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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Research article

The “Healthy Akame!” community – government – university collaboration for health: a community-based participatory mixed-method approach to address health issue in rural Japan

Authors: Marinda Asiah Nuril Haya, Shuhei Ichikawa, Yukino Shibagaki, Hideki Wakabayashi, Yousuke Takemura, Akame Machijuu Genki Project Community Advisory Board

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

Although Japan has a decentralized public health system, local governments have considered expert opinions over those of the community in decisions about public health programs. Differences in communities’ interests may create gaps between health program objectives and implementation. We hypothesized that community-based participatory research (CBPR), which involves the community at every step, promotes effective program implementation and community empowerment. This study addressed the first step of CBPR, assessing community needs and developing tailored health program for a rural community in Japan.

Methods

In this sequential exploratory mixed-method study (qualitative followed by quantitative), we first formed a community advisory board (CAB) representing community organizations, city officials, and university researchers. The CAB conducted group discussions with community residents to identify the community’s health issues and strengths. These group discussions were analyzed using thematic analysis, and the results were used to develop a questionnaire, which was subsequently sent to all households in the community to obtain priority scores for health issues and proposed action and to assess willingness to participate in community health program. The CAB then designed a program using the overall study results.

Results

Ten group discussions with 68 participants identified the following health issues: 1) diseases; 2) unhealthy behaviors; and 3) unsupportive environment. Nature, vacant lots, and local farms were considered local strengths. Of a total of 1470 households in the community, questionnaires were collected from 773 households. Cancer, lifestyle-related diseases, and cerebrovascular diseases were ranked as the most important health problems. Improving services and access to medical checkups, use of public space for exercise, local farming, and collaboration with the community health office were considered necessary to address these health problems. Considering feasibility and the availability of resources in the community, the CAB decided to focus on lifestyle-related diseases and designed activities centered on health awareness, nutrition, and exercise. These activities drew on community’s strengths and were adapted to Japanese culture.

Conclusions

The community’s priority health problem was closely related to the epidemiology of diseases. The CBPR approach was useful for identifying community’s needs and for designing a unique community health program that made use of local strengths.

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Title: The “Healthy Akame!” community – government – university collaboration for health: a community-based participatory mixed-method approach to address health issue in rural Japan
Authors: Marinda Asiah Nuril Haya
Shuhei Ichikawa
Yukino Shibagaki
Hideki Wakabayashi
Yousuke Takemura
Akame Machijuu Genki Project Community Advisory Board
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-05916-w

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The “Healthy Akame!” community – government – university collaboration for health: a community-based participatory mixed-method approach to address health issue in rural Japan

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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