Rural Social Participation through Osekkai during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

We investigated the effects of enabling Osekkai, the traditional Japanese behavior of creating a helping culture, on social participation among rural people in rebuilding social connections that can be vital during the coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The subjects of this cross-sectional study were people interested in the Osekkai conference (control group) and those actively involved in Osekkai activities (exposure group). The primary outcome of social participation was measured as the frequency of meeting and the number of friends or acquaintances. The demographic data of the participants and process outcomes were measured using a questionnaire provided to all 287 registered participants. The effective response rate was 64.5% (185 responses). The involvement in Osekkai conferences was statistically associated with a high frequency and number of meetings with friends or acquaintances (p < 0.001 and 0.048, respectively). A health check was significantly associated with the number of friends or acquaintances met in the previous month, while high social support was significantly associated with loneliness. Thus, we confirm that Osekkai contributes to high social participation, although we see no relationship with loneliness. Future studies should investigate this cause-and-effect relationship and promote culturally sensitive activities to improve social and health outcomes in rural Japan.

Solving Social Problems in Aging Rural Japanese Communities: The Development and Sustainability of the Osekkai Conference as a Social Prescribing during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The conferences' continuity and efforts of Osekkai conference organizers in revising the provision of the conferences made it possible to form effective relationships among participants. This, in turn, could lead to new social capital, as confirmed by previous research on Osekkai conferences, showing an increase in the number of interactions with others [18]. New and already constructed social capital was mixed through Osekkai's provision.…”

“…Osekkai conferences were held at a private house in Kisuki, Unnan City Japan, which was familiar for the participants, thus ensuring a safe place to share the private information of the participants as well as community problems. By the end of March 2021, 19 conferences were held, and 302 participants participated in the conferences, of which 74.1% were from Unnan City [18].…”

“…Revitalizing this practice can help rebuild social connections within rural communities [16]. According to previous research, Osekkai has been associated with higher social participation in rural people during the COVID-19 pandemic [18]. Therefore, Osekkai should be encouraged in rural communities to ensure sustainability.…”

Association between Immunoglobulin G Levels and Adverse Effects Following Vaccination with the BNT162b2 Vaccine among Japanese Healthcare Workers

“…For the effective distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic, appropriate information should be provided about the relationship between the intensity of adverse effects and the amount of acquired immunity against COVID-19. Effective sharing of difficulties and providing healthcare information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine among citizens can improve health literacy, relationships, and satisfaction among community members, especially in rural areas, during the pandemic [ 47 , 48 ]. To sustain rural communities, citizens and central and local governments should collaborate to provide appropriate information regarding COVID-19 vaccines.…”

Effects of Shopping Rehabilitation on Older People’s Daily Activities

“…Rural people are limited regarding their activities based on the standards of urban areas [ 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. However, when creating the standards for activity in the context of COVID-19 in each community, various activities were specified for rural areas, such as community conferences, social prescribing, and readings on improving social interactions [ 41 , 42 , 43 ]. Shopping rehabilitation may be necessary as a form of rehabilitation to improve social interactions and cognitive and physical functions.…”