Full Citation
Title: Migration and Cognitive Health Disparities: The Arab American and Refugee Case
Citation Type: Journal Article
Publication Year: 2022
ISBN:
ISSN: 1079-5014
DOI: 10.1093/GERONB/GBAC129
NSFID:
PMCID:
PMID:
Abstract: Objectives This study investigates whether year of arrival to the U.S. and birthplace relate to post-migration cognitive difficulties among foreign- and U.S.-born Arab Americans in later life. Methods We analyzed 19 years (2000–2019) of data from the American Community Survey (ACS) Public Use Microdata Samples (weighted N = 393,501; ages ≥ 50 years). Cognitive difficulty was based on self-reported data, and weighted means, percentages, adjusted prevalence estimates, and adjusted odds ratio were calculated. Results Controlling only for demographics, foreign-born Arabs reported higher odds of cognitive difficulty compared to U.S.-born Arabs across all arrival cohorts (p<.001). After accounting for economic and integration factors, those who arrived between 1991-2000 had higher odds (OR = 1.06, 95% CI =1.00, 1.19, p<.01), while those who arrived after 2001 had lower odds (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.78, 0.97, p <.001) of cognitive difficulty. Lacking English proficiency (OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.82, 1.98, p <.001) was related to higher odds, whereas not being a U.S. citizen was significantly associated with lower odds (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.52, 0.94, p <.001) of cognitive difficulty. Yet, results varied by birthplace. Migrants born in Iraq consistently reported the highest odds of cognitive difficulty across all arrival cohorts. Conclusions Migration history and birthplace may be important factors explaining cognitive disparities among the diverse group of Arab migrants and Arab Americans. Future research examining mechanisms underlying these associations and the impact of migration on cognitive health is needed to address cognitive disparities in migrants.
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Authors: Al-Rousan, Tala; Kamalyan, Lily; Bernstein Sideman, Alissa; Miller, Bruce; AlHeresh, Rawan; Moore, Alison; Marquine, María J; Argeros, Grigoris; Ajrouch, Kristine J
Periodical (Full): The Journals of Gerontology: Social Science
Issue: 1
Volume: 78
Pages: 1-13
Data Collections: IPUMS USA
Topics: Health, Migration and Immigration, Race and Ethnicity
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