Obesity, depression, and health promotion for older African American adults

Background: Geriatric obesity and its impact on mental health are important public health concerns. Using data from a health status assessment of older adults attending senior centers in New York City (NYC), we will analyze the relationship between BMI and depression among older African American AA adults. We will assess the relationship between SES, access to heath care, access to fresh fruits and vegetables, cultural values, and BMI among older AA adults.

Methods: We will analyze data from the Health Status of Older Adults Attending Senior Centers in NYC study, the first health status assessment of this urban population. In-person interviews were conducted with 483 men and women aged 60 and over.

Results: Chi-square statistics were used to determine the association between BMI and education, employment status, and depression for this racial group. Measures of access to health care (insurance status and prescription drug coverage) were found to have a significant effect on the BMI of older AA adults. Conversely, income level and access to fresh fruits and vegetables were not associated with BMI. A literature review on the importance of cultural views on body image and its impact on obesity and depression will follow.

Conclusion: An in-depth analysis of the factors related to depression and obesity within this population highlights the need to address the potential barrier to health promotion for older AA adults. But more importantly, it requires the involvement of the AA community in the development of culturally-informed health promotion initiatives.