Objective: To investigate the health literacy of people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in Japan and clarify the actual status of their health literacy (HL). Furthermore, we aim to clarify how health literacy of people living with PD affects their self-management and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire method in people living with PD. Of the 203 copies collected, 182 copies were included in the analysis. Survey items included demographic information, Functional, communicative and critical health literacy, self-management skills, and HRQOL (Parkinson’s disease questionnaire-8).

Results: The mean (SD) of age was 71.95 (8.45); 57.1% females. The mean (SD) of HL; functional HL 2.76 (.68), communicative HL 3.05 (.60) and critical HL 2.71 (.68). Multiple regression analysis with self-management as the dependent variable showed that only functional HL was associated with self-management of symptom (β=.24, p=.006) and self-management of social life (β=.23, p=.005). Also, only functional HL was associated with PDQ-8SI as HRQOL, even excluding the effect of self-management skills (β=-.19, p=.013).

Conclusion: Functional HL may affect HRQOL in people living with PD and the approach needs to consider the level of health literacy

[Purpose] To examine the moisturizing effects of applying and spraying a moisturizer composed of a mixture of urea, glycerin, and purified water on dry skin in community-dwelling older adults.

[Methods] This before-after comparative design in quasi-experimental study included 8 adults aged 60 years and older. The stratum corneum hydration was measured using Mobile Moisture HP10-N®. First, both lower legs were allowed to acclimate to the environment for 15 min, after which the stratum corneum hydration was measured. Second, moisturizer was applied to one leg and sprayed on the other leg. Stratum corneum hydration was measured immediately after moisturizer use and 5, 15, 30, and 60 min after use.

[Results] Regarding moisturizing habit, it was found that 7 participants did not habitually moisturize. Skin dryness of the lower legs was observed in 6 participants. No differences were observed between the two methods in terms of the degree or duration of the moisturizing effect. Stratum corneum hydration significantly increased immediately after application and significantly decreased after 5 min for both methods.

[Conclusions] There was no difference in the moisturizing effects between applying and spraying. However, spraying is a simple procedure, it may lead to the development of a moisturizing habit.