Health-promoting lifestyles of Japanese expatriates residing in the Philippines and Thailand

Abstract

Background: The number of Japanese expatriates has increased, many of whom undertake lifestyle changes to improve their health. Purpose: We aim to clarify the health-promoting lifestyles of middle and older age Japanese expatriates. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Participants comprised 95 long-term Japanese expatriates residing in popular destinations: the Philippines and Thailand. Health behavior was evaluated using a Japanese version of Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II and participants were compared with a group living in Japan. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the factors that correlate with the score of physical activity, a Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II subscale. Results: The expatriates had significantly higher scores of physical activity and nutrition than the group living in Japan. Factors positively related to physical activity were communicative literacy, information on health management before leaving Japan, no history of hypertension, and sufficient English proficiency. Conclusion: The Japanese expatriates we studied were physically active and were careful about nutrition. To further increase their physical activity, better access to health information and enhancement of communicative literacy and of English proficiency are desired.