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Cognitive Limitations Among Middle Eastern and North African Immigrants
Tiffany B Kindratt1, Florence J Dallo2, Laura B Zahodne3,4
1Public Health Program, Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, 12329University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA.
Journal of Aging and Health
|May 24, 2022
Summary
Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) immigrants aged 65+ have a higher prevalence of cognitive limitations. This finding highlights disparities in cognitive health among aging immigrant populations, necessitating targeted research and policy.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cognitive limitations pose a significant public health challenge for aging populations.
- Disparities in cognitive health exist among diverse ethnic and immigrant groups.
- Research on cognitive health among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) immigrants is limited due to classification issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate and compare the prevalence of cognitive limitations in MENA immigrants versus non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) from Europe.
- To examine differences in cognitive limitations after controlling for known risk factors.
- To inform policy and research regarding the cognitive health of the MENA aging population.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cross-sectional data from the National Health Interview Survey (2000-2017) and Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2001-2018).
- Inclusion of participants aged 65 years and older (n = 24,827).
- Statistical analysis to compare prevalence and control for covariates including age, sex, education, and health conditions.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of cognitive limitations was 17.3% in MENA immigrants, compared to 9.6% (US-born NHW) and 13.6% (foreign-born NHW).
- MENA immigrants had significantly higher odds (OR = 1.88) of reporting cognitive limitations than US-born NHW, even after controlling for risk factors.
- Key risk factors adjusted for included age, sex, education, hearing loss, hypertension, depression, social isolation, and diabetes.
Conclusions:
- MENA immigrants exhibit a higher prevalence of cognitive limitations compared to European-born NHW.
- The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and research to address cognitive health disparities in this underrepresented group.
- Policy adjustments are recommended to accurately identify and study the MENA aging population in future research.
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