Racial Differences in Elevated C-Reactive Protein Among US Older Adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation associated with various health conditions.
• Racial disparities in health outcomes are a significant concern in aging populations.
• Understanding factors contributing to racial differences in CRP can inform targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate racial differences in elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) among US older adults.
• To identify demographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, behavioral, and physiological factors associated with these racial differences.
• To examine sex-specific variations in the factors contributing to elevated CRP.

Main Methods:

• Nationally representative cohort study using data from the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2014).
• Inclusion of noninstitutionalized non-Hispanic black and white older adults (n=13,517).
• Logistic regression models analyzed elevated CRP (>3.0 mg/L) as the primary outcome, adjusting for various potential contributing factors.

Main Results:

• Black older adults exhibited significantly higher odds of elevated CRP compared to white older adults (OR=2.58).
• Racial disparities in elevated CRP varied by sex, with higher prevalence in black women (49%) and black men (38%).
• In men, socioeconomic and behavioral factors explained racial differences; in women, physiological factors were primary contributors.

Conclusions:

• Black older adults are significantly more likely to have elevated CRP than white older adults.
• The contributing factors to racial differences in elevated CRP are sex-specific.
• Findings highlight the need for tailored approaches to address inflammation disparities in aging populations.