Racial inequities and biopsychosocial indicators in older adults.
Alisson Fernandes Bolina, Nayara Gomes Nunes Oliveira, Paulo Henrique Fernandes Dos Santos and 1 others
PMID 35319624WHAT IT FOUND
Black older adults in Brazil showed better self-rated health, fewer depressive symptoms, higher social support and fewer self-reported morbidities than white older adults after adjustment.
This is an association from one community survey, not evidence race improves health.
Key findings
01Black older adults had lower odds of negative self-rated health (OR 0.40; CI 0.20-0.78) and indicative depressive symptoms (OR 0.43; CI 0.23-0.79) after adjustment.
02Black older adults were associated with the highest social support score (β: 3.60; CI 0.07-7.14) and lowest number of morbidities (β: -0.78; CI: -1.47 to -0.08).
03Most participants self-declared as white (63.8%), followed by brown (25.3%) and black (10.9%).
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
This is a cross-sectional survey, so it cannot show that race caused any outcome. It was done in one urban micro-health region in Minas Gerais, Brazil, so it may not apply elsewhere. Of 956 recruited, 15 were excluded for cognitive decline, and people with severe stroke, unstable Parkinson's disease or communication problems were excluded, so it says little about more impaired older adults. Black older adults may be a select survivor group because racial inequities can shorten life expectancy; the authors call this survival bias. Morbidities were self-reported, and access barriers may mean some chronic conditions were never diagnosed.
Declared interests
Supported by CNPq and FAPEMIG. The paper does not report conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that Black older adults are healthier because they are Black. The study is cross-sectional, and the authors say survival bias and self-reported morbidity may explain the apparent advantage.