Presenteeism and social interaction in the "new normal" in Japan: a longitudinal questionnaire study.

BACKGROUND: Although social interaction and social support during the "new normal" due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be related to presenteeism, the effect between these factors has not been clear for Japanese workers. The aim of this study was to describe the presenteeism of Japanese workers with reference to social interaction and social support following the lifestyle changes due to COVID-19 and to assess whether social interaction and social support affected their presenteeism. METHODS: The data were obtained from internet panel surveys from October 2020. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and multiple linear regression was conducted using the data from the first, fourth and fifth surveys, which were conducted during October to November 2020, July to August 2021, and September to October 2021, respectively. To measure presenteeism, questions from "absenteeism and presenteeism questions of the World Health Organization's Heath and Work Performance Questionnaire", short version in Japanese was utilized. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to investigate the effects of social interaction and social support-related factors on presenteeism. RESULTS: A total of 3,407 participants were included in the analysis. The mean score of absolute presenteeism from the fifth survey was 58.07 (SD = 19.71). More time spent talking with family, a larger number of social supporters and a higher satisfaction level for social support were associated with a higher absolute presenteeism score. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that social support reduced the presenteeism of the Japanese workers during the "new normal" due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Social interaction with family also relieved presenteeism.

Factors promoting and inhibiting exercise for older women in Kyoto, Japan.

The main objective of this research was to explore promoting and inhibiting factors of exercise among older women in Kyoto, Japan to seek effective strategies for exercise promotion. More specifically, this research aimed to explore the role of possible selves, which can influence the current view of self and act as an incentive for future behavior, as a facilitator and/or barrier to exercise. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews among women aged 65 and above in Kyoto city through snowball sampling from August to September 2018. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis, then were summarized into a conceptual model. This research revealed a wide range of factors that promote or inhibit exercise. Beside well-known factors such as social factors, physical factors and beliefs about exercise, unexpected factors that seem strongly related to culture and aging in Japan were identified. The unique factors encapsulated in the category of {altruism} emerged as the significant barrier to exercise. In contrast, {egoism} emerged as an important facilitator of exercise. In conclusion, it may be possible to suggest that integrating the role of mother, wife, daughter or grandmother into exercise and its promotion may be beneficial for women aged 65 and above in Kyoto city. To generalize recommendations made, further research is required with a larger sample size and geographical area. Furthermore, findings may differ depending on the cultural background, generations and gender studied.

What are the motivators and barriers for older women in Japan to stay physically active? The main objective of this research was to explore promoting and inhibiting factors of exercise among older women in Kyoto, Japan to seek effective strategies for exercise promotion. A questionnaire prior to interview identified current physical activity, exercise and 'possible selves', which was expected to provide insight into the conceptual link between individuals' cognition and motivation related to exercise behavior. Beside well-known factors that promote or inhibit exercise such as social factors, physical factors and belief toward exercise, unexpected factors that seem strongly related to aging and the nature of the collective culture were identified. The unique factors encapsulated in the category of {altruism} emerged as the dominant barrier to exercise. In contrast, {egoism} emerged as an important facilitator of exercise. In conclusion, it may be possible to suggest that interlinking of the role of mother, wife, daughter or grandmother into exercise and its promotion may be beneficial for women aged 65 and above in Kyoto city. To generalize recommendations made, further research is required with a larger sample size and geographical spread. Furthermore, outcomes may differ depending on the cultural background, generations and gender studied.