Racial inequities and biopsychosocial indicators in older adults*

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the association of self-reported skin color/ race with biopsychosocial indicators in older adults. Method: cross-sectional study conducted with a total of 941 older adults from a health micro-region in Brazil. Data were collected at home with instruments validated for the country. Descriptive analysis and binary, multinomial and linear logistic regression (p<0.05) were performed. Results: Most older adults were self-declared white color/race (63.8%). Black color/race was a protective factor for negative (OR=0.40) and regular (OR=0.44) self-rated health perception and for the indicative of depressive symptoms (OR=0.43); and it was associated with the highest social support score (β=3.60) and the lowest number of morbidities (β=-0.78). Conclusion: regardless of sociodemographic and economic characteristics, older adults of black color/race had the best outcomes of biopsychosocial indicators. Descriptors: Aged; Health of the Elderly; Health Status Disparity; Ethnic Group Distribution; Race Factors; Geriatric Nursing.