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Little is known about psychological distress and its associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic among nursing students, especially during the initial spread. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of psychological distress among Japanese nursing students after the first semester of 2020 with shifted classes and practice online. Furthermore, we examined whether factors such as health issues and resilience were associated with psychological distress. The data were obtained from a cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire survey at a Japanese nursing college from September to November 2020 (n = 289). We collected data such as sociodemographic variables, medical history, insomnia, and resilience (Bidimensional Resilience Scale). Psychological distress was measured using the K6 scale (scores ≥ 5). The prevalence of psychological distress was 58.5%. The multivariate Poisson regression analysis found a negative association between innate resilience factors, and positive associations between medical history, insomnia, and psychological distress. The present study showed that more than half of the study participants experienced high levels of psychological distress. Our results suggest the importance of monitoring mental health among nursing students, focusing not only on health issues, but also personality components such as innate resilience during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

Research on how loneliness, as a subjective experience, affects suicide risk remains insufficient. It also remains unclear whether the effects vary according to family composition. This study aimed to investigate the associations among loneliness, suicidal ideation, and psychological distress in a rural population in Japan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between August and September 2023 in a rural town in Akita Prefecture. Of the 5,000 surveyed residents, data from 1,842 respondents were analyzed. The exposure variable was loneliness, as assessed by the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale short form. The main outcome was the presence or absence of suicidal ideation, which was measured using a self-reported questionnaire. The secondary outcome was psychological distress, which was measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). The collected data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression and stratified analysis based on family composition. Loneliness was strongly associated with suicidal ideation and psychological distress. The loneliness–psychological distress association persisted regardless of family composition. Loneliness independently affected suicidal ideation and psychological distress among rural residents in Japan. To develop effective suicide prevention strategies in rural areas, it is essential to address both social isolation and the subjective experience of loneliness.

Background: A growing number of epidemiology studies have shown that poor oral health is associated with an increased incidence of functional disability. However, there are few studies in which the confounding bias is adjusted appropriately. In this study, we examined whether dental status is associated with functional disability in elderly Japanese using a 13-year prospective cohort study after elimination of confounding factors with propensity score matching. Methods: Participants were community-dwelling Japanese aged 70 years or older who lived in the Tsurugaya district of Sendai (n = 838). The number of remaining teeth (over 20 teeth vs 0–19 teeth) was defined as the exposure variable. The outcome was the incidence of functional disability, defined as the first certification of long-term care insurance (LTCI) in Japan. The variables that were used to determine propensity score matching were age, sex, body mass index (BMI), medical history (stroke, hypertension, myocardial infarction, cancer, and diabetes), smoking, alcohol consumption, educational attainment, depression symptoms, cognitive impairment, physical function, social support, and marital status. Results: As a result of the propensity score matching, 574 participants were selected. Participants with 0–19 teeth were more likely to develop functional disability than those with 20 or more teeth (hazard ratio 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.75). Conclusions: In this prospective cohort study targeting community-dwelling older adults in Japan, having less than 20 teeth was confirmed to be an independent risk factor for functional disability even after conducting propensity score matching. This study supports previous publications showing that oral health is associated with functional disability.

Objectives: This study examined the extent to which the severity of andropause symptoms affects daily functioning, specifically in work, housework, outings, social relationships, and leisure activities, among employed Japanese men.Methods: A cross-sectional internet-based survey was conducted in September 2024. Participants (n = 1054), aged 20-69 years, completed the Aging Males’ Symptoms scale to evaluate symptom severity. Impacts on daily life were assessed using a 4-point scale. Multivariate logistic regression analyses estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs.Results: After adjusting for relevant covariates, moderate and severe symptoms were significantly associated with greater difficulties in daily life. Compared with individuals with very mild symptoms, those with moderate symptoms had higher ORs for severe difficulties in work (OR = 7.2; 95% CI, 2.9-18.0), social relationships (OR = 17.7; 95% CI, 4.0-78.4), and housework (OR = 3.2; 95% CI, 1.2-9.0). Associations were stronger for severe symptoms: work (OR = 21.1; 95% CI, 8.0-55.5), social relationships (OR = 37.2; 95% CI, 7.9-174.3), and housework (OR = 8.5; 95% CI, 2.9-24.4). Severe symptoms were also linked to significant difficulties in outings (OR = 4.7; 95% CI, 1.8-12.4) and leisure (OR = 8.2; 95% CI, 3.0-22.5).Conclusions: Andropause symptoms significantly affect multiple areas of daily life, particularly work, social engagement, and household tasks. These findings underscore the importance of early recognition and intervention.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between andropause symptoms and suicidal ideation among Japanese men using community-based data. Methods: We conducted a survey anonymously in Akita, Japan, in July 2024. In total, 577 men aged ≥19 years completed the questionnaire, including demographic data, and items, such as andropause symptoms, health habits, and suicidal ideation. Andropause symptoms as an exposure variable were measured. The outcome variable was suicidal ideation in the previous month. We estimated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval to examine the association between andropause symptoms and suicidal ideation. Results: Severe andropause symptoms according to the Aging Male’s Symptoms scale and suicidal ideation were noted in 63 men (10.9%) and 18 men (3.1%), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant positive association between severe andropause symptoms and suicidal ideation. This association remained unchanged even when andropause symptoms were divided into the somatic, psychological, and sexual scales. Additionally, even among participants aged ≥40 years, the OR for the severe group was significantly higher at 8.72. Conclusions: Severe andropause symptoms are associated with suicidal ideation among Japanese men. These findings suggest the importance of focusing on andropause as a new perspective for suicide prevention in men.

PurposeThis study determined the effect of a single session of sprint interval training in hypoxia on muscle glycogen content among athletes.MethodsTen male college track and field sprinters (mean ± standard error of the mean: age, 21.1 ± 0.2 years; height, 177 ± 2 cm; body weight, 67 ± 2 kg) performed two exercise trials under either hypoxia [HYPO; fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), 14.5%] or normoxia (NOR: FiO2, 20.9%). The exercise consisted of 3 × 30 s maximal cycle sprints with 8-min rest periods between sets. Before and immediately after the exercise, the muscle glycogen content was measured using carbon magnetic resonance spectroscopy in vastus lateralis and vastus intermedius muscles. Moreover, power output, blood lactate concentrations, metabolic responses (respiratory oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide output), and muscle oxygenation were evaluated.ResultsExercise significantly decreased muscle glycogen content in both trials (interaction, P = 0.03; main effect for time, P < 0.01). Relative changes in muscle glycogen content following exercise were significantly higher in the HYPO trial (− 43.5 ± 0.4%) than in the NOR trial (− 34.0 ± 0.3%; P < 0.01). The mean power output did not significantly differ between the two trials (P = 0.80). The blood lactate concentration after exercise was not significantly different between trials (P = 0.31).ConclusionA single session of sprint interval training (3 × 30 s sprints) in hypoxia caused a greater decrease in muscle glycogen content compared with the same exercise under normoxia without interfering with the power output.

BackgroundThe relationship between body mass index (BMI) and disability-free survival (DFS) remains unclear.MethodsWe conducted a 10-year prospective cohort study of 12,666 Japanese individuals aged ≥ 65 y. Information on BMI and lifestyle factors was collected via a questionnaire in 2006. Functional disability data were retrieved from the public Long-term Care Insurance database. Subjects were divided into seven groups according to BMI (<19, 19−21, 21−23, 23−25, 25−27, 27−29 and ≥29). Fiftieth percentile differences (PDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in the DFS period (differences of period until the first 50% of the composite outcome (disability or death) occurred in each of the BMI groups) were calculated using the Laplace regression model.ResultsThere was a U-shaped relationship between BMI and the risk of incident composite outcome, with a BMI nadir of 25−27. Based on BMI 25−27 as a reference, the 50th PDs (95% CIs) (in months) in age at disability or death (median DFS) were −20.8 (−26.4, −15.2) (P < 0.001) months for BMI <19, −13.5 (−18.2, −8.7) (P < 0.001) months for BMI 19−21, −9.8 (−14.2, −5.4) (P < 0.001) months for BMI 21−23, −2.9 (−7.5, 1.7) (P = 0.21) months for BMI 23−25, −2.7 (−8.4, 2.9) (P = 0.34) months for BMI 27−29, and −11.5 (−19.6, −3.5) (P = 0.005) months for BMI ≥ 29. These relationships did not differ by sex.ConclusionOlder individuals with a BMI of <23 or ≥29 have a significantly shorter DFS period than those with a BMI of 25−27. It is suggested that the optimal BMI range for maximization of disability-free life expectancy in the elderly population is 23−29.

Background Excessive drinking is a known risk factor for psychological distress; however, the role of alcohol tolerance in this relationship remains unclear. This study examined the association between excessive drinking and psychological distress among agricultural workers in Japan by focusing on the potential moderating effect of alcohol tolerance. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among agricultural workers in City A, Akita Prefecture, Japan, between November 2024 and January 2025. Excessive drinking was defined as an alcohol use disorders identification test score ≥ 15, and psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler 6 scale (cut-off ≥ 13). Alcohol tolerance was determined based on self-reported facial flushing. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine associations after adjusting for confounders. Stratified analyses were conducted to assess differences based on alcohol tolerance. Results Among the 169 participants, 15 (8.8%) reported psychological distress. Excessive drinking was significantly associated with psychological distress (odds ratio [OR] 6.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62–25.28, p  < 0.001). Stratified analysis showed a significant association only among individuals with alcohol tolerance (OR 28.66, 95% CI 3.26–251.89, p  < 0.001), whereas no significant association was observed among those without alcohol tolerance (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.09–8.54, p  = 0.91). Conclusions Alcohol tolerance moderated the relationship between excessive drinking and psychological distress. These findings suggest that alcohol tolerance may be an important factor to consider when examining this association.

Introduction: It is unclear whether the risk of suicide differs among individuals with only physical health condition, those with only mental health conditions, and those with both types of conditions (multimorbidity) and how emotional social support modifies these associations. This study aimed to examine differences in the association of suicidal ideation with the presence of only physical health conditions, only mental health conditions, and multimorbidity and the modifying role of emotional social support in these associations. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between August and September 2023 in a Japanese rural town to collect data. The exposure variable was the health condition, and it was classified into 4 groups: disease-free, only physical health conditions, only mental health conditions, and multimorbidity. The outcome variable was suicidal ideation. The data collected were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis and stratified analysis. Results: Suicidal ideation was found to have a significant positive association with the presence of only mental health conditions and multimorbidity. These associations remained unchanged in the absence of emotional social support. However, the odds ratio for the only mental health conditions group decreased in the presence of emotional social support, while the odds ratio for the multimorbidity group remained significantly higher. Conclusions: Suicidal ideation is positively associated with the presence of only mental health conditions and multimorbidity, but emotional social support modifies only the association between suicidal ideation and the presence of only mental health conditions. These results suggest that it may be important to identify the type of social support one needs based on one’s health condition to prevent suicide.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychosocial factors and andropause symptoms among Japanese men in an internet-based cross-sectional study. We conducted an internet-based cross-sectional study in 2024, named Japanese Men’s health and Andropause Related Symptoms (J-MARS) study. Data on demographics, medical history, andropause symptoms, lifestyles (physical activity, insomnia, height, weight, and smoking and drinking habits), and psychological distress were collected from 1,489 men aged 20–69 years who participated in the J-MARS study. Andropause symptoms were measured using the Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) rating scale, which was included in the analysis. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis, and estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals to examine the associated factors with severe andropause symptoms. Severe andropause symptoms according to the AMS score were noted in 125 men (8.4%). Severe andropause symptoms were associated with former smoking, current smoking, strength training (≥1.0 hr/day), probable insomnia, moderate psychological distress, and severe psychological distress. After excluding 289 participants with cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, cancer, or depression, severe andropause symptoms were associated with age, absence of a spouse, and suspected insomnia in addition to the above factors. Age, insomnia, and psychological distress were also significantly associated with all AMS subdomains (somatic, psychological, and sexual symptoms). Psychological stress, insomnia, and smoking habits are strongly associated with severe andropause symptoms. These findings may be useful for the prevention of andropause and for patient education.