Population-based health communication: Distributing a leaflet to improve physical activities and dietary habits

Abstract

In Japan, improving the quality of life (QOL) by acquiring healthy behaviors is emphasized as one aspect of lifelong health care. Interventions aimed at acquiring healthy behavior are designated as 'Health Communications' (HC) and their effectiveness has often been reported in the literature. In this study, Formative Research (FR) was conducted on adapting information for community residents based on the community approach. A leaflet designed to improve physical activities and diet habits was distributed to residents of a community (N= 3000; Age range 20-70 years). The content of the leaflets were compiled based on the results of FR and small change strategy. Responses of participants to the pre-intervention and post-intervention questionnaires (« = 558) were analyzed. Missing values were excluded from the analysis. The assessment of participants' behaviors two months after distributing the leaflets indicated improvements in physical activities (9.9%), lifestyle related physical activities (9.1%), and diet (10.9%). Significant improvements were also found in health-related QOL, as indicated by the physical summary, physical function, physical role, social function, and emotional role components. Additionally, free descriptions of the participants revealed that the leaflets had affected their health awareness. These findings indicated that people in the study community had acquired healthy behaviors and improved their health-related QOL. It is suggested future studies should be undertaken to improve health communications. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)