Poverty, Chronic Stress, Ethnicity and Psychological Distress Among Elderly Hispanics

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between chronic stress and psychological distress among poor and nonpoor elderly Hispanics belonging to three major ethnic groups: Cubans, Mexicans, and Puerto Ricans. The study used data from a nationwide probability sample of 1,239 Hispanics age 65 and older. The results show that poverty status and ethnicity influence the relationships between chronic stress and psychological distress. For example, financial stress had a significant relationship with psychological distress for the nonpoor Cubans, but not for the other two ethnic groups. Social stress was associated with,psychological distress in all the three ethnic groups, but the association was strongest among poor Puerto Ricans. Familylpersonal stress was associated with more psychological distress among poor and nonpoor Cuban, poor Mexicans and nonpoor Puerto Ricans. Poverty and ethnicity also influenced therelationships between gender, marital status and health status and psychological distress. Implications of the study findings for future research and social work practice are discussed. (Arficle copies available f i r a fee fmm 71re Haworth Documenf Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678.

Validation of Montgomery-Åsberg Rating Scale and Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia in Brazilian elderly patients

“…Another possibility would relate to cultural reasons. Cultural peculiarities may explain several cut-offs to diagnose depression in dementia in different populations (Krause and Goldenhar, 1992;Tran and Dhooper, 1997). Some Brazilian and possibly Latin American characteristics might explain why the caregivers are more overt and express more complaints than those in other cultures.…”

Ethnicity and dementia

“…Similarly, Hispanic populations from Central and South America (eg, Mexico, Chile) may have an elevated admixture of Amerindian genes relative to other Hispanic cohorts. In a similar fashion, researchers should also appreciate the intra-ethnic differences that have been witnessed among Hispanic subgroups on sociodemographic factors such as level of education [73,74] and health related factors such as prevalence rates for depression [75] diabetes [76], hypertension [77], and heavy cigarette smoking [78]. These intra-Hispanic differences are clinically relevant since all of these variables have been shown to confer risk for late-onset dementia [79,80].…”

Changing the Paradigm

“…While many data sources report that only 10-12% of elders are living below the poverty line, more in-depth analysis suggest that over 50% of these older adults find themselves economically challenged related to increased housing costs, health related costs (especially the costs of medicines and long-term-care needs), and other increasing Rosemary Chapin and Enid Opal Cox 169 costs of living. In sum, lack of survival resources and poor mental and physical health in old age are often predicated on a life of lower economic resources, higher stress, and limited health care (Tran & Dhooper, 1997;Estes, 1999;). Age is not the great equalizer.…”