Cognitive limitations among Middle Eastern and North African immigrants
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2022
Department/School
Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology
Publication Title
Journal of Aging and Health
Abstract
Objectives: To estimate and compare the prevalence of cognitive limitations among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) immigrants compared to US- and foreign-born non-Hispanic Whites from Europe (including Russia/former USSR) and examine differences after controlling for risk factors. Methods: Cross-sectional data using linked 2000-2017 National Health Interview Survey and 2001–2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data (ages >=65 years, n = 24,827) were analyzed. Results: The prevalence of cognitive limitations was 17.3% among MENA immigrants compared to 9.6% and 13.6% among USand foreign-born non-Hispanic Whites from Europe. MENA immigrants had higher odds (OR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.06–3.34) of reporting a cognitive limitation than US-born non-Hispanic Whites after controlling for age, sex, education, hearing loss, hypertension, depression, social isolation, and diabetes. Discussion: To further examine cognitive health among the MENA aging population, policy changes are needed to identify this group that is often absent from research because of their federal classification as non-Hispanic Whites.
Link to Published Version
Recommended Citation
Kindratt, T. B., Dallo, F. J., Zahodne, L. B., & Ajrouch, K. J. (2022). Cognitive limitations among Middle Eastern and North African immigrants. Journal of Aging and Health, 34(9–10), 1244–1253. https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643221103712