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Physical functioning in older blacks: an exploratory study identifying psychosocial and clinical predictors
Tamara A Baker1, Keith E Whitfield
1School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA. tbaker@cas.usf.edu
Journal of the National Medical Association
|August 10, 2006
Summary
Depression, pain intensity, and multiple pain locations significantly predict physical functioning in older Black adults, accounting for 36% of the variation. This highlights key clinical and psychosocial indicators for assessing functional well-being.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Clinical Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Physical functioning is crucial for the well-being of older adults.
- Understanding factors influencing physical function in diverse populations is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between physical functioning and clinical/psychosocial variables in older Black adults.
- To identify key predictors of physical impairment in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A multivariate regression model was used with data from 247 community-dwelling Black adults (mean age 69.4).
- Clinical (pain intensity, locations, medications, comorbidities) and psychosocial (depression, locus of control) factors were assessed.
- Demographic characteristics were also included in the analysis.
Main Results:
- Depressive symptoms (beta=0.18), multiple pain locations (beta=0.25), and pain intensity (beta=0.30) were significant predictors of physical impairment.
- These factors collectively accounted for 36% of the variance in physical functioning.
Conclusions:
- Depression and pain are critical indicators of physical impairment in older Black adults.
- Further research is needed to understand these relationships within specific racial and ethnic groups for targeted interventions.
