Addressing health challenges in rural Japan: a thematic analysis of social isolation and community solutions
Abstract Background The establishment of sustainable connections between medical professionals and rural citizens is pivotal for effective community healthcare. Our study focuses on understanding and resolving health problems arising from social isolation, a critical barrier to achieving this goal,...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2024-01-01
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| Series: | BMC Primary Care |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-024-02266-y |
| _version_ | 1827382045266935808 |
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| author | Ryuichi Ohta Toshihiro Yakabe Chiaki Sano |
| author_facet | Ryuichi Ohta Toshihiro Yakabe Chiaki Sano |
| author_sort | Ryuichi Ohta |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background The establishment of sustainable connections between medical professionals and rural citizens is pivotal for effective community healthcare. Our study focuses on understanding and resolving health problems arising from social isolation, a critical barrier to achieving this goal, especially in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic's impact on community dynamics respecting social cognitive theory. This study investigates the link between social isolation and rural community healthcare. We aim to develop methods that improve interaction and collaboration between healthcare providers and rural communities, ultimately enhancing the region's healthcare system. Methods Employing thematic analysis based on social cognitive theory, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 57 community workers in rural communities. This qualitative approach enabled us to delve into the nuances of social isolation and its multifaceted impact on health and community well-being. Results Our analysis revealed four key themes: the impact of aging on social dynamics, shifts in community relationships, unique aspects of rural community networking, and the role of these networks in driving community health. Notably, we identified specific challenges, such as the erosion of intergenerational interactions and the hesitancy to seek support, exacerbated by social isolation and negatively impacting community health. Conclusions Our study reveals the complex factors affecting rural community sustainability, particularly social isolation influenced by privacy concerns and changing social dynamics. Emphasizing the importance of social cognitive theory, it highlights the need for adaptable healthcare systems and strong community-medical collaborations. Future research should focus on developing culturally sensitive, practical strategies for enhancing these collaborations, especially involving physicians, to address rural communities' unique challenges. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T14:13:49Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-1658060b95cb41f491fc62ac28edd882 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2731-4553 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T14:13:49Z |
| publishDate | 2024-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Primary Care |
| spelling | doaj.art-1658060b95cb41f491fc62ac28edd8822024-01-14T12:31:08ZengBMCBMC Primary Care2731-45532024-01-012511910.1186/s12875-024-02266-yAddressing health challenges in rural Japan: a thematic analysis of social isolation and community solutionsRyuichi Ohta0Toshihiro Yakabe1Chiaki Sano2Community Care, Unnan City HospitalCommunity Care, Unnan City HospitalDepartment of Community Medicine Management, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane UniversityAbstract Background The establishment of sustainable connections between medical professionals and rural citizens is pivotal for effective community healthcare. Our study focuses on understanding and resolving health problems arising from social isolation, a critical barrier to achieving this goal, especially in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic's impact on community dynamics respecting social cognitive theory. This study investigates the link between social isolation and rural community healthcare. We aim to develop methods that improve interaction and collaboration between healthcare providers and rural communities, ultimately enhancing the region's healthcare system. Methods Employing thematic analysis based on social cognitive theory, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 57 community workers in rural communities. This qualitative approach enabled us to delve into the nuances of social isolation and its multifaceted impact on health and community well-being. Results Our analysis revealed four key themes: the impact of aging on social dynamics, shifts in community relationships, unique aspects of rural community networking, and the role of these networks in driving community health. Notably, we identified specific challenges, such as the erosion of intergenerational interactions and the hesitancy to seek support, exacerbated by social isolation and negatively impacting community health. Conclusions Our study reveals the complex factors affecting rural community sustainability, particularly social isolation influenced by privacy concerns and changing social dynamics. Emphasizing the importance of social cognitive theory, it highlights the need for adaptable healthcare systems and strong community-medical collaborations. Future research should focus on developing culturally sensitive, practical strategies for enhancing these collaborations, especially involving physicians, to address rural communities' unique challenges.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-024-02266-yRural communitySustainabilitySocial isolationPhysicianHelp-seekingSocial cognitive theory |
| spellingShingle | Ryuichi Ohta Toshihiro Yakabe Chiaki Sano Addressing health challenges in rural Japan: a thematic analysis of social isolation and community solutions BMC Primary Care Rural community Sustainability Social isolation Physician Help-seeking Social cognitive theory |
| title | Addressing health challenges in rural Japan: a thematic analysis of social isolation and community solutions |
| title_full | Addressing health challenges in rural Japan: a thematic analysis of social isolation and community solutions |
| title_fullStr | Addressing health challenges in rural Japan: a thematic analysis of social isolation and community solutions |
| title_full_unstemmed | Addressing health challenges in rural Japan: a thematic analysis of social isolation and community solutions |
| title_short | Addressing health challenges in rural Japan: a thematic analysis of social isolation and community solutions |
| title_sort | addressing health challenges in rural japan a thematic analysis of social isolation and community solutions |
| topic | Rural community Sustainability Social isolation Physician Help-seeking Social cognitive theory |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-024-02266-y |
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