Depression, Rumination, and Impulsive Action: A Latent Variable Approach to Behavioral Impulsivity.

Previous research on the relationship between rumination and behavioral impulsivity has been limited because impulsivity was assessed by using individual tasks. This study examined the concurrent associations of a latent variable named impulsive action with rumination and depression to alleviate the task-impurity problem and the low reliability of laboratory tasks assessing impulsivity. This study also examined whether stressors mediated the association between impulsive action and rumination.

Follow-Up of Occupational Health Issues and Measures Taken in Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Where Decommissioning Work Has Continued Over 6 Years Since 2014.

Objectives: To follow up arising occupational health (OH) issues, measures taken, and their performances in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant since 2014, and thus share experiences and extend the contribution of OH to long-term decommissioning work and preparation for future disasters.

Methods: Necessary information from official reports and through the OH-related activities involved was collected and analyzed.

Results: The issues were categorized into establishment of the OH management system, three individual issues, and others.

Can self-monitoring mobile health apps reduce sedentary behavior? A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To examine whether the self-monitoring interventions of a mobile health app reduce sedentary behavior in the short and long terms.

Method: We designed a double-blind randomized control trial. Participants were selected from among the staff of a medical institution and registrants of an online research firm.

Assessing the effect of mandatory progress reporting on treatment requirements identified during health examinations at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant: A time series analysis.

Objectives: At the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, run by the Tokyo Electric Power Company, new procedures were introduced as part of the fitness for duty program in July 2016. These were designed to ensure that treatment and further investigations identified as necessary during health examinations were carried out. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the initiative by testing whether workers who needed further health examinations obtained them promptly, and whether the number with unmet health needs decreased and the number of workers being treated increased.

Association of socioeconomic and lifestyle-related risk factors with mental health conditions: a cross-sectional study.

Background: There is rising public concern over the widening health inequalities in many countries. The aim of this study was to clarify the associations of socioeconomic status (SES)-related variables, such as levels of household disposable income and employment status, and lifestyle factors with mental health conditions among Japanese adults aged 40 to 69.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 3085 participants (1527 males and 1558 females) was undertaken by using a self-administered questionnaire that included the Japanese version of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and questions related to socioeconomic and lifestyle factors.

[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.

Identifying characteristics of indicators of sedentary behavior using objective measurements.

Objective: Recent attention has been focused on sedentary behavior (SB) affecting health outcomes, but the characteristics of indicators reflecting SB remain to be identified. This cross-sectional study aims to identify the characteristics of indicators of SB, focusing on the examination of correlations, reliability, and validity of sedentary variables assessed by the smartphone app.

Method: Objectively measured data of SB of eligible 46 Japanese workers obtained from smartphones were used.

Outcomes for facilitators of workplace environment improvement applying a participatory approach.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine changes in awareness, behavior, and relationships among facilitators who were involved in facilitating the conduct of the participatory workplace improvement program and to examine the facilitators' outcomes as a result of their active involvement in the program. The outcome components were also examined in relationship to their associations with various factors.

Methods: An anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted for 83 facilitators.

Understanding attitudes toward hygiene mask use in Japanese daily life by using a repeated cross-sectional survey.

Background: During the 2009 H1N1 influenza epidemic, roughly half of survey respondents reported having worn a hygiene mask. However, most were unsatisfied with commercially available masks.

Objective: The long-term goal was to develop a comfortable, high-performance hygiene mask.

Continuous improvement of fitness-for-duty management programs for workers engaging in stabilizing and decommissioning work at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

Background: Numerous workers have participated in recovery efforts following the accident that occurred at the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant after the Great East Japan Earthquake. These workers, belonging to various companies, have been engaged in various tasks since the accident. Given the hazards and stress involved in these tasks and the relatively long time required to transport sick or injured workers to medical institutions, it became necessary to quickly implement a more stringent management program for fitness for duty than in ordinary work environments.