (hazard ratio 0.51; 95% CI 0.30-0.85), MoCA-J score (hazard ratio 0.93; 95% CI 0.88-0.98), and frailty (hazard ratio 3.31; 95% CI 1.50-7.29). CONCLUSION: Among community-dwelling older adults, female sex, smoking history, lack of exercise, cognitive decline, and frailty were identified as factors influencing HBPM discontinuation.

Association between serum vitamin D levels and skeletal muscle indices in an older Japanese population: The SONIC study.

AIM: Vitamin D (VD) affects skeletal muscles. The high prevalence of VD deficiency in Japan may lead to decreased skeletal muscle mass and strength, increasing the prevalence of sarcopenia. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between serum VD levels and skeletal muscle indices in a Japanese community-dwelling older population. METHODS: We extracted data from the Septuagenarians, Octogenarians, Nonagenarians Investigation with Centenarians (SONIC) study. We analyzed the data for participants in the 70s and 90s age groups. Skeletal mass index (SMI) using bioimpedance analysis, grip strength, walking speed, and serum VD levels using 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured. RESULTS: We analyzed the data of 310 participants in their 70s and 48 in their 90s. Mean serum 25(OH)D levels were 21.6 ± 5.0 ng/mL in the 70s group and 23.4 ± 9.1 ng/mL in the 90s group. In the 70s group, serum 25(OH)D levels correlated with SMI (r = 0.21, P < 0.0001) and grip strength (r = 0.30, P < 0.0001). Serum 25(OH)D levels were independently associated with SMI after adjusting for sex, body mass index, and serum albumin levels. In the 90s group, serum 25(OH)D levels were correlated with SMI (r = 0.29, P = 0.049) and grip strength (r = 0.34, P = 0.018). However, the multivariate analysis showed no independent association between SMI, grip strength, and serum 25(OH)D levels. CONCLUSION: In a cross-sectional analysis of an older population, serum VD levels were associated with SMI and grip strength, and this association was more pronounced in the 70s group than in the 90s group. Our results suggest that serum VD levels maintain skeletal muscle mass and grip strength. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••-••.

Risk factors predicting subtypes of physical frailty incidence stratified by musculoskeletal diseases in community-dwelling older adults: The SONIC study.

AIM: This study aims to identify the key risk factors that lead to subtypes of physical frailty assessed by walking speed and grip strength among community-dwelling Japanese individuals, stratified by the presence of musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) and age group. METHODS: We included 302 participants aged 70 or 80 years who did not exhibit subtypes of physical frailty at baseline through the Septuagenarians, Octogenarians, Nonagenarians, Investigation with Centenarians (SONIC) study. Our study was a longitudinal study. The outcome was the incidence of subtypes of physical frailty after 3 years. Subtypes of physical frailty were defined as a weak grip strength or slow walking speed, or both, based on the Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study Index. The risk factors for subtypes of physical frailty incidence were examined by age group and MSD, using multivariate logistic regressions. RESULTS: Of the 302 participants, 110 (36.4%) had MSD. Those with MSD were significantly more likely to have subtypes of physical frailty after 3 years compared with those without MSD. Among all participants, older age was a risk factor of subtypes of physical frailty (P < 0.05). Without MSD, older age and dissatisfied financial status were risk factors (P < 0.05). With MSD, older age was a risk factor (P < 0.05). By age group, in individuals aged 70 years old, a dissatisfied financial status was a risk factor for those without MSD (P < 0.05), and a higher BMI was one for those with MSD (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Older age was a risk factor for subtypes of physical frailty, but other risk factors differed according to the presence of MSD and age. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 797-805.

Actual conditions for returning home after hospitalization among older patients receiving home medical care in Japan: OHCARE Study.

AIM: To examine the actual conditions of older patients receiving home medical care after hospitalization over a period of 2 years in Japan. METHODS: The study population included 102 participants, aged ≥65 years, receiving home medical care, who consented to participate in the Osaka Home Care Registry (OHCARE) study in Japan over a period of 2 years. We investigated the actual conditions for returning home after hospitalization. RESULTS: The median age of the 102 participants was 84 years, and 61 (59.8%) were women. In the group that returned home, 42 (55.3%) of the respondents desired to recuperate in a familiar place, as in advanced care planning (ACP). During the 2-year follow-up period, the group that did not return home had significantly more deaths. A multivariate analysis showed the association in the presence of ACP (odds ratio: 4.72, 95% confidence interval: 1.60-13.86) and cardiac disease (odds ratio: 0.25, 95% confidence interval: 0.08-0.76). The lack of ACP in the medical records when the patient was admitted to the hospital may have prevented the return home. CONCLUSION: In older patients who had difficulty returning home after hospitalization, the lack of ACP in home medical care may have been an influencing factor. ACP could help continue with home medical care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 320-326.

Age Group Differences in the Association Between Sleep Status and Frailty Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The SONIC Study.

Objective: We aimed to determine whether the association of sleep status with frailty differs between age groups of older adults. Method: This cross-sectional study was part of the observational Septuagenarians, Octogenarians, Nonagenarians Investigation with Centenarians (SONIC) study. Subjects were community-dwelling older adults in their 70s and 80s. Frailty was evaluated using the Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria (J-CHS). Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep status. Poor sleep quality was defined as a PSQI global score ≥6. Sleep duration was categorized as short (<6 hr), normal (6-8), and long (>8). We performed multivariable logistic regression to investigate the association between sleep status and frailty separately for each age group adjusted for multiple covariates. Results: In those in their 70s, long sleep duration and sleep medication use were independently associated with frailty. In those in their 80s, poor sleep quality was independently associated with frailty. Conclusions: The association between sleep status and frailty was different between age groups. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating the evaluation of sleep quantity and non-pharmacological therapies in those in their 70s and the evaluation of sleep quality in those in their 80s to help prevent the onset of frailty.

Working hours, side work, and depressive symptoms in physicians: A nationwide cross-sectional study in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: Long working hours in Japan is a social concern. This is also true for the working hours of physicians, who often do side work in addition to working at their main hospital. New physician work regulations to be implemented in Japan require work-hour management, including side work. This study examined the association between physicians' overtime and side work hours and their health outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from a survey of working physicians conducted by the Japan Medical Association from 2021 to 2022. Questionnaires completed by 2906 full-time working physicians aged 24-69, excluding junior resident doctors, were analyzed. Depressive symptoms and the presence of thoughts of death or suicide using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology - Japanese version was used to assess health outcomes. Logistic regression analysis was performed using overtime at the main place of employment and side work hours as exposure factors. RESULTS: Both depressive symptoms and thoughts of death or suicide increased in the group with longer overtime hours at the main place of work. A similar tendency was observed for side work but adjusting for overtime hours eliminated the association. In other words, total working hours had an impact on health, regardless of whether overtime work at the main place of employment or side work. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the existence of multiple hurdles to managing working hours, including side work, the working environment for physicians needs to be improved to protect their health and quality of medical care.

Association of depression and suicidal ideation with unreasonable patient demands and complaints among Japanese physicians: a national cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Physicians' mental health can be affected by unreasonable demands and complaints made by patients. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the association between depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among physicians working in hospitals in Japan and unreasonable patient demands and complaints. METHODS: We sent an anonymous questionnaire to 10,000 randomly selected physicians working at hospitals who were members of the Japan Medical Association. The anonymous self-report questionnaire sought to determine the number of unreasonable demands and complaints made by patients or their family members reported by physicians in the previous 6 months. Depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation were measured using the Japanese version of the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS). Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the associations of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation with reported unreasonable demands and complaints. RESULTS: Among the 3,864 respondents, men (46.3%) reported experiencing unreasonable patient demands and complaints more frequently than women (40.4%). Depressive symptoms were indicated in 8.3% of men and 10.5% of women, and 5.7% of men and 5.8% women were determined to exhibit suicidal ideation. The number of unreasonable demands and complaints in the previous 6 months was significantly associated with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation for both men and women (P for trend <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Physicians should recognize the health risks of unreasonable demands and complaints, and hospitals should provide support for physicians dealing with these stressors.

National survey of the association of depressive symptoms with the number of off duty and on-call, and sleep hours among physicians working in Japanese hospitals: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Physicians' mental health may be adversely affected by the number of days of work and time spent on-call, and improved by sleep and days-off. The aim of this study was to determine the associations of depressive symptoms with taking days of off duty, hours of sleep, and the number of days of on-call and overnight work among physicians working in Japanese hospitals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study as a national survey was conducted by mail. The study population was 10,000 randomly selected physicians working in hospitals who were also members of the Japan Medical Association (response rate 40.5%). Self-reported anonymous questionnaire was sent to assess the number of days off-duty, overnight work, and on-calls, and the average number of sleep hours on days not working overnight in the previous one month. Depressive state was determined by the Japanese version of the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the associations between depressive symptoms and the studied variables. RESULTS: Among the respondents, 8.3% of men and 10.5% of women were determined to be depressed. For both men and women, depressive state was associated with having no off-duty days and averaging less than 5 hours of sleep on days not doing overnight work. Depressive state was positively associated with being on-call more than 5 days per month for men, and more than 8 days per month for women, and was negatively associated with being off-duty more than 8 days per month for men. CONCLUSION: Some physicians need some support to maintain their mental health. Physicians who do not take enough days-off, who reduced sleep hours, and who have certain number of days on-calls may develop depressive symptoms.

Survey on Specialty Preference and Work-Life Balance among Residents of Japanese Red Cross Hospitals.

INTRODUCTION: The paucity and maldistribution of physicians among various specialties are key issues facing the Japanese health care system. Studies have shown that young physicians place more emphasis on work-life balance while selecting their specialty and that they prefer controllable lifestyle (CL) specialties over noncontrollable lifestyle (NCL) specialties. As this may be a cause of maldistribution, we investigated the relationship between views on work-life balance and specialty selection among young physicians in Japan. METHODS: An online questionnaire was sent to 1451 residents (postgraduate years 1-5) at 60 Japanese Red Cross hospitals across Japan. RESULTS: In all, 226 physicians responded (response rate: 15%), with 21% in CL and 74% in NCL specialties. When compared with NCL specialties, CL specialties had less overtime (43% vs. 16%, p = 0.001), considered life to be more important than work (26% vs. 15%, p = 0.018), and were more likely to give precedence to work-life balance over medical interest while choosing their specialty (49% vs. 30%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, physicians were more likely to change their choice of specialty, contrary to their professional interest, because of social reasons (49% vs. 26%, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that young physicians in CL specialties have better working hours and place more emphasis on work-life balance while choosing their specialty compared with those in NCL specialties. The increase in the number of physicians in CL specialties is likely attributable to the growing preference for an optimal work-life balance among young physicians; this seems to have increased the maldistribution of physicians among various specialties. Institutional mechanisms to support the lifestyle of physicians (especially in NCL specialties) are required to provide a balanced medical service in Japan.

[Analysis of occupational health activities through classifying reports from medical facilities in Japan].

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to analyze current trends in occupational health activities by classifying reports from medical facilities in Japan. METHODS: Reports of current workplace-level occupational health activities from medical activities that were collected by the Japan Medical Association Occupational Health Committee were used for the study. Of 5,000 questionnaire forms sent to medical facilities, 1,920 responses were returned. The freely described reports on ongoing occupational health activities contained in these responses were classified according to each of the following aspects of reported activities: 1) details of occupational health activities including main actors in workplace-level actions; and 2) approaches taken for occupational safety and health. The classification of the reports was implemented by a working group comprising selected occupational health practitioners and researchers. RESULTS: Among 1,920 survey responses, 581 valid texts were analyzed. Altogether, 1,044 occupational health activities currently undertaken by the facilities were extracted. The reported activities that were classified according to details of occupational health activities mainly comprised "Measures for preventing overwork, labor management, and work-style reform" (35.7%), "Measures for improving mental health" (21.0%), and "Review of occupational safety and health management systems" (19.3%). Medical facilities implementing "Measures for mental health" alongside "Measures for preventing overwork, labor management, and work-style reform" were reported in 13.2% of the responding medical facilities. "Occupational health professionals or safety and health management staff" (71.7%) were the most frequent main actors of these activities, followed by "Members of the workplace" (18.4%) and "Outsourced experts" (2.4%). "Comprehensive safety and health management" (42.0%) was the most common approach taken for occupational safety and health, followed by "Management focusing on topics" (23.8%) and "Case management" (16.5%). Most of these activities focused on primary prevention aimed at labor management including prevention of overwork, work-style reform, and mental health promotion. Another key trend could be "Teamwork among occupational safety and health staff, workers, and employers at respective workplaces as well as outsourced experts." DISCUSSION: Several key trends were extracted from current occupational health activities at medical facilities. In most cases, these measures were implemented simultaneously. This suggests the importance of combining primary prevention measures for mental health with measures for labor management including prevention of overwork. These activities reflect emerging trends that incorporate teamwork between experts, workers, and employers, and provide new perspectives on workplace-level occupational safety and health activities.

Prepregnancy obesity as a risk factor for exclusive breastfeeding initiation in Japanese women.

OBJECTIVES: Breastfeeding rates in many countries fall short of the World Health Organization's recommendations. It has been reported that exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is negatively associated with obesity; however, the association varies with ethnicity, and little information is available from Asia. We explored whether prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) were associated with initiation of EBF. METHODS: We investigated 6125 Japanese women with full-term (37-42 wk of gestation) singleton babies between January 2010 and June 2013, in a hospital with the largest annual number of deliveries in Tokyo, Japan. RESULTS: Successful EBF initiation was observed in 72% of women 1 mo after delivery. The average GWG was 10 kg in underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) and normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) women; 7 kg in overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2) women, and 4 kg in obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) women. After adjusting for covariates, stepwise modeling revealed that compared with women of normal weight, obesity (odds ratio [OR], 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16-0.53), and a single-unit increase in the GWG (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-1.00) were significantly associated with unsuccessful EBF initiation. No statistical interaction was evident between prepregnancy BMI and GWG. Other significant risk factors for unsuccessful EBF initiation included older maternal age (P < 0.001), nulliparity (P < 0.001), cesarean delivery (P < 0.001), an earlier gestational week (P < 0.001), a light-for-date infant (P < 0.05), and mother-child separation for clinical reasons (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that prepregnancy obesity is a risk factor for EBF initiation among Japanese women.