Data Utilization in Municipal Health Policy: Nutritional Management in Community-based Integrated Care Systems

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the significance of health data utilization by local governments for policies aimed at extending healthy life expectancy in the context of population aging and rising social security costs. Drawing on previous studies and practical cases from Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, the effectiveness of linking health checkup, medical, and long-term care data was analyzed, together with multidisciplinary collaboration centered on registered dietitians. In Awaji City, policy planning was found to have been improved by the use of health data beyond the KDB system, taking into account relationships among undernutrition, osteoporosis, dementia, and related conditions. These findings indicate that evidence-based health data policymaking can help identify regional health issues, extend independent living, and strengthen individualized support. For implementation of effective strategies to reduce the need for long-term care, it is important to identify the association between declining oral function and undernutrition and to establish comprehensive support centers for continuous community monitoring. The present findings suggest that nutritional management should be positioned as a core component of future municipal health policy and frailty prevention programs in Japan.