Racial Differences in Older Adult’s Mental Health and Cognitive Symptomatology: Identifying Subgroups Using Multiple-Group Latent Class Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Little is known on the potential racial differences in latent subgroup membership based on mental health and cognitive symptomatology among older adults. Methods: This is a secondary data analysis of Wave 2 data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (N = 1819). Symptoms were depression, anxiety, loneliness, happiness, and cognition. Multiple-group latent class analysis was conducted to identify latent subgroups based on mental health and cognitive symptoms and to compare these differences between race. Results: Class 1: “Severe Cognition & Mild-Moderate Mood Impaired,” Class 2: “Moderate Cognition & Mood Impaired,” and Class 3: “Mild Cognition Impaired & Healthy Mood” were identified. Black older adults were more likely to be in Class 1 while White older adults were more likely to be in Class 2 and Class 3. Discussion: Clinicians need to provide culturally-sensitive care when assessing and treating symptoms across different racial groups.