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Barman P, Rahut DB, Mishra R. Mediating role of social disengagement and loneliness in the nexus between functional health and mental well-being in older individuals. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16232. [PMID: 39004615 PMCID: PMC11247097 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66919-9] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Few studies have focused sufficiently on the intricate link between functional health and depression among older people aged 60 and above in India. Therefore, the current study investigates the association between functional health and depression among older Indian adults through the mediating role of social disengagement and loneliness and the moderating role of living arrangements using recent data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI: 2017-2018). Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form (CIDI-SF) for depression, the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) for functional health, and the indoor/outdoor activities, visits, and religious events for social disengagement were used. The feelings of loneliness and living arrangements were measured using single-item questions and surveys/interviews of household members. Bivariate analysis, logistic regression, and a Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Model were adopted. The results show that older persons with functional health had 1.85 times higher odds of depression; similarly, those not engaging in social activities and experiencing loneliness were more likely to feel depressed. Living with someone was negatively linked to depression. A significant moderation by living arrangements in the functional health-depression relationship was also observed. The results also indicate significant mediating roles of social disengagement and loneliness, with 22.0% and 3.08% mediation effects, respectively. Therefore, this study recommends the provision of housing and social interaction among older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Papai Barman
- International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, 400088, India.
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Saintila J, Pizarro-Ramírez EL, Acosta Enríquez ME, Zanga-Céspedes M, Calizaya-Milla YE. Religious Involvement, Vegetarian Diet, and Mental Well-Being Among Seventh-day Adventists in Peru. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2024:10.1007/s10943-024-02071-y. [PMID: 38831207 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-024-02071-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Mental well-being is conditioned by several factors, including religious involvement and diet. However, this evidence does not exist among members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) in Latin America, particularly Peru. This study evaluated the association between religious involvement and vegetarian diet with mental well-being in members of the SDA Church in Peru. In this cross-sectional study, the sample included 767 participants, aged 18 to 59 years. A face-to-face and online survey was administered that included information on the dietary regimen and sociodemographic characteristics. Religious involvement and mental well-being were measured using the 12-item version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the Duke University Religion Index (DUREL), respectively. A multivariate analysis was conducted to investigate the factors associated with mental well-being. Being female (β = 1.80, p < 0.001), coming from the highland region (β = 1.98, p < 0.001), having a basic educational degree (β = 1.85, p < 0.001), a higher level of religious involvement (β = 0.34, p < 0.001), and being vegetarian (β = 1.21, p < 0.001) were associated with greater mental well-being. This evidence highlights the implication of religious participation and a vegetarian diet in mental health, not only among SDA church members but also in a broader context. However, it should be recognized that direct transfer of church-based health promotion interventions and strategies to the general population can present challenges; therefore, it is suggested that these strategies should be adapted and adjusted to consider differences in the community context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacksaint Saintila
- Research Group for Nutrition and Healthy Behaviors, School of Medicine, Universidad Señor de Sipán, Km 5, Carretera a Pimentel, 14001, Chiclayo, Lambayeque, Peru.
| | | | | | | | - Yaquelin E Calizaya-Milla
- Research Group for Nutrition and Lifestyle, School of Human Nutrition, Universidad Peruana Unión, Chosica, Lima 15, Peru.
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Hassan BH, Fernández-Alcántara M, García-Caro MP, Ibrahim N, Eweida RS. Cross-Cultural Comparison of Older Adults' Emotional Responses Toward Death: A Pilot Study. Res Gerontol Nurs 2024; 17:112-120. [PMID: 38598781 DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20240402-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The current study reports preliminary findings from a pilot sample that sought to compare the emotional responses of older adults toward death in Egyptian and Spanish cultures. METHOD A cohort of 90 eligible older adults from Egypt and Spain were recruited using a cross-sectional descriptive design. RESULTS Egyptian participants recorded a significantly higher score in approaching acceptance of death compared to their Spanish counterparts (mean = 21.57, SD = 9.4 and mean = 13.51, SD = 7.11, respectively). Post-hoc test showed there were differences in levels of valence (F[1,86] = 23.88, p < 0.001), indicating that older adults in Spain perceived such images as more unpleasant compared to Egyptian older adults. A significant difference related to death attitude profile scale was noted between Egyptian and Spanish older adults. CONCLUSION Egyptian and Spanish older adults demonstrated different attitudes toward death in addition to differences in death anxiety and depression. This preliminary study validates the importance of developing effective nursing strategies to lessen anxiety and fear about death. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17(3), 112-120.].
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Karlin NJ. Divergent Experiences Reported by Rural and Frontier Older Adults Aging in Place. J Aging Soc Policy 2024; 36:262-281. [PMID: 37011130 DOI: 10.1080/08959420.2023.2197562] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Aging research tends to define rural as any area that is not urban without considering the diversity that exists within rural environments. Using government guidelines defining frontier and rural counties, the purpose was to identify similarities and differences in the aging experience reported by community-dwelling rural and frontier older adults. Individual interviews were completed in Wyoming with 142 older adults from frontier (n = 72) and rural counties (n=70). Summative content analysis was used to evaluate responses within the framework of social influences and nested environmental interactions of a socio-ecological model. Rural older adults reported needing more medical services and care, while frontier adults indicated an absence for many of these services. Similar response patterns were indicated with regard to grocery stores and general shopping. Current interview statements provide foundational information for future policies that recognize frontier aging in place that does not equate to aging in rural specific areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy J Karlin
- Professor, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado, USA
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Riviati N, Indra B. Reading Holy Quran Associated With Better Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2024; 10:23337214241239219. [PMID: 38505741 PMCID: PMC10949544 DOI: 10.1177/23337214241239219] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: As the global population ages, understanding factors that contribute to better cognitive function in older adults becomes crucial. This systematic review delves into the potential relationship between reading the Holy Quran and cognitive function in older adults. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across five electronic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Tripdatabase, Cochrane) to identify relevant studies that were published between 2004 to December 2023. Inclusion criteria were centered on studies exploring the correlation between reading the Quran and cognitive function in older adults. Results: Five studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in this systematic review. Notably, four of these studies reported a significant correlation between the intensity or duration of Quranic reading and improved cognitive function in older adults. Discussion: The findings imply a potential positive association between engaging with the Holy Quran and cognitive function among the elderly. This relationship holds promise for potential applications in cognitive health interventions for older adults especially for Muslim patients. Conclusion: This review provides evidence supporting the relationship between reading the Holy Quran and normal cognitive function in older adults. The consistent findings underscore the importance of further research to elucidate underlying mechanisms and consider potential implications for cognitive health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Riviati
- University of Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia
| | - Bima Indra
- University of Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia
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Saravanakumar P, Muhammad T, Paul R, Srivastava S. Explaining the Urban-Rural Difference in Late-Life Depression in India: Evidence from a Multivariate Decomposition Analysis Based on Longitudinal Aging Study in India, Wave 2017-18. Clin Gerontol 2024; 47:270-287. [PMID: 37700396 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2023.2257179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study explored the associated factors of depression among older Indian adults and the influences of individual and socio-environmental factors in explaining the rural-urban difference in the prevalence of late-life depression. METHODS Data come from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India, with a sample of 30,637 older adults aged 60 and above. Multivariable logistic regression and nonlinear multivariate decomposition analyses were conducted to fulfill the objectives. RESULTS About 6.2% older adults in urban areas and 9.5% in rural areas were depressed. Older adults in rural areas had significantly higher likelihood to be depressed than those in urban areas. Poor self-rated health, multiple chronic conditions, functional difficulty, low life satisfaction, social inactivity, low satisfaction with living arrangement, ill-treatment and being widowed increased the risk of depression. Additionally, work status similar to urban older adults, physical activity, living arrangement satisfaction, self-rated health and ill-treatment would decrease the urban-rural difference in depression. CONCLUSIONS The study showed significant rural-urban difference in late-life depression, with a rural disadvantage. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The findings suggest the need for identifying at-risk populations and developing a framework of targeted policy interventions for mitigating the increased risk of late-life depression among older Indians and in rural areas in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Saravanakumar
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - T Muhammad
- Department of Family & Generations, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | - Ronak Paul
- Department of Public Health & Mortality Studies, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | - Shobhit Srivastava
- Department of Survey Research & Data Analytics, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
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Sánchez-Rodríguez MA, Zacarías-Flores M, Correa-Muñoz E, Mendoza-Núñez VM. Advanced Activities of Daily Living in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS 2018). Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2107. [PMID: 37510550 PMCID: PMC10378797 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11142107] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The advanced activities of daily living (AADLs) in old age is a key indicator of the mobility domain for the intrinsic capacity of older adults living in the community; for this reason, it is relevant to know the prevalence and risk factors related to performing fewer AADLs in different populations. AIM To determine the prevalence and factors associated with the ability to perform AADLs in older adults reported in the Mexican Study of Health and Aging (MSHA 2018). METHODS A secondary cross-sectional analysis of the MSHA 2018 data was carried out, including a convenience sample of 6474 subjects ≥ 60 years of age, for both sexes, without cognitive deficits. Nine questions related to AADLs were selected from the database. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with <3 AADLs, including sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health status factors. RESULTS The prevalence of the ability to perform <3 AADLs was 63%. Age is the most important risk factor for <3 AADLs, which increases by the decade, followed by sedentary lifestyle (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.91-2.42, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that age, schooling, urban residence, sedentary lifestyle, and comorbidity are the main risk factors for <3 AADLs in older Mexican adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha A Sánchez-Rodríguez
- Research Unit on Gerontology, FES Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico
| | - Mariano Zacarías-Flores
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Gustavo Baz Prada, Institute of Health of the State of Mexico, Nezahualcóyotl 57300, State of Mexico, Mexico
| | - Elsa Correa-Muñoz
- Research Unit on Gerontology, FES Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico
| | - Víctor Manuel Mendoza-Núñez
- Research Unit on Gerontology, FES Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico
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Muhammad T, Pai M, Afsal K, Saravanakumar P, Irshad CV. The association between loneliness and life satisfaction: examining spirituality, religiosity, and religious participation as moderators. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:301. [PMID: 37193948 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04017-7] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Future cohort of older adults may have to rely on non-family sources and forms of support, religion being one of them. This may be especially so, considering the recent longitudinal evidence that individuals are inclined to become more religious with increasing age. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to assess the association between loneliness and life satisfaction among older adults in India, and the extent to which the association between loneliness and life satisfaction is moderated by spirituality, religiosity, and religious participation. METHODS Data come from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India, with a sample of 31,464 individuals aged 60 years and above. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to examine the independent association of loneliness and life satisfaction. Further, an interaction analysis was conducted to examine the extent to which the association between perceived loneliness and life satisfaction is moderated by spirituality, religiosity and religious participation among older Indians. RESULTS The prevalence of low life satisfaction (LLS) was 30.84%; a total of 37.25% of participants reported feeling lonely, 12.54% reported a lack of spiritual experience, 21.24% reported not being religious, and 19.31% reported not participating in religious activities. Older adults who felt lonely had higher odds of LLS relative to peers who were not lonely. Further, the adverse impact of loneliness on LLS among older Indians is moderated by their spirituality, religiosity, and religious participation. Specifically, the adverse impact of loneliness on LLS was less negatively pronounced among older adults who were spiritual, religious, and engaged in religious activities. CONCLUSIONS The study found an independent association between loneliness and lower life satisfaction among older adults in India. It also revealed that religiosity, spirituality and religious participation moderate the association between loneliness and lower life satisfaction. These findings, which underscore the health promoting benefits of religiosity and religious engagement, may be used to build on the interaction between religious and faith-based groups and public health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Muhammad
- Department of Family & Generations, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, 400088, India.
| | - Manacy Pai
- Department of Sociology and Criminology, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - K Afsal
- Department of Migration & Urban Studies, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, 400088, India
| | - Priya Saravanakumar
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Building 10, Level 7, 235 Jones St, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - C V Irshad
- School of Social Sciences and Languages, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
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Back to Basics: The Role of Living Arrangement on Self-Reported Morbidity Among Older Adults in India. AGEING INTERNATIONAL 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12126-023-09517-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Li J, Li Y, Sun F, Lu C. The influence of environmental awareness and conditions on successful aging: Evidence of air and water pollution in China. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2236680. [PMID: 37515821 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2236680] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
This study examines three aspects of successful aging including subjective health, cognitive ability, and social participation and their relations with environmental conditions and environmental awareness. We used the seemingly uncorrelated regression and multilevel models to estimate the joint relationship by combining the Chinese General Social Survey (2013 and 2021) (N = 5404 and 1580 accordingly) and the Chinese Statistical Yearbook and used propensity score analysis to identify potential endogenous issues. The first finding is that older people who were men, married, lived in urban areas, or received social security had an edge in aging successfully. Secondly, the adverse effects of environmental pollution on older adults' cognitive ability and social participation can be reduced by the protective effects of environmental awareness. Additionally, air pollution had more apparent effects, and water pollution was more modest in social involvement. This study offers empirical results to enhance the well-being of the older population by lifting their environmental perception and improving environmental quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyue Li
- Department of Sociology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Empirical Social Science Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifei Li
- Department of Sociology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Empirical Social Science Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Sun
- School of Social Work, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Chuntian Lu
- Department of Sociology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Empirical Social Science Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
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Muhammad T, Paul R, Meher T, Rashmi R, Srivastava S. Decomposition of caste differential in life satisfaction among older adults in India. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:832. [PMID: 36319969 PMCID: PMC9628079 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03526-1] [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: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Being a multi-cultured country, India has varied social groups which largely shape the lives of individuals. Literature has shown that life satisfaction is highly associated with the social status of individuals. However, changing age dynamics (growing older) and definition of life among people presses the need to understand whether the additional years of life in older adults are manifested with the disparity in life satisfaction among the Scheduled Caste (SC)/ Scheduled Tribes (ST) and non-SC/ST social groups in recent years. The present study explored the factors contributing to such differences in life satisfaction across social groups. METHODS This study used data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India conducted during 2017-18. The analytical sample of the study was 30,370 older adults. Life satisfaction was the outcome variable with a score ranging from 5 to 35. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were conducted. Simple linear regression analysis was used to establish the association between the outcome and explanatory variables. Further, the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition model was used to analyse the role of explanatory factors in the caste difference in life satisfaction among older people. RESULTS Overall, the life satisfaction score among older adults in the study was 23.9 (SD- 7.3). Older adults from non-SC/ST group had significantly higher likelihood of having life satisfaction in comparison to older adults from SC/ST group [Coef: 0.31; CI: 0.14, 0.49]. The decomposition results showed that the model explained 74.3% of the caste gap (between SC/ST and non-SC/ST) in life satisfaction among older adults in India. Subjective social status (39.0%) was widening the gap for life satisfaction among older adults from SC/ST and non-SC/ST group. Similarly, level of education (15.2%) followed by satisfaction with living arrangement (13.2%) and place of residence (5.3%) contributed for widening the gap for life satisfaction among older adults from SC/ST and non-SC/ST group. Region of country (- 11.5%) followed by self-rated health (- 3.0%) and major depression (- 2.7%) contributed for narrowing down the gap for life satisfaction among older adults from SC/ST and non-SC/ST group. CONCLUSION Older adults belonging to non-SC/ST groups were more likely to have a higher level of life satisfaction than those from the SC/ST group. Factors like subjective social status, educational level, living arrangement satisfaction, and place of residence explained the caste differential in life satisfaction among older adults. In addition, factors such as psychological health and perceived health status should be the area of concern and special focus for policy makers and researchers in terms of reducing social inequalities in wellbeing among older population.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Muhammad
- grid.419349.20000 0001 0613 2600International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, -400088 India
| | - Ronak Paul
- grid.419349.20000 0001 0613 2600International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, -400088 India
| | - Trupti Meher
- grid.419349.20000 0001 0613 2600International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, -400088 India
| | - Rashmi Rashmi
- grid.419349.20000 0001 0613 2600International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, -400088 India
| | - Shobhit Srivastava
- grid.419349.20000 0001 0613 2600International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, -400088 India
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Kumar M, Muhammad T, Dwivedi LK. Assessing the role of depressive symptoms in the association between social engagement and cognitive functioning among older adults: analysis of cross-sectional data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063336. [PMID: 36202587 PMCID: PMC9540840 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to examine the confounding effects of depressive symptoms and the role of gender in the association between social engagement and cognitive functioning among older Indian adults. DESIGN Large-scale cross-sectional survey data were analysed. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (2017-2019) were used in the analysis. The sample included 23 584 individuals aged 60 years and above (11 403 men and 12 181 women). OUTCOME MEASURES The outcome variable was cognitive functioning, which was based on various measures including immediate and delayed word recall, orientation, executive functioning, arithmetic ability and object naming. Social engagement measure consists of marital status, living arrangement, availability of confidant, and participation in indoor games, and social and cultural functions. The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms. RESULTS Significant gender differences in mean cognition scores (men: 25.8, women: 21.1; on a scale of 0-43) were observed. Two-way stratification between social engagement and depressive symptoms was significantly associated with cognitive functioning after controlling for selected explanatory factors. Older men with a low level of social engagements had significantly poor cognitive functioning (β=-1.12; 95% CI: -1.53 to -0.72) compared with men with a high level of social engagements. On the other hand, women with a higher level of social engagement performed poorly on cognitive tests (β=-1.54; 95% CI: -2.11 to -0.98) compared with men with higher social engagements. Three-way stratification between social engagement, gender and depressive symptoms suggests that social engagement's buffering effects are lower in women than in men. The Karlson-Holm-Breen method identified a significant confounding effect of depressive symptoms on the relationship between social engagement and cognitive functioning. CONCLUSION The positive association of social engagement with cognitive functioning was significantly confounded by depressive symptoms, suggesting the need for maintaining social relations that help improve mental health and cognitive functioning among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- Department of Survey Research & Data Analytics, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - T Muhammad
- Department of Family & Generations, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Laxmi Kant Dwivedi
- Department of Survey Research & Data Analytics, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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