Objectives

  Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and childhood obesity are increasing in sub-Saharan Africa. To prevent childhood obesity in Malawi, it is necessary to understand the factors affecting food choices in the population. We examined the factors influencing food choices that may affect childhood obesity from their mothers’ perspective.

Methods

  We conducted focus group interviews with mothers with children aged 2-4.9 years in Lilongwe City (as an urban area) and Mzimba District (as a rural area). Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software.

Results

  The sample for this analysis included 43 mothers. A wide variety of foods were present in the two regions in the study area. Factors influencing food choices were extracted as; financial limitations; and seasonal effects. Children are fed the same food as their mothers, including carbonated drinks, but they are also given a special diet for children, which consists of porridge with soya flour, milk, and margarine. Eggs and pork were socially and culturally identified as foods not given to mothers during pregnancy, whereas children are given eggs in some cases these days. Mothers identified; hygienic food, clothing and shelter; nutritious meals with good hygiene; and regular sustainable physical activity as essential for good health. Two themes were then identified as healthy diet; eating foods from a diverse range of food groups; energizing the body, preventing disease and promoting health. Mothers give carbonated drinks and juices to their children despite understanding that they are not good for them, while economic circumstances make it difficult for them to access foods from the six food groups that they know they should give to their children.

Conclusion

  It was suggested that “financial reasons” and “no enough intervention to reflect knowledge into practice” may have affected food choices and led to childhood obesity. Therefore, this study recommends that nutrition education for individuals and caregivers and health promotion initiatives based on a public health vision through price adequacy and access to healthy, nutritious, safe, affordable and easy-to-prepare foods should be encouraged as a preventive measure for childhood obesity.

Introduction

  Given the increasing number of foreign nationals residing in Japan, more opportunities are expected to provide nursing care for these residents in the home-based care setting. This study aimed to clarify qualitatively the difficulties and coping experiences faced by home-visiting nurses providing care to foreign nationals residing in Japan.

Methods

  In this qualitative descriptive study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with home-visiting nurses providing care to foreign nationals residing in Japan.

Results

  The study participants were 14 female home-visiting nurses aged in their 40s to 70s with 3-25 years of experience as a visiting nurse. Nine categories regarding difficulties and seven regarding coping with difficulties were identified from the interviews.

Conclusions

  Home-visiting nurses reported facing difficulties in terms of language barriers, differences in religions and customs, the complexity of the Japanese medical and long-term care insurance system, and various aspects of life and mental support. However, home-visiting nurses could still provide care while respecting the feelings and demands of patients and their families. These findings may contribute to the development of more effective approaches to support home-visiting nurses providing care to foreign nationals residing in Japan.

Introduction

  The number of foreign tourists and residents, including Muslims, requiring medical care in Japan is increasing. Little is known about the experiences of Japanese healthcare professionals (HCPs) who care for Muslim patients. This study aimed to describe healthcare professionals’ experiences and approaches to caring for Muslim patients as well as the HCPs’ knowledge and attitudes toward these patients.

Methods

  A key informant interview was conducted by interviewing healthcare professionals experienced in caring for international patients. Content analysis was used to analyze the interview data.

Results

  A total of 292 codes were extracted, and 18 subcategories were identified. Five categories were consequently identified. Four categories represented cultural competencies, including Islamic cultural and religious knowledge and how to deal with these issues, especially “halal (permissible) medicine” and Ramadan fasting; one category was related to the need for organizational support. The key informants demonstrated expert knowledge and skills in caring for Muslim patients. Our findings have implications for gathering more evidence on “halal medicine” and Ramadan in Japan, requiring the collective efforts of professional and academic organizations.

Conclusion

  The current study found that participants displayed culturally competent knowledge and attitudes toward Muslim patients. However, further efforts are necessary for developing evidence-based practice regarding the impact of Islamic religious practices on patients.