Traditional socioeconomic status indices sometimes fail to capture SES for older minorities, especially women. The new index includes both a traditional factor (education, income, occupation) and a specific factor (marital status, household density) containing variables which help define SES for older, often retired Southern African Americans. The index was developed during the Fiber Adherence and Markers Development in Black Churches (Fiber is Fine) Study, designed to decrease colon cancer risk by increasing insoluble fiber intake. The purposive sample (n=59; 52 women, 7 men) averaged 57.0 years old (9.4 sd); with 16.0 years of education (sd=2.19). Their income averaged $43,111. (sd=$19,980.); GSSDIRS occupation code averaged 58.63 (sd=12.70). Most (n=30; 50.8%) were married. Average people/household was 2.20 (sd=2.18). Hierarchical cluster analysis of standardized variables eliminated non-clustering variables. Principal components analysis provided the variables' weights. Summed, weighted variables formed both 1)the traditional and 2)the specific factors (eigenvalues=1.73, 1.53) with satisfactory explained variance (34.5% + 30.5%=65.0%). Construct validity was supported by multiple regression. The higher the SES, the shorter the time participants took to complete the clinical trial (p=.05). If replicated, the index may be useful for clinical and research purposes. Researchers and funding agencies who are serious about including lower SES participants need to provide resources to accommodate them. Funding: NINR R01 NR03552; NIH GCRC RR00046; NCI P30 CA 16086S1; Kelloggs in kind
Learning Objectives: 1. Articulate a process for forming an index. 2. Identify the relative merits of a new SES index useful with older, Southern, African Americans
Keywords: Cancer Prevention, Minorities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Kelloggs supplied in kind the insoluble fiber used in the parent study, the data from which the SES index was developed. This contribution is noted in the funding sources at bottom of abstract
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.