Abstract
Lifestyle-related chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease are the greatest public health concerns. Evidence
shows Japanese immigrants to a westernized environment have higher incidence of lifestyle-related diseases. However, little
is known about lifestyle characteristics related to chronic diseases for Japanese in a westernized environment. This study
is examining the gap in lifestyle by comparing the lifestyle prevalence for Japanese in the US with the Japanese National
Data (the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan, J-NHANS) as well as the Japan National Health Promotion in the twenty-first
Century (HJ21) goals. Japanese adults were surveyed in Pittsburgh, USA, regarding their lifestyle (e.g., diet, exercise, smoking,
stress, alcohol, and oral hygiene). The prevalence was compared with J-NHANS and HJ21 goals. Ninety-three responded (response
rate; 97.9%). Japanese men (n = 38) and women (n = 55) in Pittsburgh smoke less than Japanese in Japan (P < 0.001 for both genders). Japanese in Pittsburgh perform less physical activity in daily life and have lower prevalence
of walking more than 1 h per day (P < 0.001 for both genders). Japanese women in Pittsburgh have significantly higher prevalence of stress than in Japan (P = 0.004). Japanese men in Pittsburgh do not reach HJ21 goal in weight management, BMI, use of medicine or alcohol to sleep,
and sleep quality. Japanese women in Pittsburgh do not reach HJ21 goal in weight management and sleep quality. In conclusion,
healthy lifestyle promotion including exercise and physical activity intervention for Japanese living in a westernized environment
is warranted.
shows Japanese immigrants to a westernized environment have higher incidence of lifestyle-related diseases. However, little
is known about lifestyle characteristics related to chronic diseases for Japanese in a westernized environment. This study
is examining the gap in lifestyle by comparing the lifestyle prevalence for Japanese in the US with the Japanese National
Data (the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan, J-NHANS) as well as the Japan National Health Promotion in the twenty-first
Century (HJ21) goals. Japanese adults were surveyed in Pittsburgh, USA, regarding their lifestyle (e.g., diet, exercise, smoking,
stress, alcohol, and oral hygiene). The prevalence was compared with J-NHANS and HJ21 goals. Ninety-three responded (response
rate; 97.9%). Japanese men (n = 38) and women (n = 55) in Pittsburgh smoke less than Japanese in Japan (P < 0.001 for both genders). Japanese in Pittsburgh perform less physical activity in daily life and have lower prevalence
of walking more than 1 h per day (P < 0.001 for both genders). Japanese women in Pittsburgh have significantly higher prevalence of stress than in Japan (P = 0.004). Japanese men in Pittsburgh do not reach HJ21 goal in weight management, BMI, use of medicine or alcohol to sleep,
and sleep quality. Japanese women in Pittsburgh do not reach HJ21 goal in weight management and sleep quality. In conclusion,
healthy lifestyle promotion including exercise and physical activity intervention for Japanese living in a westernized environment
is warranted.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s10900-011-9467-2
- Authors
- Nobutaka Hirooka, Faculty Development Fellowship, UPMC Shadyside, University of Pittsburgh Family Medicine, 5215 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- Teiichi Takedai, Shadyside Family Medicine Residency, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 5215 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- Frank D’Amico, Faculty Development Fellowship, University of Pittsburgh Family Medicine, 815 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15215, USA
- Journal Journal of Community Health
- Online ISSN 1573-3610
- Print ISSN 0094-5145