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Evaluating the Effectiveness of Letter and Telephone Reminders in Promoting the Use of Specific Health Guidance in an At-Risk Population for Metabolic Syndrome in Japan: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Author

Listed:
  • Hiroshi Murayama

    (Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan)

  • Setaro Shimada

    (Health and Welfare Bureau, Yokohama 231-0005, Japan)

  • Kosuke Morito

    (Health and Welfare Bureau, Yokohama 231-0005, Japan)

  • Haruna Maeda

    (Health and Welfare Bureau, Yokohama 231-0005, Japan)

  • Yuta Takahashi

    (Health and Welfare Bureau, Yokohama 231-0005, Japan)

Abstract

Japan has introduced a nationwide lifestyle intervention program (specific health guidance) for people aged 40–74 years. Medical insurers apply a reminder system to improve their utilization rates. This study examined the effectiveness of two methods of reminders (mailed letters and telephone calls) in a randomized controlled trial. Subscribers to National Health Insurance in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, who were eligible for specific health guidance in 2021, were recruited. A total of 1377 people who met the criteria of having or being at risk of developing metabolic syndrome (male: 77.9%, mean age: 63.1 ± 10.0 years) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a “no reminder” group, a “letter reminder” group, or a “telephone reminder” group. The utilization rates of specific health guidance were not significantly different between the three groups (10.5%, 15.3%, and 13.7%, respectively). However, in the case of the telephone reminder group, a subgroup analysis showed that the utilization rate was significantly higher among participants who received the reminder than those who did not answer the calls. Although the effectiveness of a telephone reminder might be underestimated, this study suggests that neither method impacted the utilization rates of specific health guidance among the population at risk of metabolic syndrome.

Suggested Citation

  • Hiroshi Murayama & Setaro Shimada & Kosuke Morito & Haruna Maeda & Yuta Takahashi, 2023. "Evaluating the Effectiveness of Letter and Telephone Reminders in Promoting the Use of Specific Health Guidance in an At-Risk Population for Metabolic Syndrome in Japan: A Randomized Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-8, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:5:p:3784-:d:1075166
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