Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to clarify the process of health and lifestyle cognition development among community activity participants considered to be at high risk of lifestyle-related diseases. Method: The subjects were local residents participating in community activities after completing a program for lifestyle-related disease prevention. The author conducted semi-structured interviews with the subjects and analyzed qualitative and inductive factors. Results: The process of health and lifestyle cognition development had three phases: lack of awareness, efforts to change health and lifestyle, and development of cognition regarding the health and lifestyle issues of surrounding people and the community. The first phase was characterized by ignorance/lack of knowledge and reflection on one's own lifestyle/determination to change; the second phase was characterized by efforts for lifestyle change using a method appropriate for the individual and conflict related to missing aspects of the previous lifestyle; and the third phase was characterized by a sense of control of one's own lifestyle/confidence in life and concern regarding the health issues of surrounding people. Discussion: The process of health and lifestyle cognition development among people at high risk of lifestyle-related diseases was based on their conscious decisions to change their lifestyles, and awareness regarding the health and lifestyle issues of surrounding people and the community arose from the feeling of happiness that resulted from physical change.
