Select Psychosocial Factors Predictive of Cognitive Health in Aging Black Men and Women
Health disparities between Blacks and Whites are widely acknowledged in the literature. Studies show not only that Blacks have a higher risk of morbidity and generally poorer health compared to Whites, but also that aging Blacks have lower levels of cognitive health. These health disparities can, in part, be attributed to race-related stress. Individuals with lifelong low socio economic status are more vulnerable to stress and health issues, influencing physical and cognitive health in aging. Despite this observed racial disparity, few studies have specifically examined within group differences in cognitive health. For example, evidence shows that regular participation in social activities and maintenance of social ties helps slow/mitigate cognitive impairment. However, the majority of these studies contain primarily White samples, or, if they include Blacks, compare between group differences only, leaving within-group risk factors unspecified.
The purpose of this study was to examine select psychosocial factors for non-demented, community-dwelling Blacks by gender between the ages of 50 and 78 that are predictive of cognitive health using intersectionality theory. Intersectionality theory promotes the investigation of gender differences by race to uncover discrete factors contributing to racial disparities, including health disparities.
The research question guiding this study: Controlling for age, education, depression, anxiety, heart conditions, stroke, and diabetes, what are the social and psychological predictors by gender that are predictive of cognitive health in Blacks?
Methods:
This study was quasi-experimental, using data from the 2010 wave of the University of Michigan's Health and Retirement Study. Non-demented Black participants who completed the psychosocial questionnaire were included (men = 162, women = 319). Measures included social support questionnaires, psychological scales, environmental scales, and cognitive scales. A stepwise multiple regression analysis using the block entry method was conducted to estimate a regression model that best predicts the level of cognition among Black men versus women.
Results:
Men: Four of nine factors were significant predictors of cognitive functioning (F = 10.76, p < .001.): higher cognitive functioning was predicted by higher levels of education (β = -.24, p < .001), lower levels of perception of a positive relationship with children (β = -.23, p < .001), lower levels of perceived constraints (β = -.24, p < .01), and higher levels of lifetime discrimination (β = .20, p < .01). The model explains 24% of the variance in cognition (R2 = .24; df = 123; F = 10.76 p < .001).
Women: Two of 10 factors were significant predictors of cognitive functioning (F = 22.45, p < .001): higher cognitive functioning was predicted by higher levels of education (β = .50, p < .001) and lower levels of perceived negative support (β = .-.17, p < .05). The model explains 28% of the variance in cognition (R2 = .28; df = 106; F = 22.45, p < .001).
Conclusions/Implications:
Policies targeting racial stressors for Black men in early life and practices targeting social support issues for Black women can help play an important role in increasing later life cognitive health.