Religion, Socioeconomic Status, and Cognitive Health in Black Men
Author Information
Author(s): Bruce Marino, Beech Bettina, Tran Dylan, Kaka Baasil, Thorpe, Jr. Roland
Primary Institution: University of Houston
Hypothesis
The study examines the association between religious practices, socioeconomic status, and cognitive status among Black men.
Conclusion
Religious practices and beliefs may protect against cognitive impairment in Black men with modest incomes.
Supporting Evidence
- Individuals with incomes less than $50,000 had a higher proportion of cognitive impairment (48.2%) compared to those with higher incomes (19.1%).
- Those with 12 or fewer years of education had a higher rate of cognitive impairment (48.8%) than those with more than 12 years (19.8%).
- Private prayer was found to be inversely related to cognitive impairment among Black men with more than 12 years of education.
Takeaway
This study found that praying and having strong religious beliefs can help Black men with lower incomes think better.
Methodology
Data were drawn from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study, focusing on cognitive impairment and religious practices among Black men.
Limitations
Full-scale studies are needed to further explore the influence of socioeconomic status on cognitive health.
Participant Demographics
Black men with varying incomes and education levels.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
CI:0.47-0.97 for private prayer; CI:0.84-1.00 for religious beliefs.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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