Racial Differences in Older Adult’s Mental Health and Cognitive Symptomatology: Identifying Subgroups Using Multiple-Group Latent Class Analysis

Abstract

Introduction

Little is known on the potential racial differences in latent subgroup membership based on mental health and cognitive symptomatology among older adults.

Methods

This is a secondary data analysis of Wave 2 data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (N = 1819). Symptoms were depression, anxiety, loneliness, happiness, and cognition. Multiple-group latent class analysis was conducted to identify latent subgroups based on mental health and cognitive symptoms and to compare these differences between race.

Results

Class 1: “Severe Cognition & Mild-Moderate Mood Impaired,” Class 2: “Moderate Cognition & Mood Impaired,” and Class 3: “Mild Cognition Impaired & Healthy Mood” were identified. Black older adults were more likely to be in Class 1 while White older adults were more likely to be in Class 2 and Class 3.

Discussion

Clinicians need to provide culturally-sensitive care when assessing and treating symptoms across different racial groups.