title: Psychological factors and mortality risk in a rural area of Japan.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study is to assess the association between psychological factors and mortality risk from all causes.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used follow-up data for 4,181 persons from 40 to 79 years over a period of 17.6 years from one part of the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study (JACC Study). The status of the individuals comprising the data of the study as of the end of December 2006 was determined from their registration cards and death records. We calculated the proportions of selected variables among 5 psychological factors by sex. Cox's proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the associations between psychological factors and mortality risk from all causes. Data were adjusted for age, medical history, education, job status, marital status, drinking, smoking, physical activity, sleeping duration, body mass index and breakfast.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the follow-up period, a total of 791 deaths were recorded. Men who reported feelings of being trusted had a decreased risk for mortality risk from all causes compared with the risk of those who reported "maybe", whereas those without feelings of being trusted had increased risk for mortality risk from all causes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests that the absence of feelings of being trusted increases the risk of all causes of mortality among middle-aged and elderly men in a rural area. Our findings suggest that interpersonal relationships comprise an important factor in longevity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Care Environment and Mental Health, School of Health Science, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago 683-8503, Japan.
authors.forename: Yasuko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tokushima
authors.affiliation: †Division of Health Administration and Promotion, Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago 683-8503, Japan.
authors.forename: Takenobu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hosoda
authors.affiliation: †Division of Health Administration and Promotion, Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago 683-8503, Japan.
authors.forename: Mikizo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Okamoto
authors.affiliation: †Division of Health Administration and Promotion, Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago 683-8503, Japan.
authors.forename: Youichi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kurozawa
keywords: feeling of being trusted; long-term cohort study; mortality risk; psychological factor; survival analysis