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Rural Communities in the Deep South: Examining the Relationship Between Social Function and General Health
Erin R Harrell1, Christina J Ezemenaka2, Shameka L Cody3
1Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA. erin.harrell@nih.gov.
Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
|January 9, 2025
Summary
Social functioning and mental health significantly impact general health perceptions in older Black adults in the rural South. Improving social networks may enhance physical and emotional well-being for this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Persistent mortality disparities in rural Southern older Black adults linked to chronic conditions and limited healthcare access.
- Social and structural factors exacerbate health challenges in this population.
- Addressing these disparities requires understanding unique health determinants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between general health perceptions, social functioning, mental health, and demographics.
- Focus on Black adults residing in the rural South.
- Identify key factors influencing health perceptions in this underserved group.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design involving 119 older Black Americans in rural Alabama.
- Self-report surveys collected data on general health, social functioning, mental health, and demographics.
- Linear regression analysis examined relationships with general health as the primary outcome.
Main Results:
- Social functioning, depressive symptoms, age group, and town of residence were significantly associated with general health (p < 0.05).
- Improved social functioning correlated with higher general health scores.
- Depressive symptoms and being 65 or older were associated with lower general health scores.
Conclusions:
- Findings underscore the need for targeted health resources in rural communities based on specific population needs.
- Supports prior research indicating social network enhancement can improve physical and emotional health in aging adults.
- Highlights the importance of addressing mental health and social support for older Black adults in the rural South.
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