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Shenk M, Hicks B, Quiñones A, Harrati A. Racial Disparities in COVID-19 Experiences Among Older Adults With Disabling Conditions. J Aging Health 2024; 36:320-336. [PMID: 37392162 PMCID: PMC10315517 DOI: 10.1177/08982643231185689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This paper examines the health, work, and financial experiences of older adults with disabling conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also explores the role of county- and state-level conditions in these experiences. METHODS Using data from the 2020 Health and Retirement Study, we estimated regression models to assess differences in outcomes between those with and without disabling conditions and by race/ethnicity. We used multilevel modeling to assess whether and how county or state factors might be associated with the differences in these effects. RESULTS Older adults with disabilities were more likely to report experiencing financial hardships, delaying health care, and experiencing effects on work than those without disabilities; these differences are heighted between race and ethnicity. Older adults with disabilities were more likely to live in counties with greater social vulnerability. DISCUSSION This work underscores the importance of developing a robust, disability-inclusive public health response that protects older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana Quiñones
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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2
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Alnamnakani A. A narrative case study of an older disabled Muslim woman during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2024; 9:1369188. [PMID: 38694185 PMCID: PMC11061519 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2024.1369188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
This paper explores the experiences and perceptions of Zora, an older Muslim woman living with a disability in the UK. Older disabled Muslim women in the UK often face multiple discriminations based on disability, age, gender, religious, and racial grounds and this has arguably been intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on multiple narrative interviews with Zora, this paper focuses on the intersections of disability, ageing, gender, race and religion within a particular social context during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. The paper describes the complex ways in which Zora experienced various modes of everyday disablism which were not related to the COVID-19 virus itself, rather the consequences of the movement restrictions associated with it. Much of the oppression and barriers she described were socially determined, both through direct discrimination, stares and prejudicial attitudes, and indirectly through stigmatization and an embodied fear of the reaction of others in public spaces. Nevertheless, Zora did not present herself as a victim. Instead she portrayed herself in affirmative terms, as a 'brave' woman who resisted and overcame daily social challenges and movement restrictions as part of working toward creating a more accessible, inclusive and age-friendly society. One that is inhabitable for herself and other older disabled women facing an uncertain future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Alnamnakani
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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3
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Wu Y, Brennan-Ing M. Information Consumption, Trust Dynamics and COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Older Adults: Implications for Health Messaging. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1668. [PMID: 38006000 PMCID: PMC10675093 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Staying well informed about the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine recommendations is vital for older adults, especially for low-income older adults, who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. However, the overwhelming infodemic poses a significant challenge, affecting vaccine decision-making. This study explores how a group of predominantly low-income older adults navigate health information and how their trust in information and vaccines evolves throughout the pandemic. Our objective is to provide insights that will guide future public health messaging for this demographic. Analyzing qualitative data from 77 older adults (aged 65 to 94) collected through focus groups and interviews, our findings reveal that participants' experiences with information overload eroded their trust in authority, leading to vaccine hesitancy. Moreover, the need for a booster has affected belief in vaccine safety and efficacy. As participants lost faith in the media and authoritative sources, they increasingly leaned on personal networks for guidance. These results underscore the urgent necessity for clear, unambiguous ongoing vaccine guidance to restore institutional trust among older adults. Additionally, recognizing the influential role of direct networks in vaccine decisions, integrating care workers, service providers, and peer-to-peer support into health messaging mechanisms could prove valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyi Wu
- Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10035, USA;
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4
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Lockett GM, Klein KG, Mike J, Sostre JP, Abreu RL. " To feel supported in your community is to feel loved": Cultivating community and support for Black transmasculine people navigating anti-Black racism, transphobia, and COVID-19 pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRANSGENDER HEALTH 2023; 24:263-280. [PMID: 37681070 PMCID: PMC10482307 DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2023.2204084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Background: Black transmasculine people are disproportionately affected by a myriad of intersecting stressors including racism (specifically anti-Black racism), sexism, and cissexism. Black transmasculine people are exposed daily to systemic oppression such as transphobia, dehumanization, and violence, making this community more vulnerable to mental health and physical health concerns. These experiences are further compounded by the lack of relevant research about the unique experiences of Black transmasculine people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aims: Utilizing a critical intersectionality lens and Prilleltensky's psychopolitical validity as guiding frameworks, the present study investigates the need for support and community for Black transmasculine people when navigating anti-Black racism and transphobia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The researchers integrated intersectionality and Prilleltensky's psychopolitical validity as frameworks paired with the constructivist grounded theory paradigm outlined by Charmaz to analyze data. The researchers co-constructed meaning from participants' (N = 32) perspectives to provide a theoretical understanding of how Black transmasculine participants' perceived community and support during COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The researchers developed a model of pathways toward community and support. The model suggests two levels: (a) locating awareness of community and support, and (b) integrated action toward community and support. The approaches are integrated from within group actions that can be facilitated from outside the community on micro and macro sociological levels to provide holistic support and community for Black transmasculine people. Discussion: This model extends the current literature on liberation and community psychology regarding the different levels of support for Black transmasculine people. This intervention can provide awareness and insight about working alongside the Black transmasculine community to address their unique needs of support and community. These findings hope to enhance clinical practices and identify strategies to promote wellness among Black transmasculine people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel M. Lockett
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Kirsten G. Klein
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jordan Mike
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jules P. Sostre
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Roberto L. Abreu
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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5
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Tretter F, Peters EMJ, Sturmberg J, Bennett J, Voit E, Dietrich JW, Smith G, Weckwerth W, Grossman Z, Wolkenhauer O, Marcum JA. Perspectives of (/memorandum for) systems thinking on COVID-19 pandemic and pathology. J Eval Clin Pract 2023; 29:415-429. [PMID: 36168893 PMCID: PMC9538129 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Is data-driven analysis sufficient for understanding the COVID-19 pandemic and for justifying public health regulations? In this paper, we argue that such analysis is insufficient. Rather what is needed is the identification and implementation of over-arching hypothesis-related and/or theory-based rationales to conduct effective SARS-CoV2/COVID-19 (Corona) research. To that end, we analyse and compare several published recommendations for conceptual and methodological frameworks in medical research (e.g., public health, preventive medicine and health promotion) to current research approaches in medical Corona research. Although there were several efforts published in the literature to develop integrative conceptual frameworks before the COVID-19 pandemic, such as social ecology for public health issues and systems thinking in health care, only a few attempts to utilize these concepts can be found in medical Corona research. For this reason, we propose nested and integrative systemic modelling approaches to understand Corona pandemic and Corona pathology. We conclude that institutional efforts for knowledge integration and systemic thinking, but also for integrated science, are urgently needed to avoid or mitigate future pandemics and to resolve infection pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Tretter
- Bertalanffy Center for the Study of Systems ScienceViennaAustria
| | - Eva M. J. Peters
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and PsychotherapyJustus‐Liebig‐UniversityGiessenHesseGermany
- Internal Medicine and DermatologyUniversitätsmedizin‐CharitéBerlinGermany
| | - Joachim Sturmberg
- College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingUniversity of NewcastleNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
- International Society for Systems and Complexity Sciences for HealthPrincetonNew JerseyUSA
| | - Jeanette Bennett
- Department of Psychological Science, StressWAVES Biobehavioral Research LabUniversity of North CarolinaCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Eberhard Voit
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringGeorgia Institute of Technology and Emory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Johannes W. Dietrich
- Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Section, Department of Medicine ISt. Josef Hospital, Ruhr PhilosophyBochumGermany
- Diabetes Centre Bochum/HattingenKlinik BlankensteinHattingenGermany
- Centre for Rare Endocrine Diseases (ZSE), Ruhr Centre for Rare Diseases (CeSER)BochumGermany
- Centre for Diabetes Technology, Catholic Hospitals BochumRuhr University BochumBochumGermany
| | - Gary Smith
- International Society for the Systems SciencesPontypoolUK
| | - Wolfram Weckwerth
- Vienna Metabolomics Center (VIME) and Molecular Systems Biology (MOSYS)University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Zvi Grossman
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Olaf Wolkenhauer
- Department of Systems Biology & BioinformaticsUniversity of RostockRostockGermany
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Thomas Tobin CS, Gutiérrez Á, Farmer HR, Erving CL, Hargrove TW. Intersectional Approaches to Minority Aging Research. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2023; 10:1-11. [PMID: 36644596 PMCID: PMC9830125 DOI: 10.1007/s40471-022-00317-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Growing racial/ethnic diversity among America's older adults necessitates additional research specifically focused on health and well-being among aging minoritized populations. Although Black and Latinx adults in the USA tend to face worse health outcomes as they age, substantial evidence points to unexpected health patterns (e.g., the race paradox in mental health, the Latino health paradox) that challenge our understanding of health and aging among these populations. In this review, we demonstrate the value of intersectionality theory for clarifying these health patterns and highlight the ways that intersectionality has been applied to minority aging research. To advance the field, we also make several recommendations for incorporating intersectional approaches in future scholarship on minority aging. Recent Findings Scholars have applied intersectional approaches to health and aging to unravel how social statuses and social conditions, such as race, ethnicity, gender, nativity, incarceration history, geographic region, and age, produce distinct shared experiences that shape health trajectories through multiple mechanisms. Summary We highlight common intersectional approaches used in minority aging research and underscore the value of this perspective for elucidating the complex, and often unexpected, health patterns of aging minoritized populations. We identify several key lessons and propose recommendations to advance scholarship on minority aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney S. Thomas Tobin
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Ángela Gutiérrez
- Department of Social Medicine, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Irvine 128B 57 West Oxbow Trail, 1 Ohio University Drive, Athens, OH 45701-2979 USA
| | - Heather R. Farmer
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE USA
| | | | - Taylor W. Hargrove
- Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
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7
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Ranjbar T, Oza PP, Kashfi K. The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System, Nitric Oxide, and Hydrogen Sulfide at the Crossroads of Hypertension and COVID-19: Racial Disparities and Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213895. [PMID: 36430371 PMCID: PMC9699619 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 and is more severe in the elderly, racial minorities, and those with comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes. These pathologies are often controlled with medications involving the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). RAAS is an endocrine system involved in maintaining blood pressure and blood volume through components of the system. SARS-CoV-2 enters the cells through ACE2, a membrane-bound protein related to RAAS. Therefore, the use of RAAS inhibitors could worsen the severity of COVID-19's symptoms, especially amongst those with pre-existing comorbidities. Although a vaccine is currently available to prevent and reduce the symptom severity of COVID-19, other options, such as nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide, may also have utility to prevent and treat this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Ranjbar
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Palak P. Oza
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Khosrow Kashfi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY 10031, USA
- Graduate Program in Biology, City University of New York Graduate Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Correspondence:
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Gilmore-Bykovskyi A, Croff R, Glover CM, Jackson JD, Resendez J, Perez A, Zuelsdorff M, Green-Harris G, Manly JJ. Traversing the Aging Research and Health Equity Divide: Toward Intersectional Frameworks of Research Justice and Participation. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2022; 62:711-720. [PMID: 34324633 PMCID: PMC9154232 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnab107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Meaningful reductions in racial and ethnic inequities in chronic diseases of aging remain unlikely without major advancements in the inclusion of minoritized populations in aging research. While sparse, studies investigating research participation disparities have predominantly focused on individual-level factors and behavioral change, overlooking the influence of study design, structural factors, and social determinants of health on participation. This is also reflected in conventional practices that consistently fail to address established participation barriers, such as study requirements that impose financial, transportation, linguistic, and/or logistical barriers that disproportionately burden participants belonging to minoritized populations. These shortcomings not only risk exacerbating distrust toward research and researchers, but also introduce significant selection biases, diminishing our ability to detect differential mechanisms of risk, resilience, and response to interventions across subpopulations. This forum article examines the intersecting factors that drive both health inequities in aging and disparate participation in aging research among minoritized populations. Using an intersectional, social justice, and emancipatory lens, we characterize the role of social determinants, historical contexts, and contemporaneous structures in shaping research accessibility and inclusion. We also introduce frameworks to accelerate transformative theoretical approaches to fostering equitable inclusion of minoritized populations in aging research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gilmore-Bykovskyi
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Health Disparities Research, Madison, WI, USA
- University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Raina Croff
- NIA Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Crystal M Glover
- Division of Behavioral Sciences, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jonathan D Jackson
- Community Access, Recruitment, & Engagement (CARE) Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jason Resendez
- UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Adriana Perez
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Megan Zuelsdorff
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Health Disparities Research, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Jennifer J Manly
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
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Siller H, Aydin N. Using an Intersectional Lens on Vulnerability and Resilience in Minority and/or Marginalized Groups During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review. Front Psychol 2022; 13:894103. [PMID: 35664166 PMCID: PMC9158486 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.894103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout the pandemic, the media and scholars have widely discussed increasing social inequality and thereby publicly pointed to often hidden and neglected forms of inequality. However, the "newly" arisen awareness has not yet been put into action to reduce this inequality. Dealing with social inequality implies exploring and confronting social privileges, which are often seen as the other side of inequality. These social constructs, inequality and privilege, are often discussed in light of vulnerability and resilience. This is particularly important in the context of the worldwide coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and efforts to end the pandemic, as both constructs are discussed regarding access to healthcare, vaccination, and education and knowledge, misinformation, social resources, economic resources, and so forth. Minority and/or marginalized groups may be particularly vulnerable to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, resilience factors in these groups may be neglected and underreported. This narrative review aims at illustrating the specific and intertwined aspects of resilience and vulnerability in minority and/or marginalized groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve this, we use an intersectional lens based on recommendations made by Moradi and Grzanka. A total of 48 articles were included in the narrative review. Most of them were commentaries focusing on social inequality, vulnerability, and/or resilience. Based on the dissection of articles at structural, systemic, and individual levels, we propose three hypothesis on vulnerability and resilience in minority and marginalized individuals and groups: (1) social inequality must be considered at a global level; inequality at a global level translates into a vulnerable context for an individual; (2) vulnerability is historically situated: vulnerability (experienced during the pandemic) is maintained and reinforced by history; (3) strength through collective (historical) hardship: vulnerability is not the opposite of resilience but may serve as an aspect of resilience. The conclusions drawn from this review show that we need to include diverse voices to advance concepts, such as vulnerability and resilience, in minority and marginalized groups. Additionally, these concepts are not necessarily in opposition to each other, but vulnerability should be understood as an integral part of resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Siller
- Department for Psychology, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
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Chen JH. Disparities in Mental Health and Well-Being between Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Aging Health 2022; 34:939-950. [PMID: 35430925 PMCID: PMC9014338 DOI: 10.1177/08982643221081965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: This study examines disparities in older adults’ mental
health and well-being during the pandemic by sexual minority status.
Methods: This study analyzed data on older adults from the
Health and Retirement Study’s COVID-19 Module (N = 3142 for heterosexuals and N
= 75 for sexual minorities). Weighted regressions linked concern about COVID-19,
depression, pandemic emotional stress, and changes in loneliness, in-person
contacts, income, and work to sexual minority status, controlling for
sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Compared to
heterosexuals, sexual minority older adults had more concern about the pandemic
and emotional stress and showed a decrease in in-person contact during the
pandemic—these differences were not explained by sociodemographic
characteristics. Sexual minority older adults were also more likely to have
changes in income and work during the pandemic, but these differences were
explained by sociodemographic characteristics. Discussion: Sexual
minority older adults have experienced worse mental health outcomes than
heterosexuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, which merits intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Hao Chen
- Department of Sociology & Department of Psychology, National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Blueford JM, Adams CR. Trauma‐Informed Grief Counseling With Older BIPOC Individuals. ADULTSPAN JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/adsp.12114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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