Health guidance is recognized as a consulting and educational function within nursing practice. Health and medical professionals offer specialized advice and support to individuals aimed at illness prevention, as well as maintenance and enhancement of their overall health. The objective is to assist individuals with health concerns in adopting healthy lifestyles conducive to their well-being.

Nursing techniques employed in providing health guidance encompass effective communication for gathering pertinent information on, for example, medical examination results, lifestyle choices, personal values, and the individual’s readiness for behavior modification. Further, assessment techniques are utilized to determine appropriate support measures based on this information. Nursing professionals also employ techniques to facilitate individuals’ awareness of issues in their daily activities and assist them in setting behavioral goals to enhance their QOL. These techniques are derived from various theories on behavior modification, necessitating their integration and utilization by health guidance practitioners.

Since April 2008, health insurance associations and national health insurance programs have been mandated to conduct specific health checkups and provide tailored health guidance, focusing particularly on metabolic syndrome for individuals aged 40 years and above. Specific health guidance is categorized into “motivational support” and “active support” based on the degree of risk. Through this guidance, individuals are encouraged to evaluate their lifestyle habits, set actionable goals for self-improvement, and undertake steps toward achieving these goals.

• Adachi, Y. (2007). Health guidance vital points that support behavior modification: Information provision, motivational support, and active support. Ishiyaku Publishing.
• Matsumoto, C. (2002). Basics of health behavior theory for medical and health staff: Focusing on lifestyle-related diseases. Ishiyaku Publishing.
• Whitman, N. I., Graham, B. A., & Gleit, C. J. (1996). Patient education and health education for nurses (Yasuko, F., Trans. Ed.). Igaku-Shoin.