Few studies have examined the association between total sleep duration and general child development, as well as the environmental factors influencing sleep duration among children. To elucidate this issue, we investigated the association between sleep duration, child development, and the sleep environment. We used data from an ongoing nationwide prospective birth cohort study in Japan. Developmental delays were measured using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, third edition (ASQ-3). Sleep duration was assessed using a questionnaire completed by the children's caregivers. To assess the associations, we performed logistic regression and generalized linear mixed model analysis. Shorter sleep duration (< 10 h) at multiple time points was associated with an increased likelihood of developmental delay at 3 years of age (Sleep@6 m: Odds ratio (OR) 1.11, p < 0.001; Sleep@1y: OR 1.09, p = 0.01; Sleep@3y: OR 1.15, p < 0.001). These associations were still observed after adjusting for individual characteristics and relevant covariates (coefficient: 0.054; p < 0.001). In analyses examining the sleep environment, sleep location was associated with shorter sleep duration, whereas other environmental factors showed no significant associations (coefficient: 0.13; p = 0.049). These findings suggest that shorter sleep duration during early childhood is associated with developmental outcomes and that sleep location may be related to sleep duration. Further studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms and potential bidirectional relationships involved.

Background:Labor epidural analgesia is recognized worldwide as the gold standard for maternal pain relief during delivery and has been increasingly used in Japan. However, studies on labor analgesia in Japan are scarce, and evaluation of neonatal outcomes associated with this procedure remains limited. Among the key aspects in the safety evaluation of labor epidural analgesia are the potential effects on neonatal umbilical arterial blood pH (UmA-pH) and Apgar score. Therefore, we determined whether labor epidural analgesia during vaginal delivery is associated with neonatal UmA-pH and Apgar score among women delivering in Japan. Methods:In this birth cohort study, we prospectively analyzed data collected from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). We included Japanese pregnant women who had singleton vaginal deliveries. The primary exposure was labor epidural analgesia, and the primary outcomes were UmA-pH and Apgar score at 1 and 5 min following birth. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to examine the associations between labor epidural analgesia and neonatal outcomes, with adjustment for potential confounders. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis using stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was conducted. Results:Of the 96,443 women who had singleton deliveries in the JECS, 55,227 were included in the final analysis, 1,311 (2.4%) of whom received labor epidural analgesia. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, a statistically significant association was observed between labor epidural analgesia and a 1-min Apgar score < 7 (aOR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.03-2.29). However, only one neonate in the labor epidural analgesia group had a 5-min Apgar score < 7. Moreover, no significant association was observed between labor epidural analgesia and UmA-pH < 7.2 (aOR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.76-1.17). In the IPTW-based sensitivity analysis, the effect estimates were consistent in direction with the primary analysis, supporting the robustness of the main findings. Conclusion:In this large cohort of singleton vaginal births in Japan, the use of labor epidural analgesia had little to no clinically meaningful effect on neonatal outcomes, including UmA-pH < 7.2 and Apgar score < 7. These findings support informed decision-making for pregnant women in Japan who are considering labor epidural analgesia.

Glioblastoma cells are known to regulate their cellular plasticity in response to their surrounding microenvironment, but it is not fully understood what factors contribute to the cells' changing plasticity. Here, we found that glioblastoma cells alter the expression level of adrenoreceptors depending on their differentiation stage. Catecholamines are abundant in the central nervous system, and we found that noradrenaline, in particular, enhances the stemness of glioblastoma cells and promotes the dedifferentiation potential of already differentiated glioblastoma cells. Antagonist and RNAi experiments revealed that signaling through α1D-adrenoreceptor is important for noradrenaline action on glioblastoma cells. We also found that high α1D-adrenoreceptor expression was associated with poor prognosis in patients with gliomas. These data suggest that glioblastoma cells increase the expression level of their own adrenoreceptors to alter the surrounding tumor microenvironment favorably for survival. We believe that our findings will contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma.

BACKGROUND:Sleep deprivation has notable effects on neurobehavioural functioning in children. However, the link between sleep duration and the risk of developing epilepsy in early childhood remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to explore the association between sleep duration at 12 and 18 months and the risk of epilepsy at 2 and 3 years of age. METHODS:Data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), a largescale birth cohort, were analysed. We assessed the risk of epilepsy at 2 and 3 years of age among children sleeping under 11 hours per night, the minimum recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for 1-2 year olds. RESULTS:Overall, 86 441 children were retrospectively analysed. Of these, 8786 (10.2%) and 12 850 (14.9%) slept for less than 11 hours at 12 months and 18 months, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that a sleep duration of less than 11 hours at 12 months remained significantly associated with epilepsy incidence at 2 and 3 years (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 4.01, p=0.045; aOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.41, p=0.013). Furthermore, a sleep duration of less than 11 hours at 12 and 18 months was significantly associated with epilepsy incidence at 3 years (aOR 2.77, 95% CI 1.28 to 6.01, p=0.010). CONCLUSIONS:Insufficient sleep in infancy may be linked to epilepsy later in childhood. These findings highlight the importance of sleep interventions during early life to improve long-term neurological health.

The relationship between maternal prenatal psychological distress and epilepsy development in offspring has not yet been clarified. Herein, we used a dataset obtained from the Japan Environment and Children's Study, a nationwide birth cohort study, to evaluate the association between six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) scores and epilepsy among 1-3 years old. The data of 97,484 children were retrospectively analyzed. The K6 was administered to women twice: during the first half (M-T1) and second half (M-T2) of pregnancy. M-T1 ranged from 12.3-18.9 (median 15.1) weeks, and M-T2 ranged from 25.3-30.1 (median 27.4) weeks. Participants were divided into six groups based on K6 scores of two ranges (≤4 and ≥5) at M-T1 and M-T2. The numbers of children diagnosed with epilepsy at the ages of 1, 2, and 3 years were 89 (0.1%), 129 (0.2%), and 149 (0.2%), respectively. A maternal K6 score of ≥5 at both M-T1 and M-T2 was associated with epilepsy diagnosis ratios among 1-, 2-, and 3-year-old children in the univariate analysis. Moreover, multivariate analysis revealed that a maternal K6 score of ≥5 at both M-T1 and M-T2 was associated with epilepsy diagnosis ratios among 1-, 2-, and 3-year-olds. Continuous moderate-level maternal psychological distress from the first to the second half of pregnancy is associated with epilepsy among 1-, 2-, and 3-year-old children. Hence, environmental adjustments to promote relaxation such as mindfulness in pregnant women might be necessary.

There are few studies on the parenting of fathers with autism traits. To investigate this issue, we examined the type of parenting performed by fathers with autism traits using data from a nationwide birth cohort study, the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Paternal parenting was evaluated by mothers or caregivers when the child was 2 years old. Father's autism traits were measured using the Japanese version of the self-administered Autism Spectrum Quotient. Logistic regression analysis was performed to statistically analyze the data. Fathers with autism traits were significantly less likely to prepare meals for their child and helping them eat (adjusted OR (aOR): 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.23), to helping the child change clothes (aOR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.04-1.31). However, there were no associations between some parenting behaviors and autism traits (not changing diapers, not bathing with the child, and not playing with the child). Father's communication skill difficulties by autism traits associated with a lower tendency to perform all types of parenting. Interestingly, there were association between difficulties with social skills or attention-switching and more performing change diapers. These results indicate it is important to respect the child-rearing that fathers with autistic tendencies are able to do, while supporting them in child-rearing that they are significantly less able to do than fathers without autistic tendencies.

This study investigated the potential link between early childhood allergic diseases and neurodevelopmental milestone attainment during the first 3 years of life. Utilizing data from a large-scale prospective birth cohort study in Japan, encompassing 87,986 children, we examined physician-diagnosed and caregiver-reported allergic conditions, including atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, and food allergy (FA). Neurodevelopmental milestones were assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires at 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 years of age. Stabilized inverse probability-weighted generalized estimating equation models were employed to estimate odds ratios (ORs). Our analysis revealed no significant association of AD and asthma with delay in communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal-social skills during the initial 3 years of life. However, children with FA showed an increased likelihood of experiencing gross motor delay compared with that shown by those without FA (weighted adjusted OR: 1.14). Despite this, no significant association of FA with other developmental domains was observed. Early childhood allergies may not influence neurodevelopmental delays. However, there is a potential association between FA and delays, specifically in gross motor skills, that warrants routine developmental monitoring and additional investigations.

OBJECTIVES:This study aimed to investigate the relationship between night shifts and snacking behaviors during pregnancy using Japanese maternal-infant longitudinal data from a large-scale study. METHODS:This study used the Japan Environment and Children's Study dataset jecs-ta-20190930, released in October 2019. After simple analysis using analysis of variance and multiple comparisons, crude odds ratios (cOR) and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were calculated. To evaluate eating habits, we examined habitual fast food and snacks (e.g., potato chips, corn puffs and tortilla chips) consumption, midnight snacks, and regular missing breakfast. RESULTS:There was no significant association between inappropriate weight gain during pregnancy and night shift work in early pregnancy. The aOR for consuming snacks more than once a week after noticing pregnancy for shift workers was 1.34 (95% confidence interval 1.27-1.41; p < 0.001) compared with worker without night shiftwork. The aOR for shift workers consuming fast food more than three times a week during pregnancy was 1.40 (95% confidence interval 0.79-2.33; p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Pregnant night shift workers did not show excessive weight gain but had an increased frequency of consumption of snack foods compared with pregnant dayshift workers.

Importance:Corticosteroids and β2-adrenergic agonists are commonly used during pregnancy to treat asthma. However, offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes following in utero exposure to these medications remain unclear. Objective:To investigate the association between timing of in utero exposure to corticosteroids and β2-adrenergic agonists and offspring neurodevelopmental milestones during the first 3 years of life. Design, Setting, and Participants:This cohort study obtained data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study, an ongoing birth cohort study conducted in collaboration with 15 Regional Centers across Japan. Participants were mother-offspring pairs who were recruited between January 1, 2011, and March 31, 2014. Data were analyzed between January and February 2023. Exposure:Corticosteroids and β2-adrenergic agonists were the exposure of interest. Timing of corticosteroid and β2-adrenergic agonist exposure included early pregnancy (weeks 0-12), mid- to late pregnancy (weeks >12), and both stages of pregnancy. Main Outcomes and Measures:Offspring neurodevelopmental milestones (communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal-social skills) were assessed using the Japanese version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, 3rd edition, at 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months. Results:In total, 91 460 mother-offspring pairs were analyzed. Among mothers, the mean (SD) age at delivery was 31.20 (5.05) years. Among offspring, 46 596 (50.9%) were males and 44 864 (49.1%) were females, of whom 66.4% had a gestational age of 39 to 41 weeks. During early, mid- to late, and both stages of pregnancy, 401 (0.4%), 935 (1.0%), and 568 (0.6%) offspring, respectively, were exposed to corticosteroids, whereas 170 (0.2%), 394 (0.4%), and 184 (0.2%), respectively, were exposed to β2-adrenergic agonists. No association of corticosteroid exposure during early, mid- to late, and both stages of pregnancy with all 5 neurodevelopmental milestones was found. Similarly, no association between β2-adrenergic agonist use during early pregnancy and all 5 neurodevelopmental milestones was observed. An association was found between β2-adrenergic agonist exposure during mid- to late pregnancy and delayed personal-social skills (adjusted odds ratio, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.01-2.32; P = .045). Conclusions and Relevance:Results of this study found no association between in utero corticosteroid and β2-adrenergic agonist exposure and offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes, regardless of the timing of exposure. Despite the limitations and low power of the study, the findings suggest that corticosteroids and β2-adrenergic agonists are safe for pregnant individuals with asthma and the neurodevelopment of their offspring.

No studies showed the association between weight-loss behaviors before pregnancy and postpartum depression (PPD). We analyzed data from the nation-wide birth cohort study, the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Self-administrated questionnaires answered by 62,446 women was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. PPD was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at 1 month after delivery. Women using at least one weight-loss method had higher risk of PPD than women using no weight-loss methods [women without antenatal psychological distress according to Kessler 6-Item Psychological Distress score: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.318, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.246-1.394; women with antenatal psychological distress: aOR 1.250, 95% CI 0.999-1.565]. Using extremely unhealthy weight-loss methods was associated with PPD compared with no use of each weight-loss method (vomiting after eating: aOR 1.743, 95% CI 1.465-2.065; smoking: aOR 1.432, 95% CI 1.287-1.591; taking diet pills: aOR 1.308, 95% CI 1.122-1.520). The association between weight-loss behaviors and PPD varied according to pre-pregnancy BMI. In normal-weight women, the weight-loss method score, which indicates the degree of weight-loss method use, was associated with PPD. These results indicate using weight-loss methods before pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of PPD in Japanese women.

Background:Although many studies have identified risk factors for maternal shaking behavior, it is unknown whether mothers who have shaken their infants repeat shaking behavior or show other inappropriate parenting behaviors. Using data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) birth cohort study, we investigated the associations between continuous shaking behavior and the associations between shaking behavior and other inappropriate parenting behaviors.Methods:JECS data starting from 2011 were used. Logistic regression was used to perform a cross-sectional analysis. The explanatory variable was shaking behavior and the dependent variables were leaving the infant home alone and hitting the infant (both at 1 month postpartum), and non-vaccination and infant burns (both at 6 months postpartum). A longitudinal analysis using logistic regression was also performed; here the explanatory variable was shaking behavior at 1 month postpartum and the dependent variables were shaking behavior, non-vaccination of the infant, and infant burns (all at 6 months postpartum).Results:In this study, 16.8% and 1.2% of mothers reported shaking behavior at 1 month and 6 months postpartum, respectively. Mothers who shook their infants at 1 month postpartum were approximately five times more likely to shake them at 6 months postpartum compared with mothers who had not shown previous shaking behavior (OR = 4.92, 95% CI [4.22, 5.73], p < 0.001). In Cross-sectional study, there were associations between shaking behavior and inappropriate parenting behavior such as hitting the infant and infant burns.Conclusion:The findings suggest that mothers who report early shaking behavior tend to subsequently repeat this behavior, and that shaking behavior may be associated with other inappropriate parenting behaviors.

Cadmium is a heavy metal that can be found in soil, air, food, and water. Cadmium has toxic effects on the kidneys, bones, and respiratory system. Prenatal exposure to cadmium has been found to affect the mental development of children, but inconsistent results have been found in different studies. Therefore, it is unknown that prenatal cadmium exposure associated with child development after birth. To elucidate whether cadmium affect the child development or not, we analyzed nation-wide cohort study data, the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Prenatal cadmium concentrations in blood from mothers in the second or third trimester were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Child development was evaluated using "Ages and Stages" questionnaires. The association between cadmium and child development were investigated by performing logistic regression analyses, multinomial logistic regression analyses and generalized linear mixed model using the child development parameters as dependent variables and the cadmium concentrations in maternal blood as the independent variable. There were significant associations between the cadmium concentration and child development at 6 months, 1 year, and 1.5 years after birth. However, the effect had disappeared at 2 years after birth or later. The number of developmental delays was positively associated with the cadmium concentration after adjusting individual difference. The results indicate that prenatal exposure affects child development, but the effect decreases with age.

Drought has exacerbated morbidity and mortality worldwide. Here, a time series study was conducted in northern Bangladesh to evaluate the impact of drought on selected causes of mortality during 2007–2017. Rainfall and temperature data from six meteorological stations were used to analyze drought and non-drought periods and to categorize mild, moderate, severe, and extreme drought based on the 3-month and 12-month Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardized Precipitation Evaporation Index (SPEI). A generalized linear model with Poisson regression with log link, a negative binomial with log link, and a zero-inflated Poisson model were used to determine associations between drought severity and mortality. The SPI and SPEI produced slightly different analysis results. Compared with the SPEI, the SPI showed a stronger and more sensitive correlation with mortality. The relative risk for respiratory disease mortality was high, and Saidpur was the most vulnerable area. Health care expenditure was negatively associated with mortality. High temperatures during the drought period were associated with suicide-related mortality in Rajshahi. The impact of drought on mortality differed with small changes in climate. The findings of this study improve our understanding of the differences between the two most used drought indicators and the impact of drought on mortality.

Abstract We evaluated the association between maternal prenatal folic acid supplementation/dietary folate intake and motor and cognitive development in 2-year-old offspring using data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study database. Neurodevelopment of 2-year-old offspring were evaluated using the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development 2001. In total, data of 3839 offspring were analysed. For folic acid supplementation, a multiple regression analysis showed that offspring of mothers who started using folic acid supplements before conception had a significantly lower developmental quotient (DQ) in the postural-motor DQ area than offspring of mothers who did not use them at any time throughout their pregnancy (partial regression coefficient (B) −2·596, 95 % CI −4·738, −0·455). Regarding daily dietary folate intake from preconception to early pregnancy, a multiple regression analysis showed that the group with ≥ 200 µg had a significantly higher DQ in the language-social area than the group with <200 µg. The DQ was higher in the ≥ 400 µg group (B 2·532, 95 % CI 0·201, 4·863) than the 200 to <400 µg group (B 1·437, 95 % CI 0·215, 2·660). In conclusion, our study showed that maternal adequate dietary folate intake from preconception to early pregnancy has a beneficial association with verbal cognition development in 2-year-old offspring. On the other hand, mothers who started using folic acid supplements before conception had an inverse association with motor development in 2-year-old offspring. There were no details on the amount of folic acid in the supplements used and frequency of use. Therefore, further studies are required.

BACKGROUND:Clarifying the role of physical limitations in the relationship between frequency of going out and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may be useful in supporting early detection and prevention of MCI. However, few studies have explored relatively active populations that are continuously active throughout the year. This study aimed to determine the relationship between frequency of going out and MCI among non-homebound older adults who participated in group activities to prevent frailty.METHODS:This prospective cohort study used frequency of going out as the exposure and MCI as the outcome. The Touch Panel-type Dementia Assessment Scale and questionnaires about daily life were completed by 153 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years participating in frailty prevention groups in a rural town. The baseline survey was conducted from December 2017 to March 2018 and analysed cross-sectionally. Follow-up surveys were conducted at 1- and 2-years and analysed longitudinally.RESULTS:Univariate and binomial logistic regression analyses at baseline showed no association between MCI and frequency of going out in older adults with physical limitations. However, there was a significant association in older adults without physical limitations. A binomial logistic regression analysis of the frequency of going out at baseline and cognitive function at the 2-year follow-up showed no association between MCI and frequency of going out in older adults with physical limitations, but there was a significant association in those without physical limitations.CONCLUSION:Our results suggest that frequency of going out may not be a useful indicator of MCI in older adults with physical limitations, although low frequency of going out may be an indicator of MCI in older adults without physical limitations.

An increase in the global surface temperature and changes in urban morphologies are associated with increased heat stress especially in urban areas. This can be one of the contributing factors underlying an increase in heat strokes. We examined the impact of summer minimum air temperatures, which often represent nighttime temperatures, as well as a maximum temperature on a heat stroke. We collected data from the records of daily ambulance transports for heat strokes and meteorological data for July and August of 2017–2019 in the Tottori Prefecture, Japan. A time-stratified case-crossover design was used to determine the association of maximum/minimum air temperatures and the incidence of heat strokes. We used a logistic regression to identify factors associated with the severity of heat strokes. A total of 1108 cases were identified with 373 (33.7%) calls originating in the home (of these, 59.8% were the age of ≥ 75). A total of 65.8% of cases under the age of 18 were related to exercise. Days with a minimum temperature ≥ 25 °C had an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 3.77 (2.19, 6.51) for the incidence of an exercise-related heat stroke (reference: days with a minimum temperature < 23 °C). The odds ratio for a heat stroke occurring at home or for calls for an ambulance to the home was 6.75 (4.47, 10.20). The severity of the heat stroke was associated with older age but not with air temperature. Minimum and maximum air temperatures may be associated with the incidence of heat strokes and in particular the former with non-exertional heat strokes.

Background Drought has been a considerable problem for many years in northern Bangladesh. However, the health impacts of drought in this region are not well understood. Methods This study analyzed the impact of drought duration and severity on select causes of mortality in northern Bangladesh. Rainfall data from three meteorological stations (Rangpur, Dinajpur and Nilphamari) in northern Bangladesh were used to assess drought and non-drought periods, and the Standardized Precipitation Index was used to categorize mild, moderate, severe, and extreme drought. Mortality data from 2007 to 2017 for the three areas were collected from the Sample Vital Registration System, which is a survey of 1 million people. The generalized linear model with Poisson regression link was used to identify associations between mortality and the drought severity and 1-month preceding SPI. Results Only severe and extreme drought in the short-term drought periods affected mortality. Long-term drought was not associated with natural cause mortality in Rangpur and Nilphamari. In Dinajpur, mild and moderate drought was associated with circulatory- and respiratory-related mortality. Conclusion The impact of drought on mortality varied by region. This study improves our understanding of how droughts affect specific causes of mortality and will help policy makers to take appropriate measures against drought impacts on selected cause of mortality. Future research will be critical to reduce drought-related risks of health.

Emergency transport data from Tottori Prefecture, Japan were used to evaluate the indirect impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restrictions on heat stroke. There were 426 cases of emergency transport owing to heat stroke in summer 2020 compared with 1465 cases combined for the summers of 2017–2019. The mean age of cases in 2020 was 66.2 years—significantly higher than the 60.0 years in 2017 (p = 0.004), 57.4 years in 2018 (p < 0.001), and 57.6 years in 2019 (p < 0.001). In 2020, 47.7% of cases were older than 75 (previously, 35.6–44.2%), and 36.9% were transported from their residence, (previously, 26.6–29.3%). Thus, COVID-19 measures, such as "stay at home" requests, may have increased the risk of heat stroke in older adults.

BACKGROUND:Oxytocin has a key role in mother-infant bonding, maternal care, social interaction, and stress-related psychiatric disorders. However, the factors determining oxytocin concentrations during and after pregnancy such as medical history related to nursing or parental behavior are unknown. To elucidate these, we analyzed the relationships between oxytocin concentrations during and after pregnancy, and medical history assessed in the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS).METHODS:We then selected the pregnant women with a medical history of anxiety disorder and endometriosis as cases and pregnant women without medical history as controls adjusting the cohort for age and parity for a nested case-control study, after which 162 women remained for analysis. We evaluated 162 pregnant women from JECS using answers provided in a questionnaire and by measuring plasma oxytocin concentration by ELISA during the first (T1) and second (T2) trimesters of pregnancy, and after childbirth (T3).RESULTS:Oxytocin concentration increased in a time dependent manner, consistent with previous reports. There were weak negative correlations between oxytocin concentration at T1 and the mother's age and height, but no correlation with other factors. The mean oxytocin concentrations of pregnant women with a history of an anxiety disorder (n = 7) and endometriosis (n = 13) were significantly lower than those of pregnant women with no such history at T2 and T3.CONCLUSION:These results suggest that oxytocin concentrations during and after pregnancy were affected by a past history of anxiety disorder and endometriosis. This is the first study of the relationship between oxytocin concentration and endometriosis. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms, further study is needed.

Examining health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a rural setting can be beneficial for improving rural household policies and fostering public health promotion. The objective of this study was to measure the HRQOL and associated socioeconomic characteristics as well as test the reliability of the Amharic version of SF-8 (eight-item short form of HRQOL survey). A cross-sectional study was employed in three agroecologically different sites in rural Ethiopia, involving 270 household heads (218 male and 52 female) with a mean age ± standard deviation of 49 ± 12.88 years. The survey material consisted of a structured questionnaire for socioeconomic characteristics and SF-8 for HRQOL. The mean physical and mental component summary score of the whole sample was 30.50 ± 12.18 and 34.40 ± 7.26, respectively, well underneath the instrument average of 50. The SF-8 items showed excellent internal consistency in terms of both Cronbach’s α coefficients and item–total correlation. In stepwise multiple linear regression, the low-income group had worse self-perceived physical health than the higher-income groups. Likewise, a diversified livelihood had a profound influence on positive self-perceived physical health. These findings imply that developing and distributing wide-ranging socioeconomic and public health policies is crucial for effective health promotion in rural communities.