Social participation and depressive symptoms in older African American cancer survivors: a comparison with non-cancer subjects. (14th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guo, Yuqi; Qin, Weidi; Lee, Hee Yun
• Is Part Of: Aging & mental health. Volume 26:Number 8(2022)
• Page Start: 1558
• Page End: 1563
• Publication Date: 2022-07-14
• Subjects: Social participation -- cancer survivors -- depressive symptom -- older African American; Older people -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Older people -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Aging -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Aged -- psychology -- periodicals; Mental Health -- periodicals; Mental Health Services -- periodicals; Aging -- psychology -- periodicals; Aged, 80 and over -- psychology -- periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1950619
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-7863

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: African Americans are differentially affected by most cancers compared to other racial groups. Social participation has demonstrated beneficial effects on mental health in older adults with a history of cancer. The purpose of the present study is to examine and compare the effects of specific social participation activities on depressive symptoms among older African Americans with and without a history of cancer. Method: The study sample included 2, 000 older African Americans selected from the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Waves from 2011 to 2018 were used. Mixed-effects logistic regressions were applied to examine the effects of four social participation activities on depressive symptoms among older African Americans with or without a history of cancer. Results: Among older African American who had a history of cancer, visiting family and friends and attending religious services were related to lower odds of depressive symptoms. However, among older African Americans without a history of cancer, joining organized activities and going out for enjoyment predicted lower odds of depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Older African Americans with a history of cancer tend to benefit from visiting family and friends and attending religious services in coping with depressive symptoms. Mental health services for this group could focus interventions on promoting social participation activities with family, friends, and religious congregants.