Showing papers by "Denise Burnette published in 2022"
TL;DR: In this article , the authors assessed the psychometric properties of a Spanish-language LSNS-6 and examined its association with self-rated health (SRH) and psychological sense of community (PSOC).
Abstract: Social isolation is a well-established determinant of late-life well-being, and it may be particularly relevant for older adults in Puerto Rico following Hurricane María. The abbreviated Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) is a widely used measure of social isolation, but it has not been validated with Spanish-speaking older adults. The objectives of this study were to (1) assess the psychometric properties of a Spanish-language LSNS-6 and (2) examine its association with self-rated health (SRH) and psychological sense of community (PSOC). Data came from face-to-face survey interviews with a nonprobability sample of 154 community-dwelling older adults in Puerto Rico 2 years after Hurricane María. We assessed the LSNS-6's internal consistency reliability and convergent validity. We then conducted structural equational modelling consisting of (1) a measurement model using confirmatory factor analysis to test the factor structure of the LSNS-6 and (2) a structural model using path analysis to examine the direct effect of social isolation on SRH and to test the role of PSOC as a mediator in this relationship. The LSNS-6 demonstrated acceptable internal consistency reliability (α = 0.74) and convergent validity, r(151) = -0.33, p < 0.001. A correlated two-factor model (Family and Friends) provided the best fit (comparative fit index = 0.986, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.975, root mean square error of approximation = 0.082, standardised root mean squared residual = 0.033). Path model results show the Friends factor was negatively associated with SRH (β = -0.31, p = 0.045), whilst the Family factor was nonsignificant. The Friends factor had a statistically significant indirect effect on SRH through PSOC (β = 0.08, 95% CI [0.01, 0.29]). Our findings provide insight into the effect of social isolation on health amongst older adults in Puerto Rico and highlight the potential role of PSOC for assessment and intervention with older adults in post-disaster settings.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the authors used data from the 2017 AARP AFC Surveys and the AARP Livability Index to assess whether age-friendly communities promote the health of older adults, and found that older adults who lived in an AFC had better self-rated health than those in a non-AFC.
Abstract: As age-friendly community (AFC) initiatives grow, it will be essential to determine whether older adults who live in an AFC have better health than those who live in other environments. This study uses data from the 2017 AARP AFC Surveys and the AARP Livability Index to assess whether AFCs promote the health of older adults. We analyze data for 3027 adults aged 65 and older who reside in 262 zip code areas. Following AARP guidelines, we allocated the sample into two groups: an AFC group (livability score of 51+; n = 2364) and a non-AFC (score ≤ 50, n = 663). The outcome variable was self-rated health (M = 3.5; SD = 1.1; range: 1–5). We used an inverse probability weighting approach to evaluate whether older adults who live in an AFC reported better self-rated health than those who live in a non-AFC. Findings showed that older adults who lived in an AFC had better self-rated health than those in a non-AFC (b = 0.08, p = 0.027). Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, Black and Hispanic older adults reported worse self-rated health. Inasmuch as living in an AFC can promote the well-being of older adults, policymakers and practitioners should continue to develop and sustain high-quality, accessible built and social environments.
2 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors used a risk and resilience framework to examine the protective effects of psychological sense of community (PSOC) on self-rated health (SRH) and diminished quality of life (QOL) for older adults in Puerto Rico 2 years after the devastation of Hurricane María in 2017.
Abstract: ABSTRACT Older adults who experience natural disasters are at risk for immediate and longer-term negative health outcomes and diminished quality of life (QOL), in part due to disruptions to social relationships and protections. We use a risk and resilience framework to examine the protective effects of psychological sense of community (PSOC) on self-rated health (SRH) and QOL for older adults in Puerto Rico 2 years after the devastation of Hurricane María in 2017. Between September 2019 and January 2020, we conducted face-to-face interviews with a nonprobability sample of 154 community-dwelling adults aged 60+ in Puerto Rico. Controlling for covariates, we used multivariate regression to examine the association of PSOC and key social risk factors (mental health, social isolation, and loneliness) with SRH and QOL. Higher levels of PSOC were significantly associated with better SRH and QOL. Regarding risks, worse mental health was significantly associated with lower QOL and SRH, loneliness was significantly related to worse QOL, and social isolation was significantly associated with better SRH and better QOL. PSOC was a protective factor for older adults, suggesting that prevention and intervention efforts should focus on building and sustaining older adults’ sense of community in the longer-term wake of natural disasters.
1 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors examined older adults' COVID-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) to better understand the dynamics of their health behaviors during the pandemic.
Abstract: Abstract To better understand the dynamics of their health behaviors during the pandemic, we examined older adults’ COVID-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). KAP theory postulates that individuals acquire knowledge about a health condition which influences their attitudes and beliefs and that these, in turn, lead to health practices. We used hierarchical regression to examine the influence of knowledge and attitudes (Step 1) on practices, controlling for health and relevant covariates (Step 2). The Step 1 association between increased knowledge and better practices (B = 0.14, p = .046) became nonsignificant in Step 2. Greater worry about contracting COVID-19 remained significant throughout (Step 2: B = 0.15, p = .043). We further explored subgroup differences within KAP measures via bivariate analyses. For instance, women had significantly higher overall knowledge (p = .013), while men had significantly better overall attitudes (p = .044). We will discuss implications of such subgroup differences for practice and policy interventions.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors conducted telephone and face-to-face interviews with a nonprobability sample of 213 adults aged 60+ in 21 of the island's 78 municipalities.
Abstract: Abstract This presentation will provide an overview of our study with older adults in Puerto Rico during COVID-19. From January through December, 2021, we conducted telephone and face-to-face interviews with a nonprobability sample of 213 adults aged 60+ in 21 of the island’s 78 municipalities. Average age of participants was 71.9 (SD=8.8), 55.9% were female and 55.4% had annual household incomes under $12,500. About two in five older adults reported feeling lonely (39.4%) and poor/fair health (39.9%). Fully 65.3% were overweight or obese, 59% reported at least one chronic disease (59.4%) and 25.8% had delayed medical care during COVID-19. KAP index scores were reasonably high and 97.2% of participants were either vaccinated or planned to be. We will also discuss the development, translation and adaptation of the data collection instrument and the important social, economic and political backdrops of successful public health measures during the pandemic in Puerto Rico.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors used data from the 2017 AARP AFC Surveys and the AARP Livability Index to assess whether age-friendly communities promote the health of older adults and found that older adults who lived in an AFC had better self-rated health than those in a non-AFC (b=0.08, p=1.027).
Abstract: Abstract The WHO developed the concept of age-friendly environments that contribute to older adults' better health and well-being. However, research on the effects of age-friendly communities (AFCs) on their health is limited. As AFC initiatives grow, it will be essential to examine whether older adults who live in an AFC have better health than those in other environments. This study uses data from the 2017 AARP AFC Surveys and the AARP Livability Index to assess whether AFCs promote the health of older adults. We analyze data for 3,027 adults aged 65 and older who reside in 262 zip code areas. Following AARP guidelines, we allocated the sample into two groups: the AFC group (livability score of 51+; n=2,364) and the non-AFC group (score≤50, n=663). The outcome variable was self-rated health (M=3.47; SD=1.09; range: 1-5). Findings employing an inverse probability weighting approach showed that older adults who lived in an AFC had better self-rated health than those in a non-AFC (b=0.08, p=.027). Compared to non-Hispanic whites, Black and Hispanic older adults reported worse self-rated health. Oldest old individuals had better health status than young-old adults. Consistent with previous literature, higher education, and frequent social interaction were associated with better self-rated health. The study adds to the growing literature on the role of age-friendly environments in older adults’ health and suggests directions for future research. Since living in an AFC can promote the well-being of older adults, policymakers and practitioners should continue to build high-quality, accessible built and social environments.