Factors associated with postpartum smoking relapse at early postpartum period of Japanese women in the Japan Environmental and Children's Study.

Background: Postpartum smoking relapse is a serious public health concern. Previous studies have identified several risk factors for postpartum smoking relapse; however, very little is known about the predictors of early postpartum smoking relapse. This study aimed to determine postpartum smoking relapse status and its associated risk factors at 1 month postpartum among Japanese women.

Timing of Maternal Smoking Cessation and Newborn Weight, Height, and Head Circumference.

Objective: To examine the relationship between timing of smoking cessation during pregnancy and anthropometric indices of newborns.

Methods: Mothers and neonates enrolled in the JECS (Japan Environment and Children's Study), a nationwide birth cohort study, were examined. Patients with full-term neonates were included in the analysis, and 73,025 mother-neonate pairs with complete data were identified.

Association between whole blood metallic elements concentrations and gestational diabetes mellitus in Japanese women: The Japan environment and Children's study.

Background: Exposure to several metallic elements has been suggested as a risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but inconsistent findings have been reported. This study aimed to examine the association between the maternal whole blood concentration of metallic elements (Hg, Pb, Cd, Mn, and Se) and GDM using the dataset of the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), a nationwide birth cohort study, which was designed to examine the adverse effects of pre/post-natal exposure to hazardous environment.

Methods: The data of 78,964 pregnant women who were participants of JECS were used.

Urinary neonicotinoids level among pregnant women in Japan.

Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are the most important globally available class of chemical insecticides since the introduction of synthetic pyrethroids. The adverse effects of NEOs for early development have been reported via in vivo and epidemiological studies. Therefore, prenatal NEOs exposure is highly concerning.

Study of the Correlation Between Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Personality Using the Quick Environmental Exposure Sensitivity Inventory Questionnaire and the Temperament and Character Inventory.

Objective: We conducted an analysis using the Quick Environmental Exposure Sensitivity Inventory to examine the correlation between multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and personality traits by using temperament and character inventory, and environmental exposures.

Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 667 employees working at an IT manufacturing plant in Japan. Variables including chemically sensitive population (CSP), personality, and environmental chemical exposure were individually evaluated using U-test, chi-squared test, and correlation analyses.

Determinant factors of the difference between self-reported weight and measured weight among Japanese.

Objectives: To assess the difference between self-reported and measured weight values in Japanese men and women and to determine the underlying determinants of the differences between self-reported and measured values.

Methods: The data were collected from 363 general Japanese individuals aged 16-88 years living in Kumamoto prefecture. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire designed for this study with self-reported weight and height values.

Assessment of the knowledge and attitude of female students towards cervical cancer prevention at an international university in Japan.

Cervical cancer resulting from prior infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant public health threat against young Japanese women. A national immunization plan to vaccinate 13~16 year old female students against HPV infection has been started in Japan since 2010, and may reach almost full coverage by the end of 2012. Older age females who may already be sexually active are not targeted by this plan but should follow safer sex practices as well as periodic screening of the cervix cytology to reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer.