Physical Activity as a Mediator for Health Outcomes Among Sexual Minority Adults.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine physical activity (PA) as a protective measure of health outcomes among sexual minority (SM) and heterosexual adults. Methods: Using data from the 2018 National Health Interview Survey, differences in key health outcomes between three groups (heterosexual, SM, and "other") and the mediating effects of PA were explored. Chi-square tests were used to examine group differences. Multinomial logistic regression models were fit to examine associations between PA and health outcomes (body mass index [BMI], psychological distress, health status, and use of alcohol, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes). Results: Compared with heterosexual respondents, "other" adults had higher levels of BMI above 24.9 and were less active; SM respondents had elevated levels of alcohol use, smoking, binge drinking, and psychological distress, and reported worse overall health status. Unadjusted models showed that PA served as a protective factor for BMI above 30 and health status for all groups. PA was also protective for BMI below or above 18.5-24.9, smoking, psychological distress, and health status for both heterosexual and SM groups. Alternatively, PA behaved as a risk factor for alcohol use and binge drinking for all groups. Adjusted modeling removed PA as a risk factor for light alcohol use and binge drinking for SM respondents and added a protective factor for e-cigarette use for heterosexual respondents. Conclusion: This study adds to current literature on health disparities affecting SM populations and the health benefits associated with PA. Further research is needed to explore tailored PA intervention for SM populations and those who mark "other," "something else," "don't know," or refuse to answer questions on sexual orientation.

Racial differences in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Arkansas.

Vaccines are one of the most successful tools for protecting the public's health. However, widespread vaccine hesitancy in the Southern United States is preventing effective mitigation of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to assess COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among adults living in a largely rural Southern state. This cross-sectional study collected data from 1,164 Arkansas residents between October 3 and October 17, 2020 using random digit dialing. The primary outcome was a multidimensional COVID-19 vaccine acceptance measure with scores between -3 to +3. The full COVID-19 vaccine acceptance scale was measured along with perceived vaccine safety, effectiveness, acceptance, value, and legitimacy subscales. Statistical analyses were conducted using multivariable linear regression. Results indicated Black participants had the lowest overall vaccine acceptance (0.5) compared to White participants (1.2). Hispanic participants had the highest scores (1.4). In adjusted models, Black participants had 0.81 points lower acceptance than White participants, and Hispanic participants had 0.35 points higher acceptance. Hispanic participants had the highest scores for all five vaccine acceptance subscales, relatively equivalent to White participants. Black participants had consistently lower scores, especially perceived vaccine safety (mean -0.2, SD 0.1). In conclusion, the lowest vaccine acceptance rates were among Black participants particularly on perceived vaccine safety. While Black participants had the lowest acceptance scores, Hispanic participants had the highest. This variability shows the value of a multidimensional vaccine acceptance measure to inform COVID-19 vaccination campaign strategies.

A longitudinal study of SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence and mitigation behaviors among college students at an Arkansas University.

Objective: Assess university students' SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence and mitigation behaviors over time. Participants: Randomly selected college students (N = 344) in a predominantly rural Southern state. Methods: Participants provided blood samples and completed self-administered questionnaires at three timepoints over the academic year. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated from logistic regression analyses. Results: SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence was 18.2% in September 2020, 13.1% in December, and 45.5% in March 2021 (21% for those with no vaccination history). SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence was associated with large social gatherings, staying local during the summer break, symptoms of fatigue or rhinitis, Greek affiliation, attending Greek events, employment, and using social media as the primary COVID-19 information source. In March 2021, seroprevalence was associated with receiving at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was higher in this population of college students than previous studies. Results can assist leaders in making informed decisions as new variants threaten college campuses.

Characterizing Cancer and Work Disparities Using Electronic Health Records.

Advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment have resulted in improvements in survivor outcomes; however, cancer survivors are more likely to experience adverse employment outcomes such as job loss, reduced working hours, and early retirement. The purpose of this study was to examine employment disparities among cancer survivors. Our study collected data from 29,136 cancer survivors (ages 18-65) between 2015 and 2021 using electronic health records (EHR) and linked to cancer registry data. Of those with employment information (n = 7296), differences in employment status were explored by race, ethnicity, sex, geography, marital status, education, age, and cancer site. Of the patients with employment status available, 61% were employed, 28% were not employed, 9% were disabled, 2% were retired. Logistic regression results revealed adjusted effects: a positive association between employment and marriage, while racial and ethnic minority adults, rurality, and certain age categories were less likely to be employed. Unadjusted results showed a positive association between employment and education. These results contribute to an emerging body of literature showing adverse employment outcomes for cancer survivors.