大分県内の給食提供施設における宗教上の食事対応の状況について

The number of foreign residents and visitors to Japan is increasing. In 2016, foreign residents accounted for about 2% of the population. Hospitals may be required to cater for not only the diversification of inpatients, but also the diversity of religious food cultures and eating habits. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current situation regarding religious meals in hospitals in Oita Prefecture and to consider future requirements. A questionnaire survey was sent to 108 hospitals that provide school lunches to assess their knowledge of religiously diverse food cultures and eating habits. Of 60 hospitals that responded, 95% said they knew or had heard of the need for religious meals, and 69% said they had no experience of learning how to prepare religious meals. Lack of opportunity or interest was the reason. In hospitals with learning experience, they had studied as university students or as nutritionists, and it was inferred that they never had learning opportunities. In addition, 32% answered that they had hospitalized patients who required meal support. Difficulties in preparing religious meals included language barriers, availability of raw materials such as processed seasonings, and menus. On-site workers lacked information on how to prepare meals, and there is a need to provide materials for cooks and to cooperate with vendors who supply relevant products. Furthermore, there were cases in which the beliefs and preferences of individual patients were only revealed during the course of treatment when questioned by staff. Religious diets are an important issue for some patients, and it is essential that staff not only understand food culture and eating habits, but also interview patients to ensure that improvements are made that meet their needs.