1. Aichi workers’ cohort study

Since 2002, we have been following the incidence of chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases in more than 6000 civil servants in Aichi prefecture. Using the data generated from the study, several scientific papers have been published in both local and international peer-reviewed journals.

2. Multi-disciplinary studies to assess the situation of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in developing countries

The prevalence of NCDs in developing countries around the world is on the rise. We have three on-going cross-sectional studies in Bangladesh, Palau, and Ethiopia. Each study has quantitative and qualitative components and aims to assess the prevalence and determinants of NCD risk factors in the respective countries. The results of these studies will be utilized to design effective interventions to curb the burden of NCDs in each country in consultation with concerned bodies there.

•Bangladesh study: targets about 1000 poor community in Bauniadad district of Dhaka, the capital city.

•Palau study: targets about 500 migrant Filipino and Bangladeshi workers living in Palau.

•Ethiopian study: targets about 2000 people in Mekelle city (in the northern part of Ethiopia) and surrounding rural areas.

3. Community-based end-of-life care education research

Japanese government has been promoting for the end-of-life care outside hospitals. Especially, elderly people's homes and long-term care facilities have been regarded as preferred sites for this care.

We have on-going studies concerning end-of-life care education program for caring staff and care managers. We also try to cultivate community facilitators of such educational programs. Our results will contribute to promoting out of hospital end-of-life care for older people.

4. Gender and health

5. Evaluation of developmental assistance in health