Socioeconomic Status and Race/Ethnicity Predict Health Decline in Older Diabetics
Author Information
Author(s): Emily J Nicklett
Primary Institution: University of Michigan
Hypothesis
Are race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status independent predictors of health decline among older adults with diabetes?
Conclusion
Race/ethnicity and some socioeconomic indicators are independent predictors of health decline among older adults with diabetes.
Supporting Evidence
- Blacks had a significantly lower cumulative odds of better health status over time compared to whites.
- Hispanics reported significantly lower cumulative odds of better health over time relative to whites.
- Socioeconomic status did not eliminate the health effects of race/ethnicity among blacks and Hispanics.
Takeaway
This study found that older adults with diabetes who are black or Hispanic tend to have worse health over time compared to white adults, even when considering their socioeconomic status.
Methodology
The study used multilevel cumulative logit regression models to analyze health decline over 16 years among older diabetic adults.
Potential Biases
Self-reported health status may reflect differential expectations by race/ethnicity, potentially introducing bias.
Limitations
The study relies on self-reported data, which may introduce bias, and findings may not be generalizable beyond older adults with diabetes who have survived to age 65.
Participant Demographics
Participants were diabetic adults aged 65 and older, including white, black, and Hispanic individuals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < .0001 for blacks, p < .05 for Hispanics
Confidence Interval
(0.473, 0.796) for blacks, (0.407, 0.860) for Hispanics
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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