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Ashe JJ, Evans MK, Zonderman AB, Waldstein SR. Absent Relations of Religious Coping to Telomere Length in African American and White Women and Men. Exp Aging Res 2024; 50:459-481. [PMID: 37258109 PMCID: PMC10687320 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2023.2219187] [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] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated whether race and sex moderated the relations of religious coping to telomere length (TL), a biomarker of cellular aging implicated in race-related health disparities. METHODS Participant data were drawn from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study, which included 252 socioeconomically diverse African American and White men and women aged (30-64 years old). Cross-sectional multivariable regression analyses examined interactive associations of religious coping, race, and sex to TL, adjusting for other sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS Religious coping was unrelated to TL in this sample (p's > .05). There were no notable race or sex differences. Post hoc exploratory analyses similarly found that neither secular social support coping use nor substance use coping was associated with TL. CONCLUSION There was no evidence to support that religious coping use provided protective effects to TL in this sample of African American and White women and men. Nevertheless, future studies should use more comprehensive assessments of religious coping and intersectional identities to provide an in-depth examination of religiosity/spirituality as a potential culturally salient protective factor in cellular aging among African Americans in the context of specific chronic stressors such as discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J. Ashe
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Michele K. Evans
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Alan B. Zonderman
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Shari R. Waldstein
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, US
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, US
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Williams E, Harris LK, Zhang S, Cortés YI. Daily spiritual experiences and allostatic load trajectories: a longitudinal study of midlife African American women. Menopause 2024; 31:530-536. [PMID: 38595203 PMCID: PMC11126357 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002353] [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: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the association between daily spiritual experiences and allostatic load (AL) trajectories in midlife African American women. METHODS A longitudinal analysis of public-use data from 727 African American women in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) was performed. We included African American women who completed the Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale at SWAN visit 4 (2000-2001) and had AL data at three or more study visits over 7 years. AL was calculated at each visit using 10 biomarkers: systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, C-reactive protein, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, waist-to-hip ratio, fasting serum glucose, triglycerides, and dehydroepiandrosterone. Group-based trajectory modeling identified women with similar patterns of AL. We used multinomial logistic regression to estimate associations between daily spiritual experiences (some days or less, most days, daily, many times a day) and AL trajectories. FINDINGS Our sample had a mean ± SD age of 49.9 ± 2.66 years, 47% were early perimenopausal, and 17% earned <$19,999 annually. The mean ± SD AL score was 2.52 ± 1.68. Three AL trajectories were identified: low (35.1%), moderate (44.7%), and high (20.2%). In age-adjusted models, women who reported daily comfort in religion and spirituality were less likely to follow a high AL trajectory (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.18-0.93); the association was attenuated when controlling for depressive symptoms (odds ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.19-1.21). CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study do not support an independent association between spirituality in African American women and AL trajectories in midlife. Studies with a larger sample and additional measures of spirituality are warranted in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Williams
- From the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Latesha K Harris
- From the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Yamnia I Cortés
- Division of Community and Primary Health, Duke University School of Medicine, MRI Service Center, University of Iowa College of Nursing, Iowa City, IA
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Dominguez LJ, Veronese N, Barbagallo M. The link between spirituality and longevity. Aging Clin Exp Res 2024; 36:32. [PMID: 38341843 PMCID: PMC10859326 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02684-5] [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] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
We are facing an inverted demographic pyramid with continuously growing aged populations around the world. However, the advances that prolong physical life not always contemplate its psychological and social dimensions. Longevity is a complex outcome influenced by a wide range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, access to healthcare, socio-economic conditions, and other environmental factors. These factors have been generally considered in the compelling research that seeks the determinants of longevity, particularly those concerning personal lifestyle choices, socioeconomic conditions, and molecular mechanisms proposed to mediate these effects. Nonetheless, fundamental aspects that can affect health and well-being, such as spirituality and religiosity, have been somehow left aside despite numerous epidemiological studies showing that higher levels of spirituality/religiosity are associated with lower risk of mortality, even after adjusting for relevant confounders. Because spirituality/religiosity are dimensions of great value for patients, overlooking them can leave them with feelings of neglect and lack of connection with the health system and with the clinicians in charge of their care. Integrating spirituality and religiosity assessment and intervention programs into clinical care can help each person obtain better and complete well-being and also allowing clinicians to achieve the highest standards of health with holistic, person-centered care. The present narrative review aims to explore the available evidence of a relationship between spirituality/religiosity and longevity and discusses the possible mechanisms that can help explain such relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicola Veronese
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mario Barbagallo
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
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Norland K, Schaid DJ, Naderian M, Na J, Kullo IJ. Joint Association of Polygenic Risk and Social Determinants of Health with Coronary Heart Disease in the United States. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.01.10.24301105. [PMID: 38260263 PMCID: PMC10802647 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.10.24301105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Background The joint effects of polygenic risk and social determinants of health (SDOH) on coronary heart disease (CHD) in the United States are unknown. Methods In 67,256 All of Us (AoU) participants with available SDOH data, we ascertained self-reported race/ethnicity and calculated a polygenic risk score for CHD (PRS CHD ). We used 90 SDOH survey questions to develop an SDOH score for CHD (SDOH CHD ). We assessed the distribution of SDOH CHD across self-reported races and US states. We tested the joint association of SDOH CHD and PRS CHD with CHD in regression models that included clinical risk factors. Results SDOH CHD was highest in self-reported black and Hispanic people. Self-reporting as black was associated with higher odds of CHD but not after adjustment for SDOH CHD . Median SDOH CHD values varied by US state and were associated with heart disease mortality. A 1-SD increase in SDOH CHD was associated with CHD (OR=1.36; 95% CI, 1.29 to 1.46) and incident CHD (HR=1.73; 95% CI, 1.27 to 2.35) in models that included PRS CHD and clinical risk factors. Among people in the top 20% of PRS CHD , CHD prevalence was 4.8% and 7.8% in the bottom and top 20% of SDOH CHD , respectively. Conclusions Increased odds of CHD in self-reported black people are likely due to higher SDOH burden. SDOH and PRS were independently associated with CHD in the US. Our findings emphasize the need to consider both PRS and SDOH for equitable disease risk assessment.
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Allouch F, Mills KT, Laurent J, Alvarado F, Gustat J, He H, He J, Ferdinand KC. Perceived Religious Influence on Health Is Associated with Beneficial Health Behaviors in Members of Predominantly Black Churches. Ethn Dis 2023; DECIPHeR:81-88. [PMID: 38846731 PMCID: PMC11099522 DOI: 10.18865/ed.decipher.81] [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] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and Black populations are disproportionately affected. Black populations also have high rates of religiosity, which may be an important health motivator, but mechanisms are unclear. Objective We examined the relationship between perceived religious influence on health and cardiovascular health behaviors, risk factors, and confidence participating in medical care in Black church congregants. Methods We surveyed 302 members of 13 churches with predominantly Black congregations in New Orleans, Louisiana. Participants reported if religious beliefs had an influence on their health and if they avoided harmful behaviors because of religion. Fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, smoking status, confidence asking questions to health care providers, understanding treatment plans and self-reported hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes were assessed. Logistic regression was used adjusting for age, sex, and education. Results Survey respondents were 77% female with a median age of 66 years, and 72%, 56%, and 37% reported hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes, respectively. Perceived religious influence on health was positively associated with fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, and confidence asking questions to health care providers. Avoiding harmful behaviors because of religion was positively associated with physical activity. There was no association between perceived religious influence on health and smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or diabetes. Conclusion Perceived religious influence on health was associated with beneficial cardiovascular health behaviors and confidence participating in medical care. These findings can inform the design and delivery of interventions to reduce cardiovascular disease among Black religious communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Allouch
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Katherine T. Mills
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
- Translational Sciences Institute, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Jodie Laurent
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Flor Alvarado
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Jeanette Gustat
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
- Translational Sciences Institute, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Hua He
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
- Translational Sciences Institute, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Jiang He
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
- Translational Sciences Institute, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Keith C. Ferdinand
- Translational Sciences Institute, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
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Ferdinand KC, Charbonnet RM, Laurent J, Villavaso CD. Eliminating hypertension disparities in U.S. non-Hispanic black adults: current and emerging interventions. Curr Opin Cardiol 2023; 38:304-310. [PMID: 37115906 DOI: 10.1097/hco.0000000000001040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hypertension in non-Hispanic black (NHB) adults in the United States has an earlier onset, higher prevalence, and increased severity compared with other racial/ethnic populations. Uncontrolled hypertension is responsible for the increased burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality and decreased longevity in NHB adults. Unfortunately, eliminating the persistent hypertension-associated disparities and the white/black mortality gap, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, has been challenging. Overcoming the social determinants of health (SDOH), implementing therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC), and using intensive guideline-directed medical therapy are required. Moreover, novel approaches, including community-based interventions and self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring, may mitigate U.S. disparities in hypertension. RECENT FINDINGS In this review, we discuss recent data regarding the U.S. NHB adult disparate hypertension control and CVD morbidity and mortality. We note current approaches to address disparities, such as TLC, evidence-based pharmacotherapy, community-based interventions and SMBP. Finally, we explore future research and initiatives to seek hypertension-related health equity. SUMMARY In the final analysis, longstanding, unacceptable hypertension and CVD morbidity and mortality in U.S. NHB adults must be addressed. Appropriate TLC and evidence-based pharmacotherapy benefit all populations, especially NHB adults. Ultimately, novel community-based interventions and SMBP may help overcome the SDOH that cause hypertension disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith C Ferdinand
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine
| | - Rachel M Charbonnet
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine
| | - Jodie Laurent
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Chloe D Villavaso
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine
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Del Brutto OH, Mera RM, Rumbea DA, Recalde BY, Sedler MJ. Detrimental effect of high social risk on the cardiovascular health status of community-dwelling older adults living in rural settings. A population-based, longitudinal prospective study. Int J Cardiol 2023; 375:124-130. [PMID: 36581111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2022.12.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Information of the effect of social risk on the cardiovascular health (CVH) status among individuals living in rural settings is limited. We aim to assess this effect in participants of the Three Villages Study cohort. METHODS Following a longitudinal prospective design, older adults living in rural Ecuador received baseline social risk determinations by means of social determinants of health components included in the Gijon's Social-Familial Evaluation Scale (SFES) together with clinical interviews and procedures to determine CVH status included in the Life's Simple 7 construct. Those who also received CVH assessment at the end of the study were included. Random-effects generalized least square and mixed logistic regression models were fitted to assess the longitudinal effect of social risk on CVH metrics, after adjusting for relevant covariates. RESULTS The study included 443 community dwellers (mean age: 67 ± 7 years). The Gijon's SFES mean score was 9.8 ± 2.7 points. The mean number of ideal CVH metrics at baseline was 3.1 ± 1.3, which decreased to 2.6 ± 1.2 (β: -0.467; 95% C.I.: -0.588 to -0.346), after a mean of 7.31 ± 3.26 years of follow-up. The total Gijon's SFES score was higher among individuals with a worsening CVH status compared to those who did not (10.4 ± 2.6 versus 9.3 ± 2.6; p < 0.001). The ideal CVH status declined 1.23 (95% C.I.: 1.13-1.34) times per point of change in the total Gijon's SFES score. CONCLUSION Study results indicate a deleterious effect of high social risk on CVH status at follow-up in this underserved population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar H Del Brutto
- School of Medicine and Research Center, Universidad Espíritu Santo - Ecuador, Samborondón, Ecuador.
| | - Robertino M Mera
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology, Freenome, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Denisse A Rumbea
- School of Medicine and Research Center, Universidad Espíritu Santo - Ecuador, Samborondón, Ecuador
| | - Bettsy Y Recalde
- School of Medicine and Research Center, Universidad Espíritu Santo - Ecuador, Samborondón, Ecuador
| | - Mark J Sedler
- Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, New York, NY, USA
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Silva CGDSE. Is There a Role for Religion and Spirituality in Cardiac Rehabilitation? Arq Bras Cardiol 2023; 120:e20230088. [PMID: 37018792 PMCID: PMC10392855 DOI: 10.36660/abc.20230088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
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