Several studies have reported on constipation in infants, young adults, and the elderly in Japan; however, there are not enough studies on female high school students. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the incidence of constipation and to identify factors associated with constipation in Japanese high school girls. A total of 906 high school girls answered a self-reported questionnaire. They were divided into three groups (non-constipation, semi-constipation, and constipation) based on the number of bowel movements per week, stool shape, incomplete stool sensation, the time required for bowel movement, and laxative use. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed with constipation as the dependent variable and lifestyle-related factors and confounders as independent variables. A total of 54.1% students were assigned to the non-constipation group and 12.9% to the constipation group. The matching rate between the objective defecation status and the subjective defecation status was 53.0%. The multivariable adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for the constipation group was significant among Profile of Mood States scores (OR： 1.03, 95%CI： 1.00-1.06), eating breakfast (OR： 0.51, 95%CI： 0.30-0.86), chewing (OR： 0.58, 95%CI： 0.34-0.99), and dietary variety scores (OR： 0.90, 95%CI： 0.82-1.00), respectively. Our findings suggest that high school girls need to acquire appropriate knowledge regarding constipation and practice healthy eating habits.

In the present study, we conducted a questionnaire survey about using picture books for dietary education in nursery school. We used a list of 48 picture books. In total, 168 nursery schools in suburban Tokyo were asked to complete the questionnaire (effective recovery rate: 41.8%). The results showed that about 80% of the nursery schools used at least one picture book for dietary education in infants aged 0-5 years. In particular, the picture books Big Beanie’s Bed, The Giant Turnip, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and Guri and Gura were used in over 50% of the nursery schools. In addition, 15 nursery schools included picture books in a 1-year dietary education plan. These results suggest that using picture books for dietary education in nursery school is clarified.

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to perform a qualitative study to gain an understanding of children’s knowledge of, interest in and concern regarding cancer with the aim of developing educational materials on nutrition to prevent such cancer.

Method: Semi-structured interviews, each lasting approximately ten minutes, were conducted with 5th-grade primary school children who attended a briefing on the results of medical examinations to prevent lifestyle diseases in children in T City. Word-for-word records were created from the recorded interviews, which were then analyzed using the KJ method. Permission was obtained from the guardians of the children by providing both written and verbal explanations of the research.

Results: Eight step-1 labels and three step-2 labels; “Knowledge of cancer prevention,” “Interest in and concern regarding cancer” and “Environment for becoming familiar with and learning about cancer” were obtained from 25 texts. School was the main source of the children’s knowledge of cancer. <<Being careful to avoid foods with high sodium>> was among the items that children said [They were unaware of], indicating a lack of knowledge of foods that have a scientific basis as cancer preventatives. Responses from the children to the [Image of cancer] included <<Cancer is very serious>> and <<Cancer is fatal>>.

Conclusion: Children can gain a foundation for a healthy lifestyle by learning about cancer knowledge at school.

To consider concretely an effective Shokuiku (dietary education) program for university students, a questionnaire survey was conducted and the factors affecting the students’ eating behavior and food consciousness were examined. Four factors were extracted: safety/security, nutritional intake, food enjoyment, and eating habits values. Consideration of students’ awareness structure leading to a good diet was also examined. The results clarified that three factors, eating habits values, nutritional intake, and safety/security affect eating behavior. Especially, the eating habits values were found to affect eating behavior the most. Effective Shokuiku for university students requires providing opportunities to learn basic knowledge about nutrition, foods and cooking, and increasing awareness of living independently.