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Lin S(L. Healthy Immigrant Effect or Under-Detection? Examining Undiagnosed and Unrecognized Late-Life Depression for Racialized Immigrants and Nonimmigrants in Canada. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2024; 79:gbad104. [PMID: 37498769 PMCID: PMC11036341 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbad104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Immigrants to Canada tend to have a lower incidence of diagnosed depression than nonimmigrants. One theory suggests that this "healthy immigrant effect (HIE)" is due to positive selection. Another school of thought argues that the medical underuse of immigrants may be the underlying reason. This unclear "immigrant paradox" is further confounded by the intersecting race-migration nexus. METHODS This population-based study analyzed data of participants (n = 28,951, age ≥45) from the Canadian Community Health Survey (2015-2018). Multivariable logistic regression was employed to examine associations between race-migration nexus and mental health outcomes, including depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9] score ≥10). RESULTS Compared to Canadian-born (CB) Whites, immigrants, regardless of race, were less likely to receive a mood/anxiety disorder diagnosis (M/A-Dx) by health providers in their lifetime. Racialized immigrants were mentally disadvantaged with increased odds of undiagnosed depression (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.76, 99% Confidence interval [CI]:1.30-2.37), whereas White immigrants were mentally healthier with decreased odds of PHQ depression (AOR=0.75, 99%CI: 0.58, 0.96) and poor self-rated mental health (AOR=0.56, 99% CI=0.33, 0.95). Among the subpopulation without a previous M/A-Dx (N = 25,203), racialized immigrants had increased odds of PHQ depression (AOR = 1.45, 99% CI: 1.15-1.82) and unrecognized depression (AOR = 1.47, 99% CI: 1.08-2.00) than CB Whites. Other risk factors for undiagnosed depression include the lack of regular care providers, emergency room as the usual source of care, and being home renters. DISCUSSION Despite Canadian universal health coverage, the burden of undiagnosed depression disproportionately affects racialized (but not White) immigrants in mid to late life. Contingent on race-migration nexus, the HIE in mental health may be mainly driven by the healthier profile of White immigrants and partly attributable to the under-detection (by health professionals) and under-recognition of mental health conditions among racialized immigrants. A paradigm shift is needed to estimate late-life depression for medically underserved populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen (Lamson) Lin
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Fung HW, Lam SKK, Chien WT, Ling HWH, Wu ZY, Ross CA, Chau AKC. Reliability and Mental Health Correlates of a Single-Item Measure of Self-Rated Mental Health (SRMH) in the Chinese Context. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:122. [PMID: 38201026 PMCID: PMC10778785 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of single-item measures of self-rated mental health (SRMH) has been increasingly valued in epidemiologic research. However, little is known about the reliability and mental health correlates of SRMH in Chinese populations. This study examined the reliability and mental health correlates of SRMH in three Chinese samples. We analyzed data collected from two convenience samples of Chinese adults from Hong Kong and/or Taiwan (Sample 1: N = 205; Sample 2: N = 377), and a random sample of Taiwan psychiatric inpatients (Sample 3: N = 100). Our results showed that the single-item measure of SRMH had moderate to good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation [ICC] = 0.75) in Sample 1 and acceptable reliability between the self-report and interviewer-administered versions (ICC = 0.58) in Sample 3. It had a high positive correlation with self-esteem and a moderately high negative correlation with depression. It also had a consistently negative correlation with borderline personality disorder symptoms and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. The SRMH score was also associated with psychiatric service usage. These findings contribute to the body of knowledge regarding the use of a single-item measure of SRMH to assess overall self-perceived mental health in Chinese communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang Fung
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stanley Kam Ki Lam
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (S.K.K.L.); (W.T.C.)
| | - Wai Tong Chien
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (S.K.K.L.); (W.T.C.)
| | - Henry Wai-Hang Ling
- The Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China;
| | - Zi Yi Wu
- Yuli Hospital Ministry of Health and Welfare, Hualien 981, Taiwan;
| | - Colin A. Ross
- The Colin A. Ross Institute for Psychological Trauma, Richardson, TX 75080, USA;
| | - Anson Kai Chun Chau
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China;
- Institute of Health Equity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Johnson KF, Hood KB, Moreno O, Fuentes L, Williams CD, Vassileva J, Amstadter AB, Dick DM. COVID-19-Induced Inequalities and Mental Health: Testing the Moderating Roles of Self-rated Health and Race/Ethnicity. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:2093-2103. [PMID: 36018451 PMCID: PMC9415252 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01389-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the relationship among COVID-19-induced social, economic, and educational inequalities on mental health (i.e., anxiety and depression). This study also examines if levels of self-rated health (SRH) moderate the relationship (i.e., COVID-induced inequalities [CII] and mental health), as well as examines the racial/ethnic group differences among 567 young adults in the mid-Atlantic region. Using a moderation model, results indicate that CII were significantly related to depression (b = .221, t(554) = 4.59, p = .000) and anxiety (b = .140, t(555) = 3.23, p = .001). SRH and race/ethnicity also moderated both relationships. At above-average SRH (i.e., moderator), higher CII were also significantly related to lower anxiety (Asian young adults only) and lower depression (Asian and White young adults only). Overall, SRH and race/ethnicity are important factors in the mental health impact of COVID-19 on young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaprea F Johnson
- Department of Educational Studies, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kristina B Hood
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 W Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA.
| | - Oswaldo Moreno
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 W Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA
| | - Lisa Fuentes
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 W Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA
| | - Chelsea Derlan Williams
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 W Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA
| | - Jasmin Vassileva
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 W Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Ananda B Amstadter
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 W Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Danielle M Dick
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 W Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA
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Li W. Prevalence and risk factors associated with self-reported psychological distress among college students during the omicron outbreak in Shanghai. Front Public Health 2022; 10:936988. [PMID: 35937228 PMCID: PMC9352936 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.936988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background More and more attention has been paid to the mental health of students in higher education. The Omicron outbreak has brought renewed attention to this vulnerable group. Objective To understand the prevalence and influencing factors of anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms of college students in a closed state. Methods This large cross-sectional study using data from a survey on the mental health of college students in Shanghai (China), conducted by using a stratified cluster random sampling method between March 15th and April 15th, 2022. To estimate results related to regional location, only data from students with Internet protocol addresses and current addresses in Shanghai were included. The main outcome was self-reported psychological distress (including depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and self-assessment of health), measured using the epidemiologic studies depression scale (CES-D), the Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) and self-rated mental health (SRMH), respectively. Moreover, the Simplified Coping Style Scale (SCSS) was also used to assess how participants coped with negative emotions. Results Among 13,000 college students who completed the survey, 12,124 students were included in the final analysis, and the total effective rate was 93.3%. The prevalence of depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were 14.1 and 9.8%, respectively. By using Multivariate logistics regression analysis, we found that being male and negative coping were risk factors for depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms, while positive coping, such as study or learning, were protective factors. Moreover, linear regression analysis showed that learning or study improved the overall mental health index by improving anxiety or depressive symptoms, and played a partial mediating role. Conclusions These findings suggest that a significant number of college students, especially boys, will experience emotional problems during the course of closed schools. Therefore, we need to give them proper attention and advise them to adopt positive coping strategies, such as learning or study, to resist bad emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Li
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Kim T, White K, DuGoff E. Racial/Ethnic Variations in Social Determinants of Mental Health Among Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries. J Appl Gerontol 2021; 41:690-698. [PMID: 34404243 DOI: 10.1177/07334648211039311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examine associations between social determinants and mental health and assess how the associations vary by race/ethnicity using a large, diverse sample of older adults. METHOD A retrospective study of 444,057 older adults responding to the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey in 2015-2017 was conducted. Using a multilevel linear regression, we examined the associations between the self-reported number of unhealthy days due to mental health and social determinants, stratified by race/ethnicity. RESULTS Health factors were most strongly associated with unhealthy days across all racial/ethnic groups. Strength of other factors varied by race/ethnicity. Social/economic factors had stronger associations among Whites, Asians, and multiracial individuals, while such factors were not significant for American Indians/Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians/Other Pacific Islanders. DISCUSSION We found varying degrees of associations between social determinants and poor mental health by racial/ethnic groups. These results suggest that homogeneous interventions may not meet the mental health needs of all.
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Cobb S, Javanbakht A, Khalifeh Soltani E, Bazargan M, Assari S. Racial Difference in the Relationship Between Health and Happiness in the United States. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2020; 13:481-490. [PMID: 32547270 PMCID: PMC7259486 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s248633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although health is a prerequisite for happiness, the salience of health for maintaining happiness may be diminished for Blacks when compared to Whites, a phenomenon which can be explained by the Black-White mental health paradox and minorities’ diminished returns. Aim To understand if Black and White adult Americans differ in the effects of self-rated health (SRH) on happiness. Methods This cross-sectional study used data from the General Social Survey (GSS; 1972–2018), a nationally representative survey in the US. Our analytical sample included 42,201 Black and White adults. The independent variable was SRH. Happiness was the dependent variable. Sociodemographic factors were covariates. Race was the moderator. Logistic regression was used to analyze the data without and with interaction terms between race and SRH. Results Overall, good SRH was positively associated with happiness, however, there was a significant interaction between race/ethnicity and good SRH on the outcome (i.e. happiness) . This finding suggested that the boosting effect of good SRH on happiness is weaker for Black than White people. Conclusion In the United States, due to a weaker concordance between good health and happiness, Blacks who have poor SRH are more likely to report happiness. At the same time, Whites who are healthy report happiness, however, Blacks who are healthy do not necessarily report happiness. Disjointed link between health and happiness may be due to different racial, ethnic, and cultural perceptions of physical health and happiness as well as salience of physical health as a component of happiness. This may be an adaptive response of Blacks to sociopolitical as well as health-related adversities over centuries as a result of the combination of oppression, injustice, and poverty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Cobb
- School of Nursing, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arash Javanbakht
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - Mohsen Bazargan
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Family Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shervin Assari
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Cobb S, Assari S. Investigation of the Predictors of Self-rated Health of Economically Disadvantaged African American Men and Women: Evidence for Sponge Hypothesis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGIC RESEARCH 2020; 7:25-34. [PMID: 32395609 DOI: 10.34172/ijer.2020.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims According to the sponge hypothesis, compared to men's self-rated health (SRH), women's SRH is more likely to reflect conditions other than chronic medical conditions (CMCs) such as psychiatric disorders (PDs). As a result, poor SRH is a weaker predictive factor for mortality risk for women than men. Most of this literature, however, is done in samples that are predominantly middleclass White. To test the sponge hypothesis among economically disadvantaged African Americans (AAs), this study compared low-income AA men and women for the effects of the number of PDs and CMCs on SRH. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study recruited a non-random sample (n = 150) of economically disadvantaged AA adults with PD(s). Structured face-to-face interviews were used to collect data. SRH was measured using a single-item measure. PDs and CMCs were also self-reported. We applied linear regression models to test the interactions between SRH and the number of PDs and CMC as well as gender. Results The number of PDs and CMCs were associated with SRH in the pooled sample of low-income AA adults with PD(s). However, we found a significant interaction between the number of PDs and gender. This interaction suggested a stronger association between PDs and SRH for AA women than AA men. Gender did not alter the association between the number of CMCs and SRH. Conclusion The number of PDs is a determinant of SRH for low-income AA women but not AA men, supporting the sponge hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Cobb
- School of Nursing, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Shervin Assari
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, USA
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Assari S, Javanbakht A, Saqib M, Helmi H, Bazargan M, Smith JA. Neuroticism polygenic risk score predicts 20-year burden of depressive symptoms for Whites but not Blacks. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH AND INNOVATION 2019; 4:e000183. [PMID: 32133428 PMCID: PMC7055662 DOI: 10.32892/jmri.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black-White differences are reported in social, psychological, behavioral, medical, and biological correlates of depression. This study was conducted to compare Black and White older adults for the association between neuroticism polygenic risk score (N-PRS) and chronicity of depressive symptoms over 20 years. METHODS Data came from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), 1990 - 2012, a nationally representative sample of Americans above age 50. Current analysis followed 9,249 individuals (7,924 Whites and 1,325 Blacks) for up to 22 years. Depressive symptoms were measured every two years between 1992 and 2012 using the 8-item Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D-8). The independent variable was N-PRS. The dependent variable was average depressive symptoms between 1992 and 2012. Linear regression was used for data analysis. RESULTS In the pooled sample, higher N-PRS was associated with higher average depressive symptoms over the 20-year follow up period [b=0.01, 95%CI=0.00 to 0.04], net of all covariates. We also found an interaction between race and N-PRS [b=-0.02, 95%CI=-0.03 to 0.00], suggesting a stronger effect of N-PRS on 20-year average depressive symptoms for Whites than Blacks. Based on our race-specific linear regression models, higher N-PRS was associated with higher depressive symptoms from 1992 to 2012 for Whites [b=0.01, 95%CI=0.01 to 0.02] but not Blacks [b=0.00, 95%CI=-0.02 to 0.02]. CONCLUSION Black and White older adults may differ in the salience of the existing N-PRS for depressive symptoms, which better reflects the burden of depression for Whites than Blacks. This may be because the existing PRSs are derived from mostly or exclusively White samples, limiting their applicability in other race groups. Racial variation in psychosocial, clinical, and biological correlates of depression needs further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Assari
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arash Javanbakht
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Mohammed Saqib
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hamid Helmi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mohsen Bazargan
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Smith
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Assari S, Smith J, Bazargan M. Depression Fully Mediates the Effect of Multimorbidity on Self-Rated Health for Economically Disadvantaged African American Men but Not Women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E1670. [PMID: 31091652 PMCID: PMC6572520 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16101670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background. Although chronic medical conditions (CMCs), depression, and self-rated health (SRH) are associated, their associations may depend on race, ethnicity, gender, and their intersections. In predominantly White samples, SRH is shown to better reflect the risk of mortality and multimorbidity for men than it is for women, which suggests that poor SRH among women may be caused not only by CMCs, but also by conditions like depression and social relations-a phenomenon known as "the sponge hypothesis." However, little is known about gender differences in the links between multimorbidity, depression, and SRH among African Americans (AAs). Objective. To study whether depression differently mediates the association between multimorbidity and SRH for economically disadvantaged AA men and women. Methods. This survey was conducted in South Los Angeles between 2015 to 2018. A total number of 740 AA older adults (age ≥ 55 years) were enrolled in this study, of which 266 were AA men and 474 were AA women. The independent variable was the number of CMCs. The dependent variable was SRH. Age and socioeconomic status (educational attainment and marital status) were covariates. Depression was the mediator. Gender was the moderator. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data. Results. In the pooled sample that included both genders, depression partially mediated the effect of multimorbidity on SRH. In gender specific models, depression fully mediated the effects of multimorbidity on SRH for AA men but not AA women. For AA women but not AA men, social isolation was associated with depression. Conclusion. Gender differences exist in the role of depression as an underlying mechanism behind the effect of multimorbidity on the SRH of economically disadvantaged AA older adults. For AA men, depression may be the reason people with multimorbidity report worse SRH. For AA women, depression is only one of the many reasons individuals with multiple CMCs report poor SRH. Prevention of depression may differently influence the SRH of low-income AA men and women with multimorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Assari
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - James Smith
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Mohsen Bazargan
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Assari S, Smith J, Bazargan M. Health-Related Quality of Life of Economically Disadvantaged African American Older Adults: Age and Gender Differences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16091522. [PMID: 31036795 PMCID: PMC6538989 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: The association between age and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is still under debate. While some research shows older age is associated with better HRQoL, other studies show no or negative association between age and HRQoL. In addition, while the association between age and HRQoL may depend on race, ethnicity, gender, and their intersections, most previous research on this link has been performed in predominantly White Middle Class. Objective: To explore gender differences in the association between age and mental and physical HRQoL in a sample of economically disadvantaged African American (AA) older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in South Los Angeles between 2015 to 2018. A total number of 740 economically disadvantaged AA older adults (age ≥ 55 years) were enrolled in this study, using non-random sampling. This includes 266 AA men and 474 AA women. The independent variable of interest was age. Dependent variables of interest were physical component scores (PCS) and mental component scores (MCS), two main summary scores of the HRQoL, measured using Short Form-12 (SF-12). Gender was the moderator. Socioeconomic status (educational attainment and financial difficulty) were covariates. Linear regression models were used to analyze the data. Results: AA women reported worse PCS; however, gender did not impact MCS. In the pooled sample, high age was associated with better PCS and MCS. In the pooled sample, a significant interaction was found between gender and age on PCS, suggesting a stronger effect of age on PCS for AA men than AA women. In gender-stratified models, older age was associated with better PCS for AA men but not AA women. Older age was similarly and positively associated with better MCS for AA men and women. Conclusions: There may be some gender differences in the implications of ageing for the physical HRQoL of AA older adults. It is unclear how old age may have a boosting effect on physical HRQoL for AA men but not AA women. Future research should test gender differences in the effect of age on physical health indicators such as chronic disease as well as cognitive processes involved in the evaluation of own's health in AA men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Assari
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - James Smith
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Mohsen Bazargan
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Breslau J, Stein BD, Burns RM, Collins RL, Han B, Yu H, Mojtabai R. Examining contradictory evidence on racial/ethnic differences in perceived need for behavioral health treatment. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2018; 27:e1743. [PMID: 30207004 PMCID: PMC6279592 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.1743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study aims to investigate apparently contradictory evidence regarding racial/ethnic differences in perceived need for behavioral health treatment in two prominent surveys of the U.S. population, the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R) and the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). METHODS The two surveys were compared with respect to two components of perceived need: service use and perceived need among the untreated. Logistic regression models were estimated to adjust comparisons for demographic characteristics. Comparisons were conducted in samples representing the entire population, without selection on a mental health assessment, and for samples meeting criteria for lifetime major depression. RESULTS The surveys are concordant with respect to racial/ethnic differences in service use and discordant with respect to perceived need among the untreated. For instance, among untreated individuals, the odds of perceiving a need for treatment are significantly higher in Blacks than Whites in the NCS-R (OR = 1.8, 95% CI [1.1, 2.9]) but do not differ between these groups in the NSDUH (OR = 0.9, 95% CI [0.7, 1.2]). Temporal trends do not appear to explain this discordance. CONCLUSION Assessments of racial/ethnic differences in perceived need among untreated individuals are affected by methodological differences across surveys. Resolving contradictory evidence is critical to efforts to reduce racial/ethnic disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Breslau
- RAND Health Division, RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bradley D Stein
- RAND Health Division, RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rachel M Burns
- RAND Health Division, RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rebecca L Collins
- RAND Health Division, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | - Bing Han
- RAND Health Division, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | - Hao Yu
- RAND Health Division, RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ramin Mojtabai
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Assari S. Suicide Attempts in Michigan HealthCare System; Racial Differences. Brain Sci 2018; 8:E124. [PMID: 29966335 PMCID: PMC6071112 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8070124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-based studies have documented racial differences in social, psychiatric, and medical determinants of suicidal ideation; however, less is known about racial differences in the profile of suicide attempts in clinical settings. AIM The current study aimed to compare Blacks and Whites who attempted suicide for demographic factors, socioeconomic status, medical history, psychiatric disorders, and outcomes. METHODS This retrospective study was a retrospective chart review of DataDirect, which is an electronic data repository of the Michigan Health Care System, 2014 to 2017. This analysis included 6147 suicide attempts (5388 Whites and 759 Blacks). Race, sociodemographic factors, medical history, psychiatric disorders, and outcomes were measured. RESULTS Blacks and Whites with suicide attempt did not differ in age or gender, but varied by insurance type. Blacks were more commonly under Medicare and Medicaid, while Whites were more commonly under private insurance or self-pay (p < 0.05). Blacks with suicide attempt were more likely to be obese, while Whites with suicide attempt were more likely to be underweight. Frequency of psychiatric disorders, including depression, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and psychosis, were not different between Whites and Blacks with suicide attempt; however, medical conditions showed a different profile across racial groups. When compared to Whites, Blacks had higher prevalence of uncomplicated hypertension, renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coagulopathy, and obesity (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). In contrast, Whites had higher prevalence of other neurological disorders than Blacks. There were no differences in in-patient survival rate between Whites and Blacks who attempted suicide. CONCLUSION There are considerable differences between Blacks and Whites with at least one suicide attempt. Although their psychiatric diagnoses seem to be similar, Blacks who have attempted suicide attempt have more medical comorbidities than their White counterparts. Lack of racial disparities in in-patient mortality rate of suicide attempts in the Michigan Health Care System is promising news given the higher physical health needs of Blacks when compared to Whites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Assari
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 4250 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2700, USA.
- Center for Research on Ethnicity, Culture, and Health (CRECH), University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Franz Hall, 502 Portola Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
- BRITE Center for Science, Research and Policy, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Assari S. Psychiatric Disorders Differently Correlate with Physical Self-Rated Health across Ethnic Groups. J Pers Med 2017; 7:E6. [PMID: 29137173 PMCID: PMC5748622 DOI: 10.3390/jpm7040006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we compared 10 ethnic groups for associations between psychiatric disorders and physical self-rated health (SRH) in the United States. Data came from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (CPES), 2001-2003. The study included 7587 non-Latino White, 4746 African American, 1442 Mexican, 1106 other Hispanic, 656 other Asian, 600 Chinese, 577 Cuban, 520 Vietnamese, 508 Filipino, and 495 Puerto Rican individuals. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was used to measure psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD), general anxiety disorder (GAD), social phobia, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol abuse, and binge eating disorders. A single-item measure was used to estimate physical SRH. Demographic (age and gender) and socioeconomic (education and income) factors were also measured. Unadjusted and adjusted correlations between psychiatric disorders and physical SRH were calculated. Major ethnic variations were found in the correlation between psychiatric disorders and physical SRH; as well as the role of demographic and socioeconomic status (SES) factors in explaining these associations. non-Hispanic Whites, Cubans, and African Americans showed more correlations between psychiatric disorders and physical SRH than other ethnic groups. In non-Hispanic Whites, the associations between psychiatric disorders and physical SRH were explained by demographic factors. In African Americans, the link between psychiatric disorders and poor physical SRH were explained by SES indicators. In conclusion, although single-item physical SRH measures are traditionally assumed to reflect the physical health needs of populations, they may also indicate psychiatric disorders in some ethnic groups, such as non-Hispanic Whites, Cubans, and African Americans. Demographic and socioeconomic factors also have differential roles in explaining the link between psychiatric disorders and physical SRH. Physical SRH does not exclusively reflect physical health, and it may be more biased by mental health across some ethnic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Assari
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
- Center for Research on Ethnicity, Culture and Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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14
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Osera T, Awai M, Kobayashi M, Tsutie S, Kurihara N. Relationship between Self-Rated Health and Lifestyle and Food Habits in Japanese High School Students. Behav Sci (Basel) 2017; 7:E71. [PMID: 29057788 PMCID: PMC5746680 DOI: 10.3390/bs7040071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 10/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-rated health (SRH), a subjective assessment of health status, is extensively used in the field of public health. It is an important and valid measure that is strongly related to morbidity, mortality, longevity and health status. Adolescence is a crucial period for the formation of health status, because health-risk behaviours (e.g., skipping breakfast) are often established during this period. In this study, we investigated the relationship of SRH with lifestyle and eating habits in Japanese high school students. In this study, 1296 students aged 16-18 years from 11 high schools in Japan participated. A questionnaire was administered to these participants that included a question on SRH, five questions on demographic characteristics, six questions on lifestyle items (e.g., wake-up time), five questions on miscellaneous health issues (e.g., anorexia), and 25 questions on food habits and attitudes towards food. We examined the differences between self-rated healthy and unhealthy groups using logistic regression analysis adjusted for gender and age. A dichotomy regression analysis was performed using a stepwise elimination method. Of the 1296 respondents, 16.7% reported feeling unhealthy, 57.7% of whom were females. The self-rated healthy group had a higher frequency of eating breakfast (odds ratio (OR): 2.13; confidence interval (CI): 1.07-4.24) and liked home meals to a greater extent (OR: 3.12; CI: 1.27-7.65) than the self-rated unhealthy group. The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of other lifestyle factors or unidentified complaints. Our results suggest that liking home meals during adolescence may lead to the development of good eating habits, i.e., eating breakfast, and better SRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Osera
- Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Home Economics, Kobe Women's University, 2-1 Higashisuma-Aoyama, Suma, Kobe 654-8585, Japan.
- Takakuradai Kindergarten attached to Kobe Women's University, 4-2 Takakuradai, Suma, Kobe 654-0081, Japan.
| | - Mitsuyo Awai
- School of Nursing, Kansai University of Nursing and Health Science, 1456-4 Shizuki, Awaji-City 656-2131, Japan.
| | - Misako Kobayashi
- Takakuradai Kindergarten attached to Kobe Women's University, 4-2 Takakuradai, Suma, Kobe 654-0081, Japan.
| | - Setsuko Tsutie
- Clinical Nutrition Management, Graduate School of Home Economics, Kobe Women's University, 2-1 Higashisuma-Aoyama, Suma, Kobe 654-8585, Japan.
| | - Nobutaka Kurihara
- Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Home Economics, Kobe Women's University, 2-1 Higashisuma-Aoyama, Suma, Kobe 654-8585, Japan.
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Neuroticism Predicts Subsequent Risk of Major Depression for Whites but Not Blacks. Behav Sci (Basel) 2017; 7:bs7040064. [PMID: 28934128 PMCID: PMC5746673 DOI: 10.3390/bs7040064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cultural and ethnic differences in psychosocial and medical correlates of negative affect are well documented. This study aimed to compare blacks and whites for the predictive role of baseline neuroticism (N) on subsequent risk of major depressive episodes (MDD) 25 years later. Data came from the Americans’ Changing Lives (ACL) Study, 1986–2011. We used data on 1219 individuals (847 whites and 372 blacks) who had data on baseline N in 1986 and future MDD in 2011. The main predictor of interest was baseline N, measured using three items in 1986. The main outcome was 12 months MDD measured using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) at 2011. Covariates included baseline demographics (age and gender), socioeconomics (education and income), depressive symptoms [Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)], stress, health behaviors (smoking and driking), and physical health [chronic medical conditions, obesity, and self-rated health (SRH)] measured in 1986. Logistic regressions were used to test the predictive role of baseline N on subsequent risk of MDD 25 years later, net of covariates. The models were estimated in the pooled sample, as well as blacks and whites. In the pooled sample, baseline N predicted subsequent risk of MDD 25 years later (OR = 2.23, 95%CI = 1.14–4.34), net of covariates. We also found a marginally significant interaction between race and baseline N on subsequent risk of MDD (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.12–1.12), suggesting a stronger effect for whites compared to blacks. In race-specific models, among whites (OR = 2.55; 95% CI = 1.22–5.32) but not blacks (OR = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.24–3.39), baseline N predicted subsequent risk of MDD. Black-white differences in socioeconomics and physical health could not explain the racial differences in the link between N and MDD. Blacks and whites differ in the salience of baseline N as a psychological determinant of MDD risk over a long period of time. This finding supports the cultural moderation hypothesis and is in line with other previously reported black–white differences in social, psychological, and medical correlates of negative affect and depression.
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Assari S, Lankarani MM. Demographic and Socioeconomic Determinants of Physical and Mental Self-rated Health Across 10 Ethnic Groups in the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGIC RESEARCH 2017; 3:185-193. [PMID: 31435528 DOI: 10.15171/ijer.2017.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims The aim of this study was to explore ethnic differences in demographic and socioeconomic determinants of poor physical and mental self-rated health (SRH) in the United States. Methods We used data from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (CPES) 2001-2003, which included a national household probability sample of 18237 individuals including 520 Vietnamese, 508 Filipino, 600 Chinese, 656 other Asian, 577 Cuban, 495 Puerto Rican, 1442 Mexican, 1106 other Hispanic, 4746 African American, and 7587 non-Latino Whites. Demographic factors (age and gender), socioeconomic factors (education and income), body mass index (BMI), and physical and mental SRH were measured. Pearson correlation was used to explore correlates of physical and mental SRH across ethnic groups. Results While age was positively associated with poor physical SRH, ethnic groups differed in the effect of age on mental SRH. Age was positively associated with mental SRH among Vietnamese, Filipino, Chinese, Cuban, Puerto Rican, and African American individuals, but this was not so for other Asians, Mexicans, other Hispanics, and non-Hispanic Whites. Chinese and Cubans were the only groups where female gender was associated with poor physical and mental SRH. With other Asians being an exception, education and income were protective against poor physical and mental SRH in all ethnic groups. Ethnic groups also differed in how their mental and physical SRH reflect BMI. Conclusion Demographic and socioeconomic determinants of physical and mental SRH vary across ethnic groups. Poor physical and mental SRH are differently shaped by social determinants across ethnic groups. These ethnic differences may cause bias in health measurement in ethnically diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Assari
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, USA
| | - Maryam Moghani Lankarani
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. Center for Research on Ethnicity, Culture and Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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