Physical activity is decreased in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and decreased physical activity leads to a poor prognosis. To determine an individual’s target step count from the measured step counts and predicted step counts, simple and detailed prediction equations for step count were developed. To verify the validity of the simple prediction equation, the validity of the simple equation was evaluated in a different cohort and the correlation between the step counts calculated by the simple equation and those by the detailed prediction equation were evaluated. When the step counts calculated by the simple prediction equation for all participants were compared with the measured step counts, a significant correlation was obtained among them, and the calculated values were found to be reproducible with the measured values in patients with a measured step count of <6500 by Bland–Altman plots. Furthermore, the values calculated by the simple prediction equation and those calculated by the detailed prediction equation showed a significant correlation. In conclusion, the simple prediction equation was considered reasonable.
Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) predominantly affects older adults in Japan, and prolonged hospitalization remains a challenge. This study evaluated both clinical and social factors influencing hospitalization duration. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 203 patients with smear-positive pulmonary TB admitted to NHO Wakayama Hospital (2017–2022). Stepwise multiple regression was used to identify factors associated with hospitalization duration. Results: Key factors included time to smear negativity, duration from isolation release to discharge, independence in daily life, and discharge destination. Prolonged stays were often due to social issues, such as difficulties in arranging transfers to long-term care homes or family acceptance. Conclusions: While Japan is developing new discharge criteria based on clinical indicators, our findings highlight the significant impact of non-clinical, social factors on hospitalization duration. Addressing these factors is essential for effective discharge planning.