Effectiveness of a continuous handwashing education program with multiple activities at a Japanese kindergarten school.

Formation of proper handwashing techniques and habits from childhood is important for disease prevention. However, there are few studies that comprehensively and longitudinally evaluate the effectiveness of handwashing education for kindergarteners. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of continuous handwashing education using multiple activities to improve handwashing practices and skills among first- to third-grade students at a kindergarten in central Japan.

Personal characteristics associated with handwashing behaviour among Japanese university students studying abroad: Prospective observational studies.

Background: Hand hygiene is recommended to travellers to prevent common travel-related illnesses such as diarrhoea and respiratory infection. For effective hygiene promotion interventions, we aimed to identify the personal characteristics associated with handwashing behaviour.

Methods: Prospective observational studies consisting of pre- and post-travel surveys were conducted among Japanese university students studying abroad between 2016 and 2018 (n = 825; 6-38 travel days).

Content analysis of health-related subjects in the K12 school curricula of Japan, Indonesia, Philippines, Guam, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau, and Fiji.

Background: As a component of health promoting school, a school curriculum for health education was considered a fundamental. This survey aimed to identify the components of health-related topics and in which subjects were they taught.

Methods: Four topics were chosen: (i) hygiene, (ii) mental health, (iii) nutrition-oral Health, and (iv) environmental education related to global warming in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).

Status of school health programs in Asia: National policy and implementation.

Background: The WHO's Health Promoting Schools (HPS) framework is based on an understanding of the reciprocal relationship between health and education, and the need to take a holistic approach to health promotion in schools. We aim to clarify the degree to which the HPS framework is reflected in the national policies of eight target countries and the issues surrounding its successful implementation.

Methods: Date were collected through two expert workshops with participants from eight Asian countries: Cambodia, China, Japan, Korea, Lao PDR, Nepal, the Philippines, and Thailand.

Factors enabling systematized national school health services in Japan.

Background: Japan has provided nationwide school health services since 1872. However, the system used and the factors enabling this provision have not been fully and systematically explored. This study aimed to provide an overview of the system and identify enabling factors for the provision of school health services in Japan, to support successful implementation in developing countries.