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Objective This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of an at-risk population living in Niigata prefecture regarding tick-borne diseases (TBDs) and preventive strategies. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted to assess the KAP of the community. Results In total, 186 responses were received. Among the respondents, 130 (69·9%) were men, and the mean age was 51.1 (14·3). Nine (4·8%) respondents reported having experienced tick bites. Of the respondents, 44 (23.7%) knew about both scrub typhus and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome, while 156 (83·9%) and 71 (38·2%) recognized limiting skin exposure and use of insect repellents as preventive measures, respectively. The attitudes towards TBDs: being worried about tick bites (p = 0·018) and interested in preventing TBDs (p = 0·001), were significantly higher among women than men. About 75% of the respondents reported taking preventive measures against tick bites, and limiting skin exposure was the most frequently applied method (69·9%). Insect repellents were used by 58 (31·2%) respondents. Age (p = 0·049), being worried about tick bites (p = 0·046), and knowledge of ticks score (p = 0·024) were the significant independent predictors of practicing countermeasures. Conclusion We identified gaps in knowledge and practices regarding TBDs. Public health interventions should be implemented to improve public awareness of TBDs.

Objectives: Methods of rebuilding the life of males living with schizophrenia who had experienced long-term hospitalization and were currently using psychiatric daycare services in local communities were investigated from the viewpoint of the people to obtain suggestions for supporting them. Methods: Qualitative and descriptive research designs were applied by referring to ethnographic methods. Participants were nine males living with schizophrenia who had experienced long-term hospitalization of over three years and were currently using psychiatric daycare services. Rebuilding of their life after discharge were identified from analyzing data obtained through participant observation and interviews. Results: Participants experienced " loss of connections because of their long-term hospitalization" and felt lonely because of "the difficulty in obtaining membership of in their new community" that was unfamiliar to them. They tried to "maintain life and circumstances created by their illness through using the support" of professionals and relatives and rebuild their life by "acquiring connections with daycare members and a role in the community." Conclusions: It is necessary to enhance the relationship between the peer community and the local community, providing employment support from early time and local activity opportunities to achieve social participation in which males living with schizophrenia that had experienced longterm hospitalization can live without being isolated.