This study examined the prevalence of and factors affecting normal weight obesity (NWO) among women aged under 40 years old. NWO was having a normal BMI but a high body-fat percentage (BFP). Materials and Methods: We recruited 399 participants aged 1839 during a health checkup and surveyed them about lifestyle patterns, height, weight, body composition, and girth and visceral fat area. Participants were divided into three. Those with a BMI of < 25 and a BFP of < 30 were classified as non-obese, a BMI of < 25 and a BFP of ≥30 as NWO, a BMI of ≥25 and a BFP of ≥30 as obese. The analysis was conducted on NWO (97) and non-obese (262) groups. Results: NWO prevalence ranged from 20% to 30% across the three age groups. NWO participants had lower values for segmental lean body mass, particularly in lower limb, and higher values for abdominal girth and visceral fat area. Among participants aged 3039, those with NWO had higher values for triglycerides and LDL cholesterol and lower values for HDL cholesterol. Regarding lifestyle factors, among those aged 3039, NWO was associated with past weight fluctuation, respectively. In the latter age group, a gain of more than 10 kg since the age of 20 was associated with a 13-fold increase in the odds for NWO. Conclusions: Results suggest that for women under 40 years, detecting NWO early and guidance on effective lifestyle and exercise are necessary.

Clarifying the transition to motherhood based on the experience of mothers receiving continuity of child-rearing support is expected to promote the transition, and enhance nursing support. This study clarifies the transition process by which mothers recognize and adapt to new roles with continuity of child-rearing support in Japan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 mothers who received continuity of child-rearing support. Directed content analysis based on Meleis’s Transition Theory was used to analyze the results and define a framework for analyzing the transition. A theoretical framework was identified based on the Transition Theory themes. Engagement in terms of proactive involvement in pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing was a transition property. Maintaining the mother’s well-being, building new relationships and connections, and reflecting on child-rearing in the community were transition conditions. For patterns of response, the process indicators comprised having a sense of connection with the community and reflecting on one’s child-rearing objectively. Increased readiness for child-rearing and identity re-shaping were outcome indicators. The results suggest that it is important to enhance mothers’ readiness for child-rearing for transition to motherhood, and to promote the reshaping of their identities through continuity of support from pregnancy to postpartum child-rearing.

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＊3) HAKUJUUJI VISITING NURSE STATION, TOKYO, JAPANPurpose: This study examined differences in circumstances during transition from a hospital to a home-care setting, depending on whether or not visiting nurses were directly involved in discharge coordination by visiting the hospital prior to patient discharge. Subject: The subjects were 12 family members providing care mainly for patients aged 65 years or older who were discharged from acute care hospitals in Tokyo. Methods: The subjects were divided into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of visiting nurses' direct involvement in discharge coordination: an"involvement group" , if patients were discharged after visiting nurses took part in discharge planning in the hospital; or a"no involvement group" , if patients were discharged based on a regular discharge procedure without any involvement of visiting nurses during hospitalization. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews. The interview results were examined and classified by the researchers. Feelings and experiences of the subjects during transition to a home environment from the hospital were analyzed employing a qualitative and descriptive approach.Results: An analysis of the level of involvement in discharge coordination showed that community cooperation was in place for the "involvement group" , with the greater involvement of hospital staff and collaborative relationships between visiting physicians/ nurses and the hospital, compared with the"no involvement group" . Regarding the introduction of social resources to discharge planning, care plans for the"involvement group" , made prior to patient discharge, incorporated social resources needed for home treatment and recuperation. In contrast, care plans for the"no involvement group" , made prior to discharge, did not include social resources, and the lack of care and competence became evident after home-based care was started. Their initial care plans had to be revised to include nursing and social support services such as long-term care services.Regarding the feelings and experiences of the subjects during discharge coordination and the transition to home care, the "involvement group"was provided not only with home treatment/ recuperation arrangements coordinated by various professionals, but also with support from visiting nurses who adopted a proactive stance in planning and delivering care services. They felt reassured by being able to consult at any time. In contrast, the"no involvement group" realized after discharge that preparation for home-based care was insufficient, and had their care plans rearranged by home-care service providers. They were aware of the lack of support personnel at the time of patient discharge. Conclusion: Social resources were effectively introduced to the"involvement group" through multidisciplinary collaboration, and the presence and responses of visiting nurses contributed to a sense of ease that there was someone to consult with. On the other hand, the"no...