Cancer information seeking and scanning behavior among Nepalese migrants in Japan and its association with preventive behavior

Abstract

Background Increasing attention is being paid to cancer information seeking (CISE) (active searching for cancer-related health information) and information scanning (CISC) (passive collection of cancer-related health information) among migrants. However, information is lacking with respect to the extent and distribution of CISE and CISC among migrants, particularly in Japan. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of both CISE and CISC, to clarify factors associated with CISE and CISC, and to elucidate the association of CISE and CISC with basic cancer knowledge and preventive behavior among Nepalese migrants living in Tokyo, Japan. Methods Nepalese migrants living in Tokyo were recruited from March to August 2019, with snowball sampling. We collected data on CISE, CISC, sociodemographic components, health-related factors, knowledge about risk factors for cancer, and cancer-prevention behavior using a structured questionnaire. We employed several regression approaches to fulfill our study objectives. Results Out of the total 200 participants, 53 (27%) were actively involved in CISE and 176 (88%) in CISC. Internet was the most common information source. High education level and Japanese language skills were positively associated with both CISE and CISC. Migrants with low perceived health status were more likely to perform CISC, while those who had been ill last year and who perceived proper access to doctors were more likely to undertake CISE. Migrants with high CISE (B = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.19) and high CISC (B = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.23) were more likely to have better knowledge on risk factors of cancer. Furthermore, migrants with high CISE were more likely to eat fruits (B = 0.17, 95%CI: 0.01, 0.32),

COVID-19: challenges faced by Nepalese migrants living in Japan

“…Our study was able to highlight the added and specific challenges of this crisis among international migrants (Nepalese citizens in Japan) owing to less stable employment conditions, lack of social support to deal with the emotional stress associated with pandemic-related crises, lack of social safety networks to rely upon in case of COVID-19 infection, problems of adjusting to life in Japan, obligations to send money to their families in Nepal, difficulty in accessing the available services and information due to the language barrier in the host country, and lack of effective governmental support/facilitation from Nepal. These all had direct negative consequences on their self-reported mental health and partly to their physical health, and these all could further prevent them from health and information-seeking opportunities and actions which have already been found to be perilously low among migrant populations globally [ 41 , 53 , 54 ].…”

“…Insufficient command of the Japanese language might be another major stressor as they could not fully comprehend and utilize the information provided by the government as revealed in sub-theme 1.1 (Worried feelings and thoughts). Previous studies have also highlighted how linguistic problems pose barriers to accessing health services and acquiring health-related information among migrants populations [ 41 , 57 , 58 ]. Furthermore, students in this study highlighted the fact that they had to borrow heavy loans (with high-interest rates) for processing and tuition fees while coming to Japan, which they expect to return after working in Japan.…”

“…However, to compensate for the cost of living and tuition fees, often such individuals end up working more than the legally permitted work limit, within the informal economy [ 35 ]. Long working hours, decreased access to health information, and unhealthy living circumstances make them prone to physical and mental ill-health [ 41 ].…”

“…While counseling is not commonly included in health insurance in Japan, the language barrier is another hindrance that prevents migrants from seeking those services [42]. Some migrants do not hold /renew their health insurance, which prevents them from seeking timely health care and support [41]. It is important for everyone to better understand the challenges faced by the non-Japanese individuals living in Japan and identify potential interventions to improve their overall health and wellbeing, especially with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

Community Behavioral and Perceived Responses in the COVID-19 Outbreak in Afghanistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…However, while promoting the use of the Internet, major attention should be given to the credibility of the information sources and people Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness 5 must be informed as to how to use those media wisely. 23 News circulated about rural community people who tried using antibiotics, while urban people denied having symptoms due to the fear and stigma surrounding the disease. Therefore, proper education should be provided to the local community people.…”