bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE COVID-19 PANDEMICS’ IMPACTS ON OLDER ADULTS’ MENTAL HEALTH: THE BUFFERING EFFECTS OF NEIGHBORHOOD COHESION
Authors: Ding Kedong 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many older adults reported less frequency of having in-person contact due to the worries of COVID -19, which raises concerns about their mental health. The past research suggests neighborhood cohesion can facilitate social participation and have positive effects on mental health. This study aims to examine the impact of the decreased social contacts due to COVID on older adults’ depressive symptoms, and whether the relationship is moderated by neighborhood cohesion. Method: Data were from the 2020 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) (n=2,732). Participants included community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older. The independent variable is the perceived changing amount of in-person contact due to the pandemic. Neighborhood cohesion was measured by four-item sales that assess the extent to which respondents feel about the neighborhoods and neighbors’ trust. The depressive symptoms were measured by the 8-item CES-D scale. All models were controlled for sociodemographic characteristics and health status. Multivariate regression models were used to and an interaction term was created to examine the moderating effects of neighborhood cohesion.

Results
The results from the multivariate regression model show that perceived neighborhood cohesion was associated with fewer depressive symptoms (β=-.16, p &lt; 0.001). Not having enough in-person contact since the pandemic is associated with more depressive symptoms (β=.24, p &lt; 0.001). High perceived neighborhood cohesion attenuates the relationship between not having enough in-person contact and depressive symptoms.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates the buffering effects of neighborhood cohesion on Covid-19 impacts on older adults’ in-person contact and mental health outcomes.
RACE AND AGE DIFFERENCES IN DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY DURING COVID-19: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY
Authors: Wang Xiaochuan , Xu Mengyu , Gryglewicz Kim , Beltran Susanny 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the physical and mental health of many. It remains unclear whether such impacts differ across diverse races or age groups, or along the course of the pandemic. This study assessed trends in levels of depression and anxiety symptoms among U.S. adults during COVID-19 and whether differences emerged across race and age. Data were drawn from the Understanding America Study (UAS) COVID-19 survey, a longitudinal panel survey of a nationally representative sample of over 6,000 individuals. A mixed effect linear model was conducted to assess the influence of race and age on the level of depression and anxiety over time during the pandemic, controlling for covariates such as marital status, employment status, and household income. Results indicate that greater age was associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety. Additionally, trends in levels of depression and anxiety vary across races (e.g., minority populations generally reported lower or comparable levels of depression and anxiety comparing to the White). Findings further suggest significant interactions between age and race, especially among minoritized adults. Study findings underscore the importance of future research and tailored strategies to improve culturally sensitive and age-appropriate mental health services targeting diverse populations.
IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON MENTAL HEALTH IN OLDER ADULTS: COMPARISON BETWEEN 2020 AND 2022
Authors: Kiu Dara , Leung Yi , Liu Tianyin , Zhang Wen , Kwok Wai-wai , Sze Lesley , Wong Gloria H Y , Lum Terry 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on older adults’ mental health, but less is known about its longer-term effect. We examined changes in depressive and anxiety symptoms among older adults between the onset and two years into the pandemic. Data were drawn from two cross-sectional telephone surveys conducted with older adults aged ≥ 60 years in Hong Kong in 2020 and 2022. Respondents were screened for depression and anxiety using Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and General Anxiety Disorders-2 (GAD-2) and, if screened positive (i.e. scoring ≥ 3 in PHQ-2 or GAD-2), evaluated with PHQ-9 and GAD-7 for symptom severity. After case-control matching baseline age, gender, living districts, and pre-existing mental health conditions based on the respondent ratio between the two surveys (i.e. 2:1 ratio), 4095 and 2099 respondents from the 2020 and 2022 surveys were included in the analysis. Respondents’ average baseline age was 75 years old, 77% were female, and 13% had a pre-existing mental health condition. There were significant increases in the proportion of older adults screened positive for depression (8.3% to 13.5%) and anxiety (6.9% to 11.4%) and a significant increase in depressive symptom severity (4.63 to 7.72) between 2020 and 2022 (p &lt; .001). Logistic regression suggested that, over two years, older adults with pre-existing mental health conditions were 1.59 times more likely to screen positive for depression than those without such conditions. Linear regression suggested that males were associated with increased depressive (B=-2.42, p=.004) and anxiety (B=-2.49, p=.021) symptom severity than females over the years.
COVID-19 RELATED MEDICAL CARE DELAYS IN UNDERSERVED AFRICAN AMERICAN OLDER ADULTS WITH COMORBIDITIES
Authors: Adinkrah Edward , Cobb Sharon , Kibe Lucy , Vargas Roberto , Bazargan Mohsen 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Health seeking behaviors have been negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic particularly among minority older adults. There is a paucity of data concerning African American older adults who delayed, reduced, or stopped visits to primary and specialty providers. To outline the magnitude of this health disparity, this study examines the patterns and correlates of seeking preventive and specialized healthcare within this population. One-hundred and fifty (150) underserved African Americans older adults took part in this health advisor-led cross-sectional study. They completed a survey that inquired about seeking medical, dental, emergency room, and/or specialty care. We employed descriptive analyses to assess patterns of healthcare and multinomial logistic regression to document correlates of healthcare utilization. Almost one-third of participants (32%) delayed or did not get at least one type of care because of COVID-19. Dental care was the most frequent healthcare service that was missed (23%), followed by primary care (10%) and specialty care (7%). A higher level of depressive symptoms, lower level of educational attainment, and higher number of chronic conditions were associated with a higher number of delayed or cancelled medical care. Almost one-third of participants had never used any type of telehealth. Additionally, access and use of telehealth had no impact on healthcare utilization. One-year post pandemic, while vaccines are widely available, COVID-19 is disproportionately worsening healthcare disparities that exist even among African American older adults in underserved and under-resourced communities with access to healthcare. Interventional studies are urgently needed.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN COVID-19 RELATED STRESS, COVID-19 EXPERIENCES, AND MENTAL HEALTH RISKS IN OLDER PEOPLE
Authors: Liu Tianyin , Kiu Dara , Leung Yi , Zhang Wen , Kwok Wai-wai , Sze Lesley , Wong Edwin , Wong Gloria H Y , Lum Terry 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
There is increasing recognition of the need to understand the mechanism of psychological impact brought by COVID-19. The present research used the Delphi technique to develop a COVID-19-Related Stress Scale for older people in Hong Kong (CSS-old) (study one) and examined its associations with COVID-19 experiences and mental health risks (study two). In study one, 17 helping professionals and 20 service users co-developed an 8-item CSS-old through four rounds of Delphi. In study two, a cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted between April and June 2022 among 4,921 older people (age≥60) recruited through community centres. Respondents were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD-2), and CSS-old; their experiences with COVID-19 (infection, close friend/family infection) and demographical information were collected. A three-factor solution of CSS-old was identified after dropping one item (X2(df) = 83.53(11), CFI=0.996, TLI=0.993, RMSEA=0.037): (1) disruption to routines; (2) fear of infecting families/friends; and (3) concern for the community’s health. Structural equation modelling analyses revealed that being female (B=0.45), having close friend/family infected (B=1.10) and having a pre-existing mental health condition (B=1.87) were positively associated with COVID-19-related stress. Infection of COVID-19 (BPHQ=0.22; BGAD=0.24) and a pre-existing mental health condition (BPHQ=0.71; BGAD=0.59) had direct associations with depressive and anxiety symptoms; COVID-19-related stress mediated the relationship between close friend/family infection with depressive (B=0.20) and anxiety symptoms (B=0.21, all p &lt; 0.05). These results suggest that older people’s COVID-19-related stress is beyond infection of the disease, and different experiences with COVID-19 may increase depression and anxiety risks through different pathways.
COMPARING INFORMANT BASED MEASURES OF COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING BETWEEN THE US AND MEXICO
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Cantu Phillip , Saenz Joseph 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Informant reports are important for understanding cognitive impairment and dementia in older populations. Recently, several population-based aging studies have included harmonized direct and informant assessments to assess the prevalence of dementia globally as part of the international Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP). However, the social and cultural contexts of nations, sociodemographic characteristics of informants, and the subject-informant relationship may affect the meaning and accuracy of informant reports of cognitive decline and functioning. This study examines the extent to which informant characteristics and the informant-respondent relationships are associated with informant-reported cognitive function in the United States and Mexico. Data are from the 2016 US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) HCAP (Nf 2,918) and the Ancillary Study of Cognitive Aging in Mexico (Mex-Cog) (Nf 1,750). Informant-reported cognitive function was measured by the informant Community Screening Instrument for Dementia (CSI-D). Linear regression is used to assess the association of informant characteristics and the information-participant relationship with the total CSI-D score. We find older Americans have worse informant-reported cognitive functioning but higher directly-assessed cognitive functioning than Mexicans. Nearly 80% of informants lived with the subject in Mexico, compared to less than half in the US. In both countries, older informants, children and other family members (compared to spouse) report less cognitive impairment. In Mexico, female informants reported more impairment. In the US, coresident informants reported more impairment. This research shows how social environments influence informant reporting. Understanding heterogeneity in informants is vital when examining informant measures of cognitive function in cross-countries studies.
BUILDING BRIDGES POST-LICENSURE: DEVELOPING GEROPSYCHOLOGY CONSULTATION SERVICES
Authors: Emery-Tiburcio Erin , Kube Erin , Poon Cecilia , Steffen Ann 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
More than one third of psychologists report frequently treating older adults, while only 1% consider themselves geropsychologists. Continuing education opportunities in geropsychology have historically been scant, with even fewer opportunities for expert case consultation in work with older adults. To identify interest in geropsychology consultation, the Building Bridges Post-Licensure (BBPL) group conducted an informal survey of licensed psychologists via listservs. Results among 80 respondents indicated strong interest in group consultation regarding foundational knowledge, assessment, and intervention. This presentation will describe the BBPL group's efforts to examine effective models of consultation, develop a consultation model for geropsychology, and partner with both professional and community-based organizations to develop the infrastructure for geropsychology consultation.
THE INFLUENCE OF MARRIAGE AND COHABITATION ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER PEOPLE
Authors: Yuan Shuhan , Elam Kit , Johnston Jeanne , Chow Angela 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2020) indicates that 30.6% of middle-aged and older adults were physically inactive. Whereas marital status is linked to physical activity (PA), it is increasingly common for couples to cohabitate, making it important to capture these relationships. The stress/social support theory(Burman & Margolin, 1992) highlights the importance of relationship quality in long-term relationships, but this hasn’t been cohesively examined relative to PA. This study investigated whether partnered living status (married/cohabitating) and partnered living quality (support/strain from partner, partner disagreements) were associated with PA in middle-aged/older adults. Data were from a nationally representative longitudinal study, Midlife in the United States(waves 1–3; Nf1113; aged 49–93). Subjects were categorized into four groups based on partnered living status over the three waves: partnered living at all waves (57.9%), non-partnered living (separated, divorced, widowed, or never married) at all waves (17.6%), change from partnered living to non-partnered living (20.8%), and change from non-partnered living to partnered living (3.8%). Regressions were conducted to test the effect of partnered living status and relationship quality on the frequency of moderate and vigorous PA at wave 3. Subjects who changed from non-partnered to partnered living had the highest moderate and vigorous PA levels. Partner support was positively associated with moderate PA (β=0.50, p &lt; 0.01), and partner disagreements was negatively associated with vigorous PA (β=-0.27, p &lt; 0.01). Results suggest that relationship status and quality can influence PA among the aging population. Public health educators should provide additional social support to older adults to promote PA.
BUILDING BRIDGES TO FUTURE LEADERS: A CAREER PATHWAYS WEBINAR
Authors: McDarby Meghan 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Educational webinars can improve attitudes toward careers in aging. We developed a 6-session webinar series about careers in geropsychology, detailing unique career pathways (e.g., academic, private practice, VA). Our evaluation of the series included trainees from graduate programs and postdoctoral fellowships. Participants rated their attitudes toward each career pathway at pre- and post-session. At post-session, participants reported significantly increased interest in careers in aging (t(83) = 4.72, p &lt; .00). They also reported significantly increased understanding of the type of training required for careers in aging (t(77) = 8.10, p &lt; .00). Importantly, at post-session, participants reported stronger beliefs that they could be successful in a career in aging (t(84) = 3.86, p &lt; .00) and that they would have good work-life balance (t(87) = 9.34, p &lt; .00). Results suggest that a webinar series may increase student interest in and understanding of unique career pathways in geropsychology.
TRAJECTORIES OF HEALTH RECOVERY AFTER HIP FRACTURE IN OLDER ADULTS: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Xue Tingzhong (Michelle) , Cao Jiepin , Ledbetter Leila , Graton Margaret , Zhan Yan , Wang Dingyue (Demy) , Lee Youran , McConnell Eleanor 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Hip fracture recovery outcomes in older adults are characterized by high mortality, lowered functional status, and feelings of being disrupted from a normal life. Studying recovery trajectories through the lens of resilience can provide novel perspectives for developing interventions targeting to promote recovery. However, the lack of knowledge of recovery trajectories and their variations in hip fracture patients impedes such efforts. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on how multiple health domains change longitudinally after hip fracture in older adults. The Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology was followed, and seven databases were searched including Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, Proquest Dissertations and Theses, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. No date limits were applied, and the final search resulted in 7,515 articles. Articles in English with participants aged 60 years and above who experienced a low-energy, nonpharmacological hip fracture in any health setting were selected. Results regarding multiple domains of health outcomes will be synthesized, including physical health (e.g. functional status, pain, nutrition, and mobility/physical performance), cognition, psychosocial health (e.g. depression, anxiety, social isolation, loneliness, and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia when individuals with dementia were included), and multidimensional outcomes such as health-related quality of life. Methodological challenges and limitations will be discussed. This review has important implications for clinicians and researchers to improve individualized treatment plans and research methodologies by providing a comprehensive, critical review of knowledge regarding health trajectories in older adults after hip fracture.
THE EFFECTS OF LOSING A SECURE JOB ON HEALTH BEHAVIORS ACROSS THE LIFE COURSE
Authors: Song Qian , Lim Emily , Zhang Jackie 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Involuntary, no-fault job loss from a relatively secure position has become more common among workers. However, it is not clear how displaced workers cope with the stress induced by the job loss and change their health behaviors due to work precarity, especially in the long-term. To address these gaps, we take advantage of the case of policy-driven layoffs from the State-Owned Enterprises in transitional China (1990s – mid-2000s), which resembles a quasi-experimental design, and examine effects of losing a secure job on dietary diversity, drinking, and smoking behaviors. We use the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1989–2015) and fixed effects models for controlling individual confounders. The results show that job loss decreases displaced workers’ dietary diversity (β=-.18, p &lt; .05); however, the decline bounced back after three years after job loss. The career stage in which job loss occurred made a difference. The reduction of dietary diversity only applies to early-career job loss (aged 35 or younger, β=-.24, p &lt; .1), and mid-career job loss (aged 36 – 45, β=-.37, p &lt; .01). Job loss increases probability of drinking (OR=1.36, p &lt; .1), but the effect is only statistically significant for late-career job loss (aged 45+, OR=1.60, p &lt; .1). Risks of heavy drinking are only increased for early-career job losers (OR=2.09, p &lt; .05). Risks of smoking are not impacted by job loss. The findings highlight how health behaviors serve as coping strategies for job loss, how the effects vary by the timing of job loss, and how health promotions could be helpful to address the potential risks of work displacement.
IMPACT OF RECEIVING HOME-BASED PRIMARY CARE FOR PERSONS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA: PATIENT AND CAREGIVER PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Mattos Meghan , Bernacchi Veronica , Duffy Karen , Jepson Laura , Gonzalez Stephanie , Mutter Justin 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Homebound persons living with dementia (PWD) require healthcare services that proliferate with physical and cognitive changes over time. PWD often experience fragmented care that results in poor health outcomes and delayed healthcare access. The objective of the Virginia at Home Program (VaH), a recently initiated home-based primary care (HBPC) program, is to promote long-term sustainability and proliferation of HBPC. The study purpose was to examine the impact of VaH on the overall care and outcomes of homebound PWD and their families. We used quantitative and qualitative methods to describe the impact of VaH on patient care and outcomes over six months. We compared clinical outcomes (e.g., activities of daily living, frailty, behavioral symptoms) at baseline and six months using paired t-tests. We also conducted semi-structured phone interviews at baseline and six months with PWD-caregiver dyads. Thirty PWD-caregiver dyads enrolled. Of the 17 dyads that completed both visits, PWD’s physical function and caregiver’s burden decreased significantly over time (ps &lt; .05). There was a significant improvement in PWD’s behavioral symptoms over the six-month period (p=.03). Three preliminary themes emerged from qualitative data: 1) participants established trusting relationships with the VaH team, 2) VaH supported caregivers in their caregiving responsibilities, and 3) participants met their pre-program goals through increased healthcare access. Findings suggest that the HBPC intervention improved care satisfaction and healthcare access and alleviated caregiver burden. Future studies should consider introducing HBPC programs in this hard-to-reach population to decrease acute care utilization and health care costs while improving care satisfaction and quality.
THEMES FROM CONVERSATIONS WITH MEDICAL TRAINEES ON LGBTQ OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Sandhu Shobhana , Kim Mackenzi , Wilson Lynn , Biery Nyann , Infante Kimberly 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Approximately 6–12% of the US population 65 or older self-identifies as LGBTQ. This population faces immense barriers when accessing care, including the bias from healthcare professionals. Efforts to combat this bias through formal education are minimal. Using a mixed methods study with one-group pretest-posttest design and focus groups, medical learners were included in sessions involving a showing of Gen Silent and a post-viewing discussion. Themes from discussion were extracted by two independent reviewers. Medical learners (Nf15) included residents and faculty of psychiatric and emergency medicine at Lehigh Valley Health Network. Themes included: recognition of the social isolation faced by LGBTQ older adults, recognition of barriers to care including stigma and bias, challenges supporting patients and enabling patients’ openness, a need for a community resource repository, opportunities for EMR optimization, and physicians as advocates. These results highlight the need for additional training for medical trainees as well as the efficacy of using a tool like Gen Silent to accomplish this.