A significant number of parents delay or refuse vaccinating their children. Incidental exposure to vaccine information (i.e., scanned information) may be an important contributor to anti-vaccine sentiment. This study examines the association between scanned information, trust in health information sources and vaccine safety concerns among African American, Mexican American, and non-Hispanic White women. Women (N=761) in Los Angeles County were sampled via random digit dial and surveyed regarding use of and trust in health information resources and vaccine safety concerns. Analyses indicate that the sources of information associated with vaccine safety concerns varied by ethnicity. Each ethnic group exhibited different patterns of association between trust in health information resources and vaccine safety concerns. Information scanning is associated with beliefs about vaccine safety, which may lead parents to refuse or delay vaccinating their children. These relationships vary by ethnicity. These findings help inform practitioners and policy makers about communication factors that influence vaccine safety concerns. Knowing these sources of information will equip practitioners to better identify women who may have been exposed to anti-vaccine messages and counter these beliefs with effective, vaccine-promoting messages via the most relevant information sources.

This qualitative study based on 34 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with cis-gendered tongzhi (men who are attracted to men) critically explores the factors influencing their decisions to enter mixed-orientation marriages (MOMs) in China. Theoretically, the study weaves together insights from queer and feminist theorizing and analyzes the role of heteronormativity and patriarchy, especially in relation to hegemonic masculine ideals, in the context of marriage norms in contemporary China. Our examination showcases the contradictory role heteronormativity and patriarchy play in simultaneously marginalizing and privileging these groups of men along the axes of sexual, gender, and lineage (inter-generational) hierarchies. It also underscores the continued role of filial piety norms. Overall, the study contributes to deepening our understanding of the complex nature of MOMs and discussions of MOMs as marriage fraud. We argue that examining these non-normative marriages furthers explication of the social structures underpinning gender and sexuality in a context of patriarchal marriage-normative societies.

The term tongqi refers to cisgender, heterosexual women who unwittingly marry non-straight men. In mainland China, their adverse social position and health have been the subject of concern. This study aims to broaden and diversify perceptions of the lived experiences of tongqi by focusing on sex and sexualities in mixed-orientation marriages. Four themes (lack of sexuality-related exploration before marriage, the unsatisfactory nature of marital sex life, the exercise of sexual agency, and increased self-awakening) were developed from observations of a tongqi online support group and 12 semi-structured interviews with members. Using inductive thematic analysis, findings reveal how heteronormativity oppresses and punishes both tongqi and their non-straight husbands. In most cases, husbands not ‘doing heterosexuality’ as expected were still found to be ‘doing gender’ in patriarchal ways, with wives’ subordinate status thereby being reinforced, making them more vulnerable. However, despite women’s sexual autonomy and agency being constrained by normative forces, some were able to navigate their conjugal relationships by practising sexual autonomy and agency within and outside their marriage.

Natural hazards, poor socio-economic conditions, low literacy levels, and long-standing conflicts affect traditional gold miners in Sudan and contribute to multiple health vulnerabilities. An extensive survey reveals differential health risk among internal migrant miners leading to short-, medium-, and long-term health consequences and disparities. The need to identify determinants of health behavior and limited prior research on internal migrants involved in traditional gold mining in Sudan motivated this research. To investigate potential health disparities between internal migrant workers participating in traditional gold mining and their local counterparts. Questionnaires on socio-demographic and health status in the Abideya area in the River Nile state of Sudan were administered to 211 miners. Composite score variables were devised based on existing literature and data for assessment of underlying risk determinants for the miners' vulnerability (migrants and non-migrants). Six new composite variables were constructed and subjected to analysis by immigration status. There are disparities in drivers of health behavior related to the immigration status of traditional gold miners. Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services are common determinants for the health behavior of both internal migrant miners (p < 0.001) and their local counterparts (p < 0.001). However, knowledge (p < 0.05) and perception (p < 0.05) are additional critical determinants for the health behavior of local miners, while education (secondary, p < 0.01) is an additional modifier for the immigrants' health behavior. The outcomes of this field-based research suggest increased awareness and risk perceptions among migrants could improve health-related behaviors. The study advocates for policymaking and implementation of health programs at all levels to reduce health disparities between migrants and non-migrants, improving the health status of the entire community.