Chronic Work Discrimination, Allostatic Load, and HbA1c in Older Workers
Miriam Mutambudzi1, Kelvin Boakye1, Olutoyin Green2
1Department of Public Health, David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA.
The Gerontologist
|August 1, 2024
Summary
Chronic work discrimination significantly increases HbA1c levels, a key indicator of diabetes risk in older workers. Allostatic load did not moderate this association, highlighting the need for workplace anti-discrimination policies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Occupational Health
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Workplace discrimination is a significant public health issue impacting worker health.
- Chronic exposure to discrimination can negatively affect health outcomes, including glucose control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between chronic work discrimination and changes in HbA1c over four years in older workers.
- To determine if allostatic load (AL) modifies the relationship between work discrimination and HbA1c levels.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Health and Retirement Study (2010-2016) with 3,246 participants.
- Employed conditional change multinomial logistic regression to analyze the link between chronic work discrimination, high AL, and HbA1c.
- Controlled for relevant covariates in the statistical models.
Main Results:
- Severe chronic work discrimination was linked to elevated HbA1c (RRR=1.61).
- High allostatic load (AL) was also associated with elevated HbA1c (RRR=1.49).
- Hispanic and Black participants showed increased risk for intermediate and elevated HbA1c, respectively, compared to White participants. Moderate to severe discrimination was linked to elevated HbA1c in long-tenured workers.
Conclusions:
- Chronic work discrimination is independently associated with elevated HbA1c levels, indicating increased type 2 diabetes risk.
- Allostatic load did not moderate the association between work discrimination and HbA1c.
- Implementing robust anti-discrimination laws and improving workplace environments are crucial for older workers' health and reducing diabetes risk.
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