The Usage of the Term “Social” in Japanese Primary Care Literature

Abstract

Introduction: There has been a growing recognition of the importance of incorporating a "social" perspective in primary care practice. However, the specific meaning of the term "social" in the context of primary care is often not clearly defined or explained in the literature. This study aims to explore the usage and interpretation of the term "social" in primary care discourse in Japan. Methods: We collected papers containing the term "social" ("shakai-teki" in Japanese) from 810 papers published between 2010 and 2022 in the Official Journal of the Japan Primary Care Association. Through abductive coding, we examined how the term was employed and the different meanings attributed to it. Results: The instances of using the term "social" were classified into five distinct categories: (i) non-medical, (ii) emphasizing the importance of topics, (iii) public as an object, (iv) connections with people who support health and well-being, and (v) structural inequities that are detrimental to health. Conclusion: The analysis revealed that the term "social" in the context of primary care discourse was multifaceted and characterized by ambiguity. To ensure effective communication and clarity in discussions, it is crucial for primary care professionals to have a clear understanding of the intended meaning and implications of the term "social."