There is little data delineating relationships between health and worker musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS), particularly among stone, sand, and gravel mine (SSGM) workers. There is also little data detailing the relationships between physical activity and MSS among these workers. A cross-sectional study using data from 459 SSGM workers was completed. Logistic regression analyses assessed relationships between health factors, physical activity, and low back, neck, shoulder, and knee MSS. Those who reported their health as very good/excellent were less likely to suffer low back and knee MSS. Those who indicated their health was poor/fair were more likely to suffer shoulder, neck, and knee MSS. Obese workers were more likely to experience knee MSS and those who smoked in the past had higher odds of neck MSS. Vigorous physical activity was mostly protective, but those performing more than 5 h of moderate physical activity each week had greater odds of shoulder and neck MSS. Given these results, workers in SSGM may benefit from targeted interventions that bolster vigorous physical activity and improve health. Further, health protection efforts need to be initiated by SSGM operations to address work issues and to sustain health as job roles and work hours impacted MSS as well.

Chinese-Americans are one of the largest groups of Asian-Americans in the US with distinctive behavioral and cultural characteristics that influence health service use. Although Chinese-Americans have significantly higher COVID-19-related mortality rates, relative to other racial and ethnic groups, limited literature is available examining their willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. With recent development of the combination influenza-COVID-19 vaccine by biotechnology companies to mitigate COVID-19 infection, we examined factors associated with Chinese-Americans’ acceptance of hypothetical annual doses of COVID-19 vaccination before the vaccine rollout. A total of 241 Chinese-Americans who received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine completed an online questionnaire developed and based on health behavior theories. Our results indicated that Chinese-American participants who were satisfied with their prior COVID-19 vaccination experience, who had more accurate knowledge and perceived higher susceptibility of getting COVID-19, were more willing to receive the annual COVID-19 vaccine in the future. The findings of our current study may be used to guide the development of strategic messages to promote uptake of the annual COVID-19 vaccine by Chinese-Americans in the U.S.

This study compared levels of concern, spending, and use of external support by working status among older adults in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic. It assessed whether work influences these variables related to wellness. Data from 2489 older adults from the 2020 U.S. Health and Retirement Study were analyzed using multiple linear and logistic regression. Older adults who worked had lower concerns about the pandemic (β = −0.28, p = 0.048), were less likely to increase their spending (OR = 0.74, p = 0.041), and were less likely to use external support (OR = 0.50, p < 0.001). Use of external support increased with age (OR = 1.04, p < 0.001) and increased spending (OR = 1.32, p = 0.019). Married older adults were less likely to increase spending (OR = 0.75, p = 0.007) and had lower concerns toward COVID-19 (β = −0.28, p = 0.011). Higher levels of concern were reported among women (β = 0.31, p = 0.005) and participants who had friends or family members diagnosed with COVID-19 (β = 0.51, p < 0.001). Women were more likely to use support (OR = 1.80, p < 0.001). Work appears to bolster older adult wellness outcomes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 87% of Asian Americans had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as of July 2023. The purpose of this study is to identify the sources of information, preferred vaccine types, and levels of satisfaction related to COVID-19 vaccination among Chinese Americans, the largest subgroup of Asian immigrants living in the U.S. Our survey data were collected from 241 Chinese American early adopters of the COVID-19 vaccine, who completed at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in June 2021. Our results indicated that their major information sources regarding COVID-19 vaccination included health officials and authorities, local news, family/friends/co-workers, social media platforms, and healthcare professionals. More than half of the participants expressed a preference for the Pfizer-BioNTech (New York, U.S.) vaccine based on the primary considerations of safety, efficacy, credibility of the developer, and availability. A majority of the participants felt satisfied with their experience of receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. Participants with higher levels of self-efficacy and subjective norms related to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine were more likely to express satisfaction with the vaccination. These findings provide valuable insights into Chinese Americans’ information sources, vaccine preferences, and satisfaction levels regarding COVID-19 vaccination. This knowledge can help guide future vaccination interventions and campaigns.