Jamie A Mitchell1, Tamara Cadet2, Shanna Burke3, Ed-Dee Williams4, Daniel Alvarez5. 1. School of Social Work, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. 2. Simmons College School of Social Work, Boston, Massachusetts. 3. Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami. 4. The University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor. 5. Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami.
Abstract
Objectives: African Americans comprise 9% of the 46 million U.S. adults over age 65. Two thirds of older African American men (AAM) reside with companions. This study investigated the assumption that frequent contact with companions confers mainly health-related benefits for AAM. Methods: Utilizing secondary data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center, the relationship between older AAM's mental health and related conditions (depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances), companion living arrangements, and frequency of contact with the participants for 3,423 older AAM and their 1,161 companions, was examined. Results: The mean age of participants and companions was 74 years and 90% of AAM lived in a private residence. Logistic regression models indicated that an increased risk for anxiety was found when companions lived in (OR = 1.66), called daily (OR = 1.089), or visited daily (OR = 1.079). Finally, AAM had an increased likelihood of nonmedical sleep disturbances when companions lived in (OR = 1.67), called daily (1.105), or visited daily (1.078). Discussion: The frequency of contact with companions may be consequential for select mental health outcomes and associated physiological conditions for older AAM; the timing of contact requires further investigation.
Objectives: African Americans comprise 9% of the 46 million U.S. adults over age 65. Two thirds of older African American men (AAM) reside with companions. This study investigated the assumption that frequent contact with companions confers mainly health-related benefits for AAM. Methods: Utilizing secondary data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center, the relationship between older AAM's mental health and related conditions (depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances), companion living arrangements, and frequency of contact with the participants for 3,423 older AAM and their 1,161 companions, was examined. Results: The mean age of participants and companions was 74 years and 90% of AAM lived in a private residence. Logistic regression models indicated that an increased risk for anxiety was found when companions lived in (OR = 1.66), called daily (OR = 1.089), or visited daily (OR = 1.079). Finally, AAM had an increased likelihood of nonmedical sleep disturbances when companions lived in (OR = 1.67), called daily (1.105), or visited daily (1.078). Discussion: The frequency of contact with companions may be consequential for select mental health outcomes and associated physiological conditions for older AAM; the timing of contact requires further investigation.
Authors: Linda M Chatters; Robert Joseph Taylor; Amanda Toler Woodward; Emily J Nicklett Journal: Am J Geriatr Psychiatry Date: 2014-05-02 Impact factor: 4.105
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Authors: Lilah Besser; Walter Kukull; David S Knopman; Helena Chui; Douglas Galasko; Sandra Weintraub; Gregory Jicha; Cynthia Carlsson; Jeffrey Burns; Joseph Quinn; Robert A Sweet; Katya Rascovsky; Merilee Teylan; Duane Beekly; George Thomas; Mark Bollenbeck; Sarah Monsell; Charles Mock; Xiao Hua Zhou; Nicole Thomas; Elizabeth Robichaud; Margaret Dean; Janene Hubbard; Mary Jacka; Kristen Schwabe-Fry; Joylee Wu; Creighton Phelps; John C Morris Journal: Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord Date: 2018 Oct-Dec Impact factor: 2.703