Social Media Use and Misinformation Among Asian Americans During COVID-19

Social media has been crucial for seeking and communicating COVID-19 information. However, social media has also promulgated misinformation, which is particularly concerning among Asian Americans who may rely on in-language information and utilize social media platforms to connect to Asia-based networks. There is limited literature examining social media use for COVID-19 information and the subsequent impact of misinformation on health behaviors among Asian Americans. This perspective reviews recent research, news, and gray literature to examine the dissemination of COVID-19 misinformation on social media platforms to Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and South Asian Americans. We discuss the linkage of COVID-19 misinformation to health behaviors, with emphasis on COVID-19 vaccine misinformation and vaccine decision-making in Asian American communities. We then discuss community- and research-driven responses to investigate misinformation during the pandemic. Lastly, we propose recommendations to mitigate misinformation and address the COVID-19 infodemic among Asian Americans.

Like A Dew Drop On A Lotus Leaf: Perceptions Of Aging Well In South Asian American Older Adults

Past research has underscored four key themes prevalent in popular and scientific discourse on successful aging in North America – the emphasis on individual agency and control; continuing productive activity into old age; the value of independence in late life; and an ideal construction of permanent personhood, wherein the realities of mortality and decline are inadequately addressed (Lamb, 2014). Yet, the meanings attached to successful aging differ across cultures and are not very well-understood. The Perceptions of Aging Well in Diverse Populations study aims to acquire a holistic understanding of the attitudes and beliefs around aging well across cultures and to identify the similarities and differences in these perceptions within diverse racial and ethnic groups. This presentation highlights preliminary findings from in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews with South Asian Americans 50 years and older (n=19; 9 men, 10 women). Participants shared that a sense of inevitability and aging with “grace”, “dignity”, and “wisdom” were key components of successful aging. Maintaining good health, keeping a positive attitude, and remaining independent in later life appeared motivated primarily by a desire to remain connected to, but not necessarily “burden” adult children with caregiving responsibilities. Religious faith and spiritual well-being, availability of support systems, and a sense of community were key facilitators. Limited English proficiency and loneliness posed challenges to aging well, particularly in late-life immigrants. These findings provide unique insights into subjective perceptions of successful aging and may help inform programs and policies that support the health and well-being of older South Asian Americans.

Acculturation, Food Label Literacy and Use Among South Asian Americans

Objectives To examine the level of acculturation and its association with food label literacy and use among South Asian Americans. Methods Data were collected using an online cross-sectional survey of 269 South Asian Americans living across the United States, recruited via social media and snow-ball sampling method. The Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics was adapted to measure acculturation amongst South Asian adults. The Newest Vital Sign health literacy assessment tool was used to measure food label literacy. Results In this sample of 196 South Asian Americans with complete data, mean age was 36 ± 11.4 y, the majority were born outside the U.S (84%), women (69%), married (69%), overweight/obese (65%) and had college degrees (86%). While most (82%) reported using food labels at least sometimes when purchasing a food product for the first time (82%), and that food labels influenced their purchase decisions (75%), only 35% demonstrated food label literacy (with maximum food label literacy score). Older (age ≥ 36y) South Asian Americans were more likely to be food label users (89.4% vs 73.6%, P = .006) and to report that food labels influence their food purchases (82.8% vs 69%, P = .034) than their younger counterparts. Mean acculturation was 3.14 ± 0.78 (scale 1 – 5). Higher acculturation (score >median) was not associated with food label use, but was significantly associated with food label literacy (43.6% vs 27.3%, P = 0.018). The association between higher acculturation and food label literacy remained significant after controlling for age, sex and education (adj OR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.18, 4.14). Conclusions Nutrition education interventions are needed to improve food label literacy among South Asian Americans. Funding Sources None.